Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor McQueen LeBaron.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Taylor. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a small town in Arkansas, where my whimsical, girly fantasies of becoming a professional makeup artist began. Since an early age, I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could “paint my face” everyday, especially if it included “red lips”. I was often caught “red-handed” digging through my mother’s makeup drawer with red lipstick all over my face and hands. Once I reached high school, I would be the first to volunteer to do my friend’s makeup for any event or party. In my first years of college, I found a part-time job working as a makeup artist and sales associate at a small boutique and med spa. There, my love for skincare and makeup truly flourished into a full-blown obsession. I wanted to learn as much as possible about skin and makeup, hoping to go to esthetics school one day.
By this time, I had outgrown my small hometown and decided to finally make the move to Dallas. I finished school at the University of North Texas receiving a degree in theatre with an emphasis in stage makeup and costume design. Next, I decided to attend Paul Mitchell, where I received my esthetician license with honors in makeup. From there, I continued my education (and still do!) through freelancing and assisting other makeup artists, aestheticians, and skincare professionals. In 2017, I finally felt confident enough to embark on my journey as a small business owner and launched my own on-location makeup company, Rouge and Rosé. I have been lucky enough to have had such wonderful mentors and would not be where I am today without all of their love and support. Insert “the Hills”- Natasha Beddingfield theme song here… “the rest is still unwritten.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Born a creative, art has always been my soft place to land. Painting, theatre, fashion, dancing, drawing…I find inspiration in all of it! With all of these interests, it can be difficult in deciding where to channel most of your energy and focus. Growing up, I had big dreams but, like most young adults, struggled with tiny voices of self-doubt and uncertainty. “That’s not practical”, “Too much competition”, “What if I fail?” As a result of my fear, I accepted other job opportunities and labeled my professional makeup artist career as my “side hustle”. Later, I found myself in a quarter-life crisis, feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. I knew it was time to regain control and rewrite the script to my own story. With an outpour of encouragement and support from my friends and family, I decided to take the path where I knew I belonged…the path of “Courage over Comfort.” Everyday is a practice and a choice to show up, give it your best, and learn from the mistakes. At the end of the day, I would rather look back and feel proud that I had tried rather than wonder “what if I had tried?”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rouge and Rosé – what should we know?
Dedicated and enthusiastic, Rouge and Rosé provide exceptional on-location personalized makeup services for all special occasions and events. Red lipstick, a celebratory glass of pink champagne and the iconic French song, “La Vie en Rose”, are just a few of my fanciful inspirations in finding a name. “La vie en rose” or “life through rose-colored glasses” is the philosophy I’d like to cultivate through my business. The romance behind the name is another way in which to highlight the fresh, romantic beauty looks I so often attempt to create. With my background as an aesthetician, I feel like I would be doing my clients a disservice if I did not share my knowledge with them. For that reason, Rouge and Rosé offer other on-location beauty services then just a makeup application. My motto (adopted by the brand, Glossier) is “skin first, makeup second.” I want to spread the good word about the importance of skin care and be recognized as a helpful guide for my clients that are unsure what to do for their skin. I have been dubbed “the skin care fairy” and I won’t complain! My ultimate goal is to empower women to express and embrace their own unique, individual beauty. Hopefully, leaving my chair with a little more knowledge and a confident “rosy glow” outlook on life.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Curiosity and enthusiasm. I make a conscious effort to seek out new opportunities to stay informed on the latest technologies, skin care advancements, and makeup trends. Makeup is how I express my creativity daily & it’s been a way for me to live my life as an artist. I feel like my artistic abilities can create more than just a pretty face; it creates confidence & self-esteem. This is what ignites my enthusiasm to be the best at what I do. My hope is that I can bring more light into someones day and help them to feel empowered simply by being themselves…with a little lipstick.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rougeandrosebeauty.com
- Phone: 870-897-8811
- Email: rougeandrosebeauty@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rouge_and_rose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rougeandrosebeauty/
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/rouge-and-rose-dallas-tx-1084561
Image Credit:
Dagny Piasecki, Elisabeth Carol, Michael Myers, Jonathan Ivy, Shaun and Shannon Menary, Trisha Marie Bridges, Sarah Kate, Jacque Manaugh, Rachel Antigua
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