Rising Stars: Meet Shatara McDougald

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shatara McDougald.

Hi Shatara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I had my first makeup client in June of 2013. I was doing a friend’s makeup for her sister’s wedding and at the last minute the bride’s makeup artist didn’t show up. I was so nervous but I was successful in helping to make the bride and her day beautiful!

My father passed a month after that. Makeup was one of the ways I coped with the loss as a means of expression. I then decided to create my business name from something he always told me. “Never fear anything, just face it!” From those words of wisdom, my business name was created and my official pursuit of this as a business venture was born. Just Face It Makeup Artistry became a registered business in 2018 in North Carolina. I am the owner, lead and currently sole makeup artist for my business.

Since starting, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work in many different arenas, venues, events, and more. Some of those included are weddings, proms, vow renewals, fashion shows, pageants, awards ceremonies, magazine publications, varying photoshoot types, and more. This year I completed an esthetics program and am currently in the final pursuit of my license. Beauty is more than makeup to me. My business is about more than just using the medium of makeup to change someone’s look. I have always said and will continue to say it’s about making my clients smile, empowering them, and allowing them to see their inner beauty illuminated outwardly. Just face it… you are beautiful!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wish I could say that it was smooth sailing since the beginning. It has not though. It has definitely been a journey filled with lessons, ups and downs, losses and gains. I’d say one of my biggest struggles along the way was with self-confidence. Feeling like I had to always be available for everyone because I had to try and constantly prove that I was good enough. Once I realized that my best work was and is done when operating in my gift authentically, everything changed. I now know and am constantly working on becoming a better me for my clients instead of chasing comparison of others’ craft.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional makeup artist. I also work full-time for UNC- Chapel Hill. In my makeup business, I specialize in creating looks that allow my clients to feel glammed up yet still look and feel like themselves. Regardless of the inspiration or idea chosen, my goal is to create a look that is clean and comfortable for the client. I would have to say my friends and clients frequently talk about how they like the way I “do brows”. I am most proud of the fact that I learned to look inwardly for what to improve on and the reason to become better and do more. I know what I am gifted at and I operate and execute all that I do with those thoughts in mind. I believe this sets me apart because I offer authenticity in all areas of my life and it definitely shows and flows through my business.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
At this point in life, authenticity is a major priority to me. Authenticity coupled with peace. I believe they work hand in hand and work to ensure both are present constantly in my life. In my personal life, private life, business, and all areas. I believe when you choose to be yourself, everything else will just flow into place.

Pricing:

• Full Face without lashes $70
• Full Face with lashes $80
• Virtual Makeup Class $100

Contact Info:

• Email: shatara@justfaceitmua.com
• Website: www.jfimua.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justfaceitmua
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfimua

Image Credits
Lady Iman Photography Elizabeth Ashley & Co Feelm Studios