Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrye “CHEVY” Player-Tucker.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I used to work at a clothing store called “Up Against The Wall” located inside the Lakewood Mall. My freshmen year of college was about to start, and I knew I needed to make more money. My aunt encouraged me to apply to M.A.C. Cosmetics. I mean, they were offering double compared to what I was making at the time, so I decided to shoot my shot….with absolutely NO PREVIOUS MAKEUP EXPERIENCE. Let’s just say I embellished my resumé to get my foot in the door lol. I honestly didn’t think I’d get a callback, let alone hired! But after a rigorous 3-part interview process, I was offered a part-time position. Had it not been for Danyelle Davis, Angel Dobine, and Erika Guinn taking a chance on a young, inexperienced girl from Compton, I have absolutely no idea where I’d be. Today, I’m the owner of CheverlyHillz and I have the pleasure of enhancing gorgeous faces all over the city.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I guess getting cursed out by a client on your first day could be pretty challenging! My manager pulled me to the back office and said, ” I need you to learn, and I need you to learn FAST.” Everyday was like bootcamp! I was constantly hovering over all the amazing artists at the counter and asking tons of questions. I’m a visual learner, so if I’m shown a technique once or twice I’m able to duplicate it. Once I was comfortable executing everything that I had learned, that’s when I began to grow and trust my choices as an artist. But learning color theory changed everything for me.
I’d say it took me a solid two years before I became one of the sought after artists at our location. But you can never get too comfortable. Trends within the beauty industry are constantly shifting and evolving, so it’s up to us artists to continue educating ourselves so that we stay in demand.
In 2015, I finally quit my job and decided to branch out on my own. Looking back, I definitely should’ve planned my exit instead of just winging it. It’s easy for us creatives to get lost in our artistry while neglecting all the things that help a business run smoothly. Took some time to find my footing, but now I’m in a good space. I’m still in the process of streamlining a few operations, but I’m chipping away at my goals daily. That’s what success looks like for me these days; progression not perfection.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
CheverlyHillz is a brand that provides makeup services both in-studio and on location (upon request). The service menu includes full makeup applications with lashes, one-on-one and group makeup lessons, and specialty makeup services for bridal, headshots, and television.
My clients call me a “skin perfection artist”. I’m also known for how I balance and sculpt eyebrows. It’s funny how the thing you once struggled with becomes your signature!
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve re-ignited my fire for the craft. There was a time when I was uninspired and a bit lost. I found myself accepting certain gigs for the wrong reasons. Saying no was a saving grace for me and my business. I’ve learned I don’t have to accept opportunities that don’t resonate with me and aren’t in alignment with my core values. Being an entrepreneur is a daily faith walk! I rely on God to direct my path now, and my faith keeps my anxiety in check. Being obedient to God and saturating myself in the word has truly changed how I approach things. Makeup is fun for me again and I attract amazing people into my chair, especially now that my energy is in alignment with the things I desire for my business and my life.
Whatever is for me is FOR ME. With so many talented artist here in Los Angeles doing their thing, it’s easy to fall victim to comparison. But when you’re operating from a heightened sense of awareness, you recognize that your biggest competition is you against you. Mindset is EVERYTHING. There’s plenty of room for all of us to operate in our gifts, and flourish!
What were you like growing up?
I would consider myself a nerd as a kid. My focus was excelling in school, always. Because I did so well, my mother would pretty much let me do what I wanted if I asked. So at age 11, I was able to cut my hair and get my nose pierced for my birthday. At 16, I got my first tattoo with my grandmother. Music was my life growing up! My very first purchase was a cassette single of Dr. Dre’s “Let Me Ride”. I remember playing outside with my friends and us singing in a circle. My songs of choice were always Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down” and SWV’s “Weak”. I’m an artist in every sense of the word. I’ve released music in the past and still do so now for fun.
Contact Info:
- Address: CheverlyHillz Beauty Studio
(located inside R’House Barber & Beauty)
9339 Alondra Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706 - Website: welcome2rhouse.as.me
- Phone: (562)348-0986
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Sheldon Bolter Photography; Anthony Naylor of VisionsEnt.; Sherry “Chevy” Player-Tucker
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Episode 1 with Content Partner Lisa Taitelman, Founder of Hiking & Wellness company Find Your Trail.
