Daily Inspiration: Meet Shonice Love

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonice Love.

Hi Shonice, 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?
I am a Los Angeles-based Model, Makeup Artist and Photographer. My journey started back in 2013 while working at a production company. I was a file clerk and I came across a contract for a Makeup Artist. This took me by surprise because my nightly hobby consisted of doing makeup on myself as a therapy to unwind from the corporate grind. I never dreamed of doing makeup professionally. The only place I had ever seen a makeup artist was working the retail counter. Seeing makeup artists work in production was something I never witnessed until that moment. After seeing that contract, it solidified my pursuit of doing makeup professionally, as I realized it was my passion.

Since then I have worked on productions, photoshoots, and traveled for work to places I had never been before. In addition to doing makeup, I developed a love for photography and modeling. I also work as a photographer and I model for small businesses.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This road is probably the hardest road I have ever traveled in life. There are so many things you have to learn. You become the jack of all trades while working for yourself and progressing in your career. Once I started with my business, my social life completely slowed down. You have to choose between going out with your friends and going to sleep early for a 5 a.m. call time. Learning business is a must. You can’t just be an artist. You have to do everything in your business from designing your website to learning how to draft and submit invoices until you can afford to hire help.

One of the biggest obstacles I dealt with early in my career was working with photographers and not getting images back from them of my makeup work. I needed the images to start my website and to showcase the body of work to book jobs. However, I ran into photographers I would collaborate with that disclosed they would give me the photographs of my makeup work but never delivered. This was a blessing in disguise. Not only did it teach me the importance of having contracts in place, it also gave me the desire to learn photography so I would not have to depend on a photographer for work. Over time you learn how to navigate and find the people you are meant to work with. I have met some amazing people on this journey. Learning to walk away from what does not serve you is important also. It is ok to turn down things that are not a good fit for you.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Makeup Artist, Photographer and Model. I specialize in Natural Glam/ Red Carpet makeup. Majority of my clientele comes to me in hopes that I can do their makeup but not make them look like a completely different person. The no makeup and Soft Glam looks are the most requested among my clientele.

I am currently focused on portrait photography but I would love to tap into more creative work. I am learning new things every day in photography and I look forward to continuing to evolve. Lastly, I have always had a passion for modeling. Once I became a makeup artist, my focus was solely on providing a service. Though I have always taken photos, I had given up on my dreams of modeling due to not feeling like I fit the model prototype being plus size with natural hair. It wasn’t until a friend of mine mentioned that I should get back into it. Upon doing research, I was elated to see a more inclusive world with models of different sizes, shade ranges and hair textures. It is truly beautiful to see. I model for businesses as a Brand Ambassador with my skills of content creating and the ability to do my own self-portraits when I don’t have a photographer. I truly believe this sets me apart from others. I am a Jill of all Trades and I can seamlessly switch roles. I am most proud of the reputation I have built for myself with keeps me being referred to people on and off set.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I feel consistency, education and being reliable is the most important in my success. There have been times I have been nervous to go on jobs and they turned out the be wonderful and I got recurring clients from it. Just do it even if you are scared. Lastly, being reliable and having a good reputation has gotten me into rooms I never thought I would be in. Be kind to everyone you cross paths with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shonicelove.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonicelove/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shonicelove/

Image Credits
Lauren Mickle Model Petrena Brown Author Lauren and Buddy Engagement Shoot Ericka Carr 50th Birthday Shoot Kamell Brown Model Artria Model