Today we’d like to introduce you to Da’Shequa Walker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I actually started out doing Cosmetology in Houston at Franklin Beauty School, and although I’m really good at doing hair, it just wasn’t my thing, and I think it’s really vital to know what your lane is. I wasn’t the girl who grew up wearing makeup, I had really bad skin growing up. One day I said to myself “I want to improve skin”, because I had saw somewhere this woman was wearing makeup but covering her problematic skin and that for me, is where it started to make sense. I was also naturally smart and nerdy in school and so when I attended HCC (Houston Community College) I had a chemistry teacher, that always challenged me and made me feel very secure with having this love for science even more, which I had already known as I had won first place in a science fair back in grade school. This developed my relationship as a makeup artist, where I attended Ogle School of Hair,Skin, and Nails, and it helped to mold me into the #SkinCareArtist, I’m becoming today. I am currently working on my own natural and organic skincare line for women of color, because I feel it’s necessary to have more open forum about our skin first and how to properly care for our skin before makeup application, no one is doing that, you see most “makeup artist” just applying loads of makeup with no maybe real or little to any knowledge on skincare, and that’s okay, I’m here to inspire and educate. Working with so many different models in this industry and seeing different types of skin and disorders, I’m always that artist that wants to correct or perfect things and I think that has propelled me into other things, then just a “makeup artist, “I’m a #SkinCareArtist, and I’m sensitive about my sh*t!”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth or easy road for me, when I say “blood, sweat and tears…and more tears”….is literally an understatement. There were times when I felt maybe this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing, but I always knew there was a place for me, like a seat at the table. The struggles for me were actually executing the ideas or visions, and sometimes still is, but as the late great Aaliyah once said, “And if at first you don’t succeed, than dust yourself off and try again, you can dust it off and try again,try again.” And when you can develop that type of motivation and know that through God, nothing is IMPOSSIBLE you can keep going and become the best version of yourself, like re-inventing yourself.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pretty Flawless Artistry and Co. – what should we know?
Pretty Flawless Artistry and Co. is a brand that will offer mobile in home skincare/makeup services and other products and services (hence and company). I specialize in healthy skin, I’m known for being the “Brow Perfector” , I mean who doesn’t love a good brow? I’m most proud of how even behind closed doors with everything that was thrown at me as an individual and my brand, I’m still standing and still going. I’m definitely not trying to be like everyone else, I follow my own tune when it comes to my lane, and realizing I’m my own competition at the end of the day, that was has and kept me apart from others.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love the most about Houston is the flava, the vibe, the foods and definitely the creativity. There’s not much I dislike about my city, but I can say as a native , I’d like to see more officials of higher authority and power to do more for women in domestic violence cases and situations and our less/fortunate/homeless, like for instance offering services that will benefit them and a real support system, especially those who actually want the help.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
God mostly gets the credit first and foremost but also the very first person that believed in me was a classmate/friend namedT’ierra Jenkins, she gave me a gift I’ll never forget and that has helped start Pretty Flawless Artistry (at the time). Along the way, I met Scott Hebert who was the first international photographer who gave me a chance and helped prepare me for commercials and being on set and runways. And there was LivCulture, a styling agency with Whitney and Liz, they for me set the tone to be more open creatively and not afraid to be unapologetically free in it. My close and upcoming model and friends in real life Jessica Zyrie and Madisyn Simien are two that also challenge me quite often, and I really appreciate that , because it has helped to shape me into a better artist. I have ventured out with Ben and Nkem for African Fashions and culture with being apart of African Fashion week , I feel like these are the big brothers I’ve never had and they have been a blessing ever since, and I’m just grateful and honored to have met and still work with them as well as others in my career.
Pricing:
- $25 Deposit
- Cash App ($PrettyFlawlessArt)
Contact Info:
- Email: AllThingsDashequaWalker@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @prettyflawlessartistryandco
Image Credit:
Getty Images
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