facepaint101 Spotlight

I love watching and seeing the work of a makeup artist. I especially love when I know that artist personally. Allow me to introduce you to my favorite Makeup Maven Meagan (pronounced Meegan not Maygan) Shea!

She has now ventured into the world of makeup artistry with her own company i.am.me.inc. The girl has talent and I'm not just saying that because she is my fantabulous friend, she is truly gifted. Her work is a reflection of her - free spirited, eclectic, colorful and creative.

What sparked your love of makeup? - I guess I can't really say exactly what sparked it. I could be cliché and tell the story of watching my mother when she got dressed to go out when I was a wee lass, but I'm sure there's more to it than that. Honestly, I've always been into colors. When I was in elementary school I knew ALL the colors in the 64 box of Crayola™ crayons & could identify them just by color (without seeing the name). I then became familiar with the box of 96 crayons... I just love color coordinating, contrasting, & creating with color ALONE. I could never draw, but I would always love to color & create abstract shape art collages as a child (and I still do!) just to see the colors together, on top of one another & side by side.

When did you start i.am.me and why? - I didn't really "start" i.am.me, I suppose. I just wanted a name for my business. I wanted that name to reflect who I am as a human, an artist, & a black woman. I wanted it to really proclaim how I feel about myself, my work, & my life. That is where the name came from. It's very direct and to the point. I AM ME – and that's who I am at all times. I am meagan shea', make up artist, daughter, sister, friend, etc. I'm just me, because that's the only approach I know how to take in life & still remain my authentic self. It's my way of saying to the world – this is me, love me or leave me.

Favorite makeup line? - I don't have one… really … I will use anything from WET & WILD (remember that from when you were like in high school!) to Christian Dior… Right now I'm really into NARS, URBAN DECAY, & MAKE UP FOREVER. Those are really high up on my list right now…

Favorite makeup artist? ~ There are a lot of artists that have inspired me, and continue to do so. my # 1 man is, of course, none other than Kevyn Aucoin. He was an amazing ARTIST & I respected his work. I LOVE Francois Nars! He keeps things so simple, but yet VERY VERY VERY colorful and beautiful – without being BORING. I am also in awe of Roshar… He is theeeeeeeeee best! I love Sam Fine for his classic looks & Billy B. as well. But Kevyn & Roshar are my ABSOLUTE FAVES!

Check out her work at http://www.modelmayhem.com/MeaganShea

For inquiries for her service you can reach her at i.am.me.inc@gmail.com