Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Ford.
Hi Nia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My MUA story truly began as a young girl, rooted in trauma and culminated into a business. At 15 years old, I was a victim of a violent attack that permanently altered my physical appearance. My face was badly beaten, along with a myriad of other injuries. I lost my front tooth and with it, my confidence and self-esteem. The emotional trauma persisted for over ten years, but in that time, I began the internal healing process to help cope. I tapped into my creative side with makeup as my escape. The journey of self-discovery led me to makeup artistry as more than just cope but a profession. My love for the craft blossomed through my education and training. My childhood experience and the subsequent journey have left me with a unique understanding of what my clients want when they sit in my chair for a makeup session. I don’t stop at making them look beautiful, with the goal of making them feel beautiful as well. Active listening and empathy play a huge part in the life bringing of the beautiful vision that the client has. Over the years, I learned that beauty isn’t only skin deep but also comes from within. My aim is to bring out that inner beauty while showcasing it on my client’s face. iBlessFaces is more than just makeup artistry for me. It is also an opportunity to pour back the love and support I’ve received into my clients through my power within makeup artistry.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
They often say the road less traveled is never the easy one, and that is true. I have had to face hardships and growing pains in my business. My self-limiting beliefs had a hand in keeping me stagnant for a while. Operating out of fear led me to stay in my comfort zone, where I felt safe. I would find myself having thoughts like, ” no one is going to book me at this rate, “because I was afraid to charge what I was worth and no one would see the value in my artistry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the CEO and lead MUA of iBlessFaces Artisty. We strive for exceptional service, outstanding results, where you are the focus—specializing in natural makeup for clients that desire a polished look even with problematic skin. iBlessFaces is known for its amazing customer service and executing the client’s beauty vision. I take the most pride in being published twice and servicing Lisa Nichols. What sets me apart is my willingness to actively listen to my client’s needs and bring out their inner beauty.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me, simply put, is self-care. Often times as entrepreneurs, we can neglect our basic physical and mental needs. Even though our goal is that of success, we are human and need to maintain a balance. Experiencing burn out can be one of the worst feelings when you are hustling hard. It is important to take time to rest and allow yourself time to regroup, so you are always at your peak.
Pricing:
- Bridal makeup is $250
- Bridal Preview $175 (airbrush application)
- Bridal glam $245 (airbrush application)
Contact Info:
- Email: niaford@iblessfacesartistry.com
- Website: www.iblessfacesartistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iblessfaces/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiaFordMUA
