Today we’d like to introduce you to Thea Harris.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Thea Nicole, I am a 26 years old mother, Makeup Artist, Licensed Esthetician, Creative Director, and CEO of TNT Model Management. I am originally from the Bay Area but moved to Los Angeles area in January of 2020.
I have been working in the fashion and beauty industry for over six years. I got my start in the industry in college where I majored in Fashion Merchandising. I found myself always interested in makeup and the beauty side of the fashion world. During this time, my best friend and business partner was getting married and was unfortunately left with no Makeup Artist for her big day. I stepped in and did her makeup for her wedding and it turned out beautiful, from there I realized I had what It takes to become a real makeup artist. I began taking clients and freelancing before making the decision to go to esthetician school in 2016.
During my time in school, I worked as a behavioral therapist for several companies and a private school in Oakland Ca as the lead behaviorist. I worked in the special education department with children with disabilities for over 5 years while getting my start in the beauty world at the same time. This part of my life is very special to me because I have three adopted siblings that are all on the autism spectrum.
After esthetician school was over, I began working as a freelance artist for MAC Cosmetics. In addition to my work with MAC, I continued to take my own clients and work on various events around the Bay Area. During this time I learned the most and grew my portfolio tremendously working on photoshoots and fashion shows. In 2019 I started a family and decided to move to the Los Angeles Area. We moved here in January 2020 and on March 10th, 2020 (the first real day of the pandemic) I birthed a beautiful and healthy baby boy. Getting adjusted to the pandemic and new motherhood was a struggle but I have the most amazing support system at home.
In November of 2020, I decided to “re-launch” myself as a makeup artist and creative director to take clients in the Los Angeles area (I lived In Pasadena at the time). After my relaunch, I had a huge success of new clients. In addition to new clients, I also had a large amount of aspiring and new models looking for photoshoots or even to be placed for different gigs. I was able to place models in a couple of music video shoots that I was also doing makeup for and it hit me: This is an actual profitable business and models want to learn from me.
In January of 2021 I partnered up with my best friend (a former model), and TNT Model Management was born. TNT Model Management is a Female-led, Black-owned, Mother Modeling Agency based in Los Angeles, Ca. We specialize in model discovery and model development for aspiring and new models in the Los Angeles and SoCal areas. We officially opened for business April of 2021 with seven signed models. Fast forward to 2022, we have 16 signed models and hundreds of models waiting to be signed by our agency. My partner and I run the entire company together. Our hard work and determination throughout a global pandemic is the reason our business has been so successful and we are extremely proud. We lead the company using out five core values: Authenticity, Community, Creativity, Opportunity, and Quality!
Additionally, in 2022, I (finally) became a licensed Esthetician and I opened up a home based treatment room offering Facial, eyebrow, and makeup services. My home-based studio is located in Azusa, CA and I currently take new clients. I also am currently in the works of launching a fast-fashion brand, Nouveau Riche Wardrobe. I plan to launch in 2024.
I am so excited to continue to grow as a Mother and Business Owner. The industry of beauty and fashion are truly my passions and I feel so blessed to be able to grow and make my dreams a reality while blessing my tribe and the community around me.
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?
It has NOT been easy. But nothing in life is. The pandemic alone was enough to halt any business, specially a new business emerging.
During my career, all of these obstacles have tried to stop me:
– Covid 19
– Pregnancy/New Motherhood
– Moving
– Lack of Income
– Car Accidents
– Loss of Family members
– Racism/Classism
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Makeup Artist, Esthetician, Creative Director, and CEO.
I am most proud of my resilience and determination to finish my goals. I have known since I was a child that I was here to do something great for myself and for my community and I won’t stop until that is completed.
Something that is unique to me, is my ability to succeed in different environments. And to have my hands in many projects at the same time. I currently run multiple businesses, have a toddler, and work a full-time job! My work ethic is unmatched.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The thing I love most about Los Angeles is the opportunity available here. For a creative or someone in the beauty and fashion industry, Los Angles is THE place to make that happen. Endless opportunity is here, you just have to work hard, reach out, and grab it!
The thing I dislike most about LA is the weird competition between professionals. There is MORE THAN ENOUGH space for everyone to win but some people can have the fight to the top mentality and won’t look out for their neighbors. This is not the way to truly succeed.
Pricing:
- Makeup Services: Starting Price $125
- Facial Services: Starting Price: $85
- Creative Direction: Starting Price: $220
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tntmodelmanagement.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanicolebeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/sknbytheanicole/
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/tntmodelmanagement/
Image Credits
Taylor McDaniel Sean Muse Cahlik Douglass
