January 20, 2017

Meet Makeup Artist, Hairstylist & Photographer: Michelle “Mimi” Cox

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle “Mimi” Cox.

Michelle “Mimi”, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I discovered my passion for Makeup Artistry and Photography at an early age. My junior and senior year of high school I attended Cosmetology school as an R.O.P class and soon after began working my first job at Glamour Shots. I thought I had the coolest job, to do someone’s hair and makeup, help them choose outfits to wear and watch them get their portraits taken. I started off doing hair and makeup and after working for the company for several years even after graduating from high school worked my way to the top as I became a photographer then assistant store manager. This was the best job a 17-year-old could start off with and has led me to where I am in my career now.

I provide makeup, hair and photography services. I believe in bringing out the best you! Providing each client with the best quality services. I’m mobile and travel to your location and my appointment times are flexible. I understand that we all have busy lives and hectic work schedules which works out great for the mom on the go who wants a moment of beauty pampering or the business professional who needs headshots or product photography. I also offer in studio and outdoor photography for families, actors/models and events.

Has it been a smooth road?
I absolutely love what I do which reflects in my work. I’ve been blessed with an amazing gift to make people feel and look amazing! I like to learn from every experience and each person I meet and work with. I listen to my clients and their needs in order to bring their vision to life. Knowing that each client leaves my chair or photo session happy and with a smile on their face is what I love most about what I do.

What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
I’m so thankful and blessed that I have had the opportunity to do what I love. Made In My Image has amazing things that will be taking place over the next few years and I look forward to sharing it with everyone. As a mobile makeup, hair, and photography service along with its current location, Made In My Image will continue to grow and the opening of a Made In My Image Studio storefront will soon be available. Made In My Image is dedicated to “Bringing out the Best you!” You can look forward to a cosmetic line as well that is in the works catering to women of color and “The everyday Queen and Professional on the Go!”

Has there been a particular challenge that you’ve faced over the years?
It most definitely took time to establish my name and brand not only as a Makeup Artist & Hairstylist but also as a Photographer; a young African-American female at that. I worked an 8-5 job to pay the bills while after work or on weekends I would do makeovers or photoshoots. Starting out, I did free and low pay makeovers and photoshoots for various projects in exchange for name exposure and credentials. A lot of those experiences lead to other gigs and referrals which have been a major blessing. There are so many other talented Artist in LA and I knew if I wanted to accomplish my dreams of having my own cosmetic and photography business I had to take a huge leap of faith and continue to work on doing what I love and learn and perfect my craft. I’ve finally gotten to point where my business is my full-time job and career and it’s awesome.

As my services become more in demand, I sometimes must turn away an appointment if I am booked on the date they are requesting. I always try to make accommodations for all my clients, no matter how small or big the request is. If I can’t accommodate to their request, then I’ll refer them to another professional, however, if they only wish to work with me and a reschedule can’t be made, I feel disappointed. All my appointments are booked on a first come, first serve basis so it’s very important to book the moment you know you have an event date, that way we can guarantee services needed on the date requested.

Looking back on the beginning of my career and everything I’ve done up to this point in my life, I would say throughout this amazing experience my greatest challenge and accomplishment is being a single mother with a now teen daughter. I had my daughter early on in my career and I’ve had to learn how to maintain a healthy and positive balance of a sometimes hectic work schedule while raising a young lady and giving her the time she needs. She’s my motivation and the reason why I continue to build my business and aspire to be successful in everything I do.

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
So many times, I have witnessed “artist and industry professionals” who won’t answer a question, share information or some of their techniques because they fear competition or whatever it is. This industry and city is full of talented Artist, I think it’s important to learn your craft and develop your skills. Never stop creating art. Don’t worry about what the next person is doing or try to follow the trends, be your own competition and the best version of yourself. There’s only one you, why would you want to be anyone else? Share your talent and creativity in the most positive way. There’s some great artist that will work with you where you can practice and develop your skills while working on projects for low pay or free. Take whatever opportunities that come your way wisely and be open to change, this industry is full of it.

Your name/brand is everything, how you treat people and the impact you leave on others is how your name/brand will be remembered. Share your talent with the world…. there’s enough out there for everyone to be successful!

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