Today we’d like to introduce you to Portia Nichole.
Hi Portia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After four years of studying English and psychology at Auburn University, I set out on a path to begin law school. To be quite honest, I wasn’t too fond about the idea of going back to school, but I pressed on nevertheless. While I simultaneously studied for the LSAT and took a job as a Freelance Artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics in Birmingham, AL (my hometown), I began to get inspired working at the counter. I would meet many different customers on different journeys in life and to know that I made such a small impact with the little time spent together drew me to want to pursue my purpose even more. Then, I began this journey myself of finding out exactly what my purpose on this earth really is. I remember picking up this book {The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren} which I read once before but at that time it did not resonate with me. This time, however, it was the first sentence that was like a bright light at the end of the tunnel. It said, “It’s not about you.”
It was then that I realized that I wanted to walk fully in purpose, and I knew that my purpose was somehow connected to my natural gifts. I knew that I wanted to impact lives in a transformable way. In high school, I worked for a modeling company where I was a dance instructor as well as a modeling instructor. During our fashion shows and dance recitals, I would also work as the makeup artist and sometimes wardrobe stylist and production assistant. This followed me into college where I was the coordinator for a fraternity’s annual fashion show. I also dubbed as the stylist as well as the Makeup Artist. I saw the way that this impacted the lives of my fellow students that I worked with on these many projects, and it fueled a fire in me to continue to explore these passions.
It was in 2014, well after school and the LSAT (which I did fairly well on might I add lol) that Allure De Luxe (ADL) was created. Allure De Luxe means “to attract in an elegant and luxurious manner.” I prayed and asked God to show me exactly what to do and He gave me everything from the name, colors, aesthics, and services. ADL offers an array of services from makeup artistry and wardrobe consulting to photography, runway coaching and more. Today, my gifts have afforded me the opportunity to work with so many people in so many places. I’ve worked on many films and photography sets and also have had my work featured in several magazines and ads. I currently live in Atlanta GA, where I work with everyday people to high-profile clients; they are all stars in my eyes! My goal with every person I encounter is to inspire them to see the beauty, uniqueness, and talent that lie within them. ADL has also given me the opportunity to help others utilize their passions to generate revenue and business for themselves and pass on connections to further their careers. I’m so grateful that I get to inspire, help, and change the lives of so many through my gifts of makeup artistry, photography, wardrobing, and more. This is what it’s all about: to #LiveToInspire!
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?
Just like with anything, there are sometimes challenges. For me, at first the biggest challenge was working in Corporate America at a place that made it a bit difficult to pursue my purpose at an efficient level. However, I believe it’s in one’s perspective. While it was a challenge true enough, I focused my energy on the fact that I had support and also knowing that I didn’t have to rush the journey – I would eventually get to where I needed to be in due time as long as I remained consistent and focused on the main goal. Shifting my perspective on the positive helped make the road smoother and accelerated things for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Allure De Luxe’s goal is to provide excellent service through the aesthetic of Make-Up Artistry, Wardrobe Consulting, Photography, and more. Allure De Luxe is a company that strives to provide clients with an immaculate experience. Whether it is image branding or simply revamping your complete look, Allure De Luxe will take you to the next level incorporating your ideas or vision with professional guidance.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people don’t know that I still ended up working in law! In addition to running Allure De Luxe, I work as a contract Paralegal. So, I still put my English degree to use from time-to-time.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: alluredeluxe.com
- Instagram: @alluredeluxe /@_portianichole
- Facebook: Allure De Luxe/ Portia Nichole
Image Credits:
1. Blogger: @chatmonestyle Photographer & MUA: Allure De Luxe 2.Model: @simplysynetta Photographer:@klsphotography205 MUA: @alluredeluxe/@_portianichole 3.Model: @iam.cortneb Photographer: @stanleyparrish Wardrobe/Makeup: @alluredeluxe 4.Bride: @simplysynetta Photographer: @brianpridephotography MUA: @alluredeluxe 5.Photographer: @alluredeluxe Models: @flybynature1 Wardrobe: @beyond_driven_apparel 6.Hair: @shudoesmyhair MUA: @alluredeluxe Photographer: @thecamkilla Models: @houseofdyve, @shesobre_, @jayraiford_ 7.Photographer & MUA: @alluredeluxe Model: @iamdjdolly 8.Muse: @nichip_1990 MUA × Photographer × Stylist × Creative Director: @alluredeluxe
