We recently had the chance to connect with Alyssa Womble Mays and have shared our conversation below.
Alyssa , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Being creative and getting lost in my imagination makes me lose track of time. Sometimes all of the demands from life takes me away from channeling ideas and getting creative. Any time that I can take a moment to color, paint, or play in makeup it helps me connect back to my truest self helping me feel whole again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alyssa Womble Mays and I was born and raised in Sanford, North Carolina. I developed my love for all things beauty at an early age. From sneaking and applying my mom’s mascara to collecting countless bottles of nail polish and inviting my cousins to visit my make believe nail studio. As soon as I was off to college I began learning more about makeup application and skincare and practicing on my friends who were brave enough to give me a chance.
In 2012 I started my full time career in education and shortly after I began working part time at Sephora. After working at Sephora for many seasons I decided to take my passion for artistry to the next level and launched Makeup by Alyssa in 2014. Makeup by Alyssa steadily increased in business via word of mouth and social media as I continued to juggle both my career and entrepreneurial endeavors. Throughout the years, I have continued to hone my craft, learning under celebrity makeup artists Tatiana Ward and Renny Vasquez. I’m a firm believer in using makeup to enhance your features to help you look like your most beautiful self. I love making my clients feel beautiful inside and out. I’m passionate about makeup artistry but even more passionate about helping people build confidence. The best makeup that a person can apply is their confidence and I am continuously motivating my clients to show up as their most confident self.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about work and work ethic. Growing up my dad would wake up and go to work early in the AM before the birds were even awake just to provide for our family. His work ethic and commitment to our family taught me about work before I even realized it. My parents instilled strong values in me growing up that are still with me today. My commitment to my clients and the integrity of my craft is what sets Makeup by Alyssa apart. I truly believe that honoring commitments, building trust, and helping others feel like their most beautiful self is what has kept Makeup by Alyssa going for over 14 years.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. About three years ago I shared with family and close friends that I was quitting makeup. As I shared this news on different occasions I continued to get the same response- a befuddled look followed by “why would you do that?”. Life had gotten in the way and my Makeup by Alyssa commitments were fewer so I decided (or I thought I did) to quit makeup all together. My family and friends helped me realize I had a gift that wasn’t worth walking away from and helped me set some boundaries so I could honor myself in creating a better work life balance. I was so close to giving up on Makeup by Alyssa and I’m grateful that I didn’t.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Beauty standards don’t define who we are. We define who we are. People often want to try the latest beauty trends which are sometimes fun and can sometimes be harmful. When we become disconnected from ourselves we may lose sight of defining our own beauty standards. Beauty is not the latest social media trend like glass skin or “no makeup” makeup. Beauty is exactly how you define it, whether it’s bold or bare. We are the standard and should continue to use our creativity to define the next beauty trend. Makeup and beauty doesn’t have to be defined by perfection, it needs to be authentic.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I’m called to do. Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and working with students has always been my passion. I later transitioned to a different role within education helping students define their career goals and identify a path for their plans. In working with students I had an epiphany and decided to start taking my own advice. Old fashion advice encourages people to choose one career and stick with it. I don’t subscribe to that. Goals and plans can change and we change as we progress. Doing one thing for the rest of my life sounded dreadful and mundane and expressing my creativity through my makeup artistry has helped me build a legacy that I love and I’m most proud of. Legacies aren’t built without challenging the status quo.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupbyalyssaw.com
- Instagram: makeupbyalyssaw
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/makeupbyalyssaw
- Other: TikTok: makeupalywom
