Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Patrick.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always had a love of makeup. As a young person, I had the typical skin issues and found comfort in makeup. It allowed me to feel more confident and better as I learned to navigate my adjusting skin as a pre-teen and teenage years. I enjoyed mixing things together, and creating my own shades. Makeup was always my go to. Whether I was wearing sweat pants or a girl’s night out, getting ready, makeup and all, was on the agenda.
There’s always been an artistic side to myself and at one point I was your typical “starving artist”. It got to a point where I knew waitressing and bartending was not my calling and literally said one day, “Maybe I’ll become a makeup artist.” A year later, trying to decide if I wanted to go to school and interviewing a couple of times for MAC Cosmetics (with my first interview being a “no”), I returned for a second interview, previous feedback applied, and on May 3, 2012, I began my career with MAC Cosmetics. Within a 7 1/2 year span, I grew not only as an artist but as a person and leader. I eventually worked my way up to managing my own counter and having my own team.
Despite investing in my artistry with outside classes (both individual and group), I had this feeling and voice in my head telling me that I was meant for something more. In September 2019, I stepped down as a retail manager and 3 months later, established The Beauty Bar and Lounge. Unfortunately, the pandemic unexpectedly flipped our world upside down but that didn’t stop me. I took online classes to build my makeup techniques, networked with fellow entrepreneurs, and continue to see the results of consistency and endurance. I can only hope that The Beauty Bar and Lounge continues to thrive in days to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any entrepreneur and business owner, you are always learning. While it hasn’t been a treacherous road, there have been bumps along the way and I have learned to adjust and pivot. The start of the pandemic was a huge hit for everyone. And while my business was just a baby at the beginning of 2020, I think that was more of a blessing. It allowed me to invest in business mentors and classes, establish a better contract and be able to really assess my value and what I can bring to the table as a makeup artist.
While I have been doing makeup for 10 years, it took a long time to accept hearing “no”. It’s OK if I am not the artist for someone for whatever reason. With my next inquiry, I may just be the makeup artist someone is looking for. There is plenty of work out there for all of us. And nothing brings me more joy and has my heart soar when I am able to contribute to a bride’s wedding day or client’s special occasion and they walk out feeling their absolute best.
I have learned quite a lot of lessons over my span in the beauty and bridal industry. And I know more lessons will be learned along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in beauty and bridal makeup. I am confident in my skillset to be able to execute makeup for anyone and everyone of all ages, races and sex.
For my brides, I am absolutely IN LOVE with my approach and execution of their look. Sure it involves the proper skin prep but the layering of makeup that is done just excites me every time. I begin with a layer of traditional makeup (liquid or cream). However, it’s the cherry on top when they go in with a layer of airbrush foundation. But it is not the typical airbrush with the machine. I have found airbrush foundations in an aerosol can (Dior Backstage, Era Beauty, Sephora Brand, etc.) works amazingly! The way the makeup then looks like skin is just an instant transformation. I then layer cream highlight and contour which still give me goosebumps when I begin to blend it out. I’m not recreating anything, but taking one’s own facial structure and enhancing it. My client’s face and bone structure is my guide. I’m following what they have and just creating as much balance and symmetry as possible. I bring the glam so that when a bride looks at her photos and/or videos days, weeks and years to come, they not only recall every detail of that day, but relive the excitement of feeling one of the most beautiful versions of themselves.
Whenever I have the pleasure of having any client in my chair, we have a common love of makeup. I love nothing more than getting to know my clients, their stories, their advice, laughing, even crying because that connection, while short, is so impactful. What sets me apart from others? I am able to create radiant skin, eyes that pop all the while enhancing the elegance that you already have. And don’t forget having so much fun!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Skin is in! There has been a big shift (in a good way) on great skincare. I foresee that trend not even being a trend but a consistent part of everyone’s lifestyle. Being a makeup professionals in the beauty and bridal industry, it’s important for us as experts, to share our knowledge of great skincare, recommendations and even referrals for our clients to have the best skin possible for their big day and beyond.
Pricing:
- Special Occasion $125+
- Bridal $350+
- Bridal Party $125+
Contact Info:
- Email: TheBeautyBarAndLounge@gmail.com
- Website: www.TheBeautyBarAndLounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautybarandlounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeautyBarAndLounge/
Image Credits
Janet Morse Portraits: http://janicemorseportraits.com
Janet Lanza Photography: https://janetlanzaphotography.com/
Always Avery Photography: https://alwaysaveryphotography.com/links
Vanessa Marie Photography: https://vanessamariephotography.com/links