Today we’d like to introduce you to Mena Adubea.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always worked in Education as a Higher Education Admission Officer. I have now transitioned to Secondary Education where I work as a College Counselor.
During my second year of graduate school, I came down with Rosacea, for which I have prescribed a cream to manage the itchy rashes/pimples. Well, that cream discolored my face, which led me to the MAC counter to seek concealer or anything to help me even out my skin when I went outside.
Although wearing makeup wasn’t as popular back in 2009, I slowly became more interested in foundation, eyebrows, eyeshadow and later highlighting and contouring. Next thing you knew, I was doing a FULL FACE OF MAKEUP! ha!
Shortly after moving to Houston in 2010, I began receiving a lot of queries about doing makeup for other women. This turned into a side-hustle, where I did makeup for Prom’s, Weddings, Photoshoots, etc. After a few years of this and working as a Freelancer at MAC, I decided to shift gears into Social Media Beauty influencing because it was new, exciting, and flexible. I could and DO make my own schedule! I love it and have since then created a business around what I do!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Freelancing wasn’t always a smooth road and this was because of a few things: (1) Customer Service is a challenging field! Most of my clients were pleasant to work with, but there were a few who made it difficult. (2) I received lots of emails from women would try to get me to lower my rate for a full face. After a while, that got really tired and I was just over the idea of trying to book clients. It worked for a season, but then it was time for something new.
I advise any Freelance Makeup Artist to “perfect your craft and charge what you are worth. Period.”
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I am a Beauty Influencer/Content Creator who works with brands to promote their products or services. I create MOST of my content out of sheer love for doing so and connecting with women. I enjoy interacting with women all over the world who all have an affinity for all things beauty.
Along with this, I get to take part in some awesome campaigns with brands who want access to my audience to promote their product/service.
I am most proud of the sisterhood that I have created and the women who are constantly engaging with me on my posts and through DM. It shows me that I am really helping them, especially when they share personal things with me and ask for prayer. It truly blows my mind!
What sets me apart is that although my page is and about beauty and “how-to’s” regarding this, I share my relationship with Christ and just let God move through the hearts of people. I’ve seen lots of people grow to love Christ as a result of following me. It’s fascinating to be apart of!
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Step out and ask for what you want! Some may respond to you and others may not. I always make it a point to respond to every DM and answer as many of my comments as I can. Sharing my knowledge and expertise with other women excites me, especially if it’s someone who is serious about this work and wants to know how to do what I do!
As an introvert, I’ve learned that I have to be comfortable stepping out of my cocoon and going after what I want/need. Period.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.menaadubea.com
- Email: menaadubea@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mena_adubea/
Image Credit:
Mo Fliks, Banavenue Photography
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