Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheena Holmes.
Hi Sheena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always had a passion for all things beauty. My initial love of makeup was sparked during my childhood. Now that I think about it, my mother had a huge influence on my career path…but not for the reasons you may think. As a child, I remember waking up early, excited to go to school, but also dealing with what felt like daily anxiety because I was almost late every day. Do you know why? Because my mom would not leave the house without a full face of makeup and it had to be PERFECT!!! I would sit there and watch in awe as she would completely transform her face. I was intrigued and irritated at the same time. I wanted to be just like her growing up. When she deemed I was old enough, I started playing in makeup and never stopped.
My mom is a naturally beautiful woman, but at some point in time, someone made her doubt that and she would not leave the house without makeup. As my passion grew, I began to expand my skill set by reading books, watching videos, finding mentors and performing makeup services on various friends, family members and finally paying clients. During all of this, I realized that they too had that same mindset. It is a mindset filled with self-doubt, toxic critiques, and this false sense of your value being tied to your appearance. Don’t get me wrong, first impressions are very important and you always want to present yourself in the best light. But when the mindset becomes, I have to use makeup to cover up my flaws rather than, I like to wear makeup to enhance my beauty, this is where the issue lies.
So, from the constant observation of this mindset, I began speaking life and positivity into people. As time went on my company, Pynk Eclipse was born.
This is my brand story…
YOU ARE ENOUGH!
I wish this would have been instilled in me when I was younger. But I feel blessed to be able to share this message with you through my company Pynk Eclipse Cosmetics, LLC.
Pynk Eclipse Cosmetics was never intended to be another beauty brand, but a symbol of purpose and empowerment. My name is Sheena Holmes, I am a Beauty Expert and I have worked in the beauty industry for over 20 years. One thing I’ve noticed is the industry can be very toxic. We live in a world where social media makes you believe that you’re not good enough and gives you an unrealistic expectation of beauty. The industry thrives and profits off of showing you who you’re not instead of encouraging you to embrace who you are. That stops with us!
The truth is everyone is beautiful in their own way and it has nothing to do with our physical appearances. You are beautiful because you are you! No one else has your experiences, your goals, or your dreams. Your looks are just a little icing on the cake! Your unique gifts and purpose are what make you beautiful. Pynk Eclipse Cosmetics was created to serve as a reminder that we all have a purpose that is greater than beauty, and greater than ourselves. The Y in Pynk Eclipse is a symbol to remember your why? Why do you get up in the morning? Are you using your natural gifts and talents? If not, what’s stopping you? Pink is the color of hope and an eclipse is the symbol of an object blocking a light from shining at its maximum potential.
We were meant to shine, but we all have trials and tribulations that may get in the way. It could be financial issues, a divorce, or even working a job you don’t like. Life can be challenging sometimes and it may feel easier to just give up. But you have a choice…you can choose to conquer these obstacles or be conquered by them. Pynk Eclipse means “Remember Your Why and Keep Hope, even in your Darkest Hour.”
We wanted to bring you something different. Our products aren’t just about being beautiful on the outside, but about giving you a tangible reminder of how beautiful you are on the inside. We understand that you make our products beautiful, it’s not the other way around. Our products were created to be a higher quality and standard than anything you will find in your local store because you deserve the best. Give us a try today and go live…with purpose.
I have been so blessed on this journey. I have only made it this far by the grace of God and a community of people who understand and relate to my vision and have supported me every step of the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has definitely been a bumpy road! That being said, anything worth having will never be easy to obtain. My biggest struggle along the way has been learning to be okay with who I am and stop letting other people’s opinions influence my decisions.
I always knew I wanted to do something in the beauty industry, but I allowed my family and friends to detour me. I wanted to attend cosmetology school right out of high school. However, I was told that being a cosmetologist was not a good career choice, those people don’t make enough money to support their families, I’m too smart to do that kind of work, etc. These words came from the people closes to me. So, I thought they knew what was best for me and I decided to attend a traditional college. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics as well as a Master’s of Business Administration degree. I worked for a bank and the federal government most of my career, making a great salary, but I was completely miserable. I was always tired, depressed, and stressed. I even had to go the therapy for a few months. I was like, this can’t be life. So, I decided to do something about it.
Change comes when you get sick and tried of being sick and tired. I didn’t know what I was going to do next, but I knew what I was doing wasn’t working. While working for the federal government, I put myself through cosmetology school. I went at night for two years straight, while working a full-time job. I didn’t care how long it was going to take, I wanted to follow my passion. I knew I was doing the right thing because I felt like I belonged there. Even though I would not get out of class until 10 pm most nights, the time flew by because I enjoyed what I was doing.
Another struggle that I’m currently overcoming is learning how to run my business like a corporation and not a hobby. I have been in business for two years and I am just now creating a business plan, setting goals, and looking at my finances. I think I didn’t do it because I was afraid of failing. My thought process was if I don’t have goals then I can’t fail, because I have nothing I’m trying to obtain. Now I realize, if I don’t have goals, there is no growth because I don’t have any direction. I can’t get from Point A to Point B when I don’t know where Point B is located. It is also very important to have a strategy of how to get there. I am finally seeing the importance of having a clear vision for my future and formulating a realistic plan to obtain my goals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Pynk Eclipse has many facets. We have an esthetics studio called Pynk Eclipse Esthetics, LLC and Pynk Eclipse Cosmetics, LLC. is our product line. The esthetics studio currently has 10 employees. We specialize in bridal hair and makeup, special event makeup, lash extensions, lash training classes, as well as skincare services such as facials and skincare regimens. We are scheduled to add waxing and permanent makeup services to our menu in January 2022.
Our cosmetics line specializes in mink and vegan-friendly strip lash options, as well as a full line of supplies for lash artists. These products were made to inspire each lash artist to never give up on their dreams. The products have names such as Clean Slate-because you can always start over, Stick to It- to remind you to keep going and Remove Doubt, just to name a few. We are all about empowerment and encouragement.
What I am most proud of is we have been able to help women from all walks of life gain confidence and stop comparing themselves to other people. Life is about being happy, serving others, and living in your truth, whatever that looks like to you.
What sets us apart is the fact that we care and provide quality products and services. It’s not about selling a product, but creating an experience that will leave such a positive impression, that even when that person is going through a difficult time, we have instilled a newfound strength that lets them know they can overcome any obstacles that comes their way.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We love collaborations! We just ask that you contact us via email with a detailed proposal of the services requested. We would love if you would visit us online and shop our products and services, but the best way to support us is to share our story and commit yourself to being the best version of you. Evaluate how you speak to yourself, but also others. A kind word can go a long way. There are so many internet trolls and negative people in the world. Support us by being the change you want to see in the world.
Pricing:
- Lash Installations: $150+
- Makeup applications: $85+
- Lash Artists Supplies: $18+
- Strip Lashes: $12+
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.pynkeclipse.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pynkeclipse_esthetics
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzIRJQO-VogLpk6gr-jIzzg
- Other: www.pynkeclipsecosmetics.com
Image Credits
Nateneshia Renee Butler
Ryan Rish
Jamie Weaver
