Passion 2019: Nikki Lloyd

Passion 2019: Nikki Lloyd

Name: Nikki Lloyd

Title/Position: Celebrity Makeup Artist

Instagram/Website: @Sugarbrown7 / www.nikkifaces.com

Nikki Lloyd began doing makeup as a result of being fascinated with the blending of colors and applying them to different facial contours/shapes. Transforming one's self from ordinary to more beautiful/groomed has always been her obsession. Her great love for painting influenced her passion for makeup.
She believes that applying makeup lifts ones self esteem in more ways than one. Creating a beautiful exterior adds a big boost to one's confidence as well as self motivation. Looking and feeling fabulous gives one the motivation to aspire for higher goals in life.
(Source: http://www.nikkifaces.com/)DT: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? And some highlights in your career? Please name drop (laughs).

NL: I'm a NYC based freelance celebrity makeup artist that's been in the beauty and retail industry [for] over 25 years of experience in TV, video, weddings, editorial, catalog, male grooming, brow tinting, shaping, [and more].

Early on, I was introduced to the beauty industry by a scout named Myra Goldicke, who was the representative for a cosmetic company for a line of cosmetics for women of color named Flori Roberts. At the time, I was working as a clerical worker (which I knew early on was not my calling).  She approached me, admired my makeup application, and asked me if I ever applied makeup on others, ever sold cosmetics, and if I would possibly be interested? Well, the go-getter in me didn't even give it a second thought; it was an immediate "YES." I became her top-selling makeup artist with minimal training.

Throughout the years, I learned how to master makeup application, which catapulted me to working with celebrities, such as: Penny Marshall, Star Jones, Cynthia Bailey, Jay Z, Kanye West, Kim Porter, Joy Bryant, Missy Elliot, Former Mayor Ed Koch, Aaliyah, 702, Ernie Anastos, and PBS host Denise Richardson.

DT: Why is it important to have diversity in the beauty and fashion industries?

NL: Diversity is important in the beauty and fashion industry because that's what makes the industry simply beautiful. Each artist shows a different point of view on how they see one's beauty.

DT: Have you seen shifts in the last decade?

NL: Yes; but, not enough. We, as an industry, have so much more to do. [specifically to] showcase all the talent out here that should be seen. Limiting one's visibility and contributions to the world only sets us back, rather than moving forward.

DT: In a perfect world, what would be an ideal evolution in the industries of beauty and fashion?

NL: In a perfect world, evolution in the beauty and fashion industry would not discriminate against one's skin color, talent, religion, and most of all, gender. The pie is big enough for us all to share. By discriminating, you might be cheating the world out of discovering someone's talents and their legacy.

DT: Do you realize that your presence in the industry,  inspires many people around the world?

NL: Absolutely, I've worked with [people of] many different nationalities from around the world. [They] have always given me praise and thanks for helping them to find and see the beauty that they thought was no longer there. I've been told that their confidence and self-esteem levels had risen. For that, I feel extreme gratitude.

DT: What advice would you give your younger self?

NL:  I would tell my younger self, "to believe in your dreams; and, mostly to believe in yourself. There's no such thing as 'I can't.' If you convince yourself of that, you are limiting the possibilities. Remember, 'the sky is the limit,' if and when you put your mind to it.  Simply, a 'yes I can' equals a full expression of the journey you'll have."

DT: Are you living your purpose?

NL: I'm living my purpose; but, I'm always looking to broaden my horizon. I've always felt like I have a multitude of purposes while living on this earth.

DT: Finish this sentence, "I am grateful…"

NL: "…to God for giving me life and good health; and, to share my gifts of artistry with the world, and to put smiles on many faces."

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