Today we’d like to introduce you to B. Michele.
B. Michele, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I think I have always been enthralled by beauty, even from a young age. My grandmother wore a very specific shade of red lipstick. I wish I could recall the name, but it was in a beautiful gold tube. I was literally and completely obsessed with how radiant it made her look, and I would sneak and wear it all the time! You couldn’t tell me that at six years old, I wasn’t a supermodel! I spent hours in the bathroom mirror as a kid trying to emulate the hairstyles of my favorite celebs on TV.
Although I always loved beauty, I went on to study to become an elementary school teacher. I remember my grandmother suggesting that I go to beauty school, but like every single young adult that thought they knew better than their elders, I pursued education instead.
Right before my last year of school, I found out that I was going to become a mother! While very exciting, I was also nervous about being able to provide for her. I quit school and got a full-time job at a local hospital. Fast forward a few years later, I’m working and one day, I start feeling very sick. I initially didn’t think much of it, but after several tests it was determined that I had a cancerous brain tumor.
Before undergoing brain surgery, a few of the people close to me prayed with me for healing. The next day, when I went in to see the surgeon, the scans were clear and the cancer was gone! Several tests confirmed this miracle, and at that point, I felt like I had the chance to pursue what I was really passionate about: BEAUTY! I quit my job and enrolled in beauty school at the University of Hawai’i. I also received extensive coloring training with Aveda.
Everyone around me thought that I was crazy, but I knew that this was the time to really embrace my life! And of course, I remembered the wise words of my grandmother, who always saw the gift of beauty within me.
After graduating, my daughter and I decided to pack up and move to Los Angeles so that I could pursue a full-time career as a hair, nail and make up artist in film and television. I am grateful for my decision to leave everything and come here. Doors began to open right away: From brand partnerships to doing hair for magazine covers, as well as private celebrity clientele (red carpet events and personal styling) to Nike and Jack In The Box commercials, and several feature films, all the sacrifice was worth it to see my dream come true.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is full of obstacles and challenges.
I remember a time where my business had expanded so much that I was able to open a salon space in Calabasas. I was so excited to have something that was my own. As a hairstylist and colorist, it’s so vital to be able to care for my clientele in a private and clean setting. I can’t tell you how much fun my clients and I had while doing Gel-X nails and drinking espresso. Then the pandemic hit, and unfortunately, I had to close the doors of my business. I was prepared for it in a way because I had seen it happen to so many others. On my very last day in the shop, I received a call from a production company who asked me to be the head of their hair department for a feature film. I couldn’t believe it! I said yes, and it was a catalyst that really boosted my career.
I was also inspired to create an organic skin and body care line called Body & Face. I wanted to create products that were gentle for all skin types and effective as well. One of my best sellers is GLOW, a skin oil that doesn’t clog pores, hydrates, reduces puffiness and brightens skin as well.
Life’s challenges are the soil from which we grow and become greater. While these times and seasons don’t always feel good, they are necessary for our personal growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Since 2010, I have been full-time in the beauty industry. I am known for excellence in my work as a celebrity hair colorist, hairstylist, make up artist and a nail artist as well. I have represented brands such as Olaplex, Aveda, Living Proof, and more. My work has been featured in Nike and Jack In The Box commercials. And I have been so blessed to have done magazine covers for some amazing people as well! I am well versed in any setting, from salons to sets and red carpet. I am well known for my attention to detail in my work, but also for making sure my clients are comfortable and cared for. It’s not beneath me to stop in the middle of a filming session and give a client a foot massage or notice when they need some coffee. There are times that I am the safe space where people can just share and talk freely. For me, beauty is more than just the outward adorning, but also helping clients to feel most beautiful inside and out.
What matters most to you? Why?
Excellence matters to me so much. Being excellent in everything we do and taking that approach into all areas of our lives is so important. Excellence doesn’t necessarily mean perfection, but it is the pursuit of giving our best in any given moment. It’s the same within the beauty industry. Every time I am given the chance to serve a client, I can help to bring their ideas to life, if that is through a nail design, a new look, or bringing a character to life for film or television. No matter the setting, I strive to give my all in assuring that my clients are happy!
Pricing:
- Gel-X Nail services $85+
- Balayage Hair Coloring $225+
- Haircuts $150+
- GLOW skin oil blend $75
- SHINE body oil $55
Contact Info:
- Email: info@bmichelebeauty.com
- Website: bmichelebeauty.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/bmichelebeauty
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC_GNoWO6gT_jPnetw-2XSMw
Image Credits
Pollysperspective@gmail.com
