Meet Phoenix Rose | MakeUp And Hair Artist, Beauty Coach & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phoenix Rose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phoenix, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
For starters, the definition of balance has changed for me over the years. I used to think that balance meant 50/50. However, a day or even a week split perfectly down the middle with work on one side and personal on the other is next to impossible to achieve, even more so when you own your own business. So, I started to look at it in terms of fulfillment. Have I given myself what I need today/this week/this year? Have I given my business what it needs? Where am I lacking, and where can I afford to give more? Will putting more focus here adversely affect what’s happening over there? You hear the expression “putting all your eggs in one basket.” But if one basket is only big enough to hold 4 eggs while another can hold 8, it doesn’t make sense to try and put 6 eggs in each basket.

I used to be the type of entrepreneur that threw all of me into my business. I figured, if my business is an extension of me, and my business is thriving, then I must be thriving, right? So wrong! I am the driving force of my business. And yes, my business’ success works to fuel me. But if I as the vessel am depleted, sometimes it requires a different type of fuel or maintenance to achieve peak performance. You can’t maximize the output without balance.

Becoming a single mother was the catalyst to me prioritizing what type and capacity baskets I require and the fuel sources I need for efficiency and longevity. Sure, it’s hard at times to keep the lines from blurring when my work is also my passion so it rarely feels like work. But when the have to starts to outweigh the get to, it negatively impacts the whole, and that’s when I’m out of balance. The end goal will be different for everyone and so will the variables. But once you’ve figured out the equation, adjusting the variables until it all levels out is the name of the game. With true balance comes peace. It is in peace where I soar. And I no longer make room for things that weigh me down or keep me from flying.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Much like my brand is known for its duality in the industry, representing both hair and makeup, my professional approach embodies the spirit of “both sides of the coin”. I have always been an artist at heart, even when I shied away from fully embracing it. However, I began my career on the business side of things. I obtained a B.S. in Marketing from Louisiana State University and worked in that field for years before betting on myself and setting out to call my own shots as a creative. While it was terrifying to know that my success, or lack thereof, rested solely on my shoulders, it was also exhilarating to think of the endless possibilities for my future that I could decide whether or not to pursue.

Over the years, I’ve learned to allow my business self and my artist self to work in tandem, and I am proud of the successes that has allowed me to achieve. I’ve worked on several major projects, and the opportunities continue to grow. But I am most proud of the spaces I have occupied and the relationships I have formed. My name goes before me with integrity alongside talent and skill. I show up the same way each and every time, as I subscribe to the philosophy of treating your first like your last and your last like your first. Consistency is key.

I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with imposter syndrome, more so in the beginning than now, but I never allowed myself to not try. As long as I show up and give a genuine effort, if it doesn’t work out how I want it to, I trust it worked out the way it was meant to. Carving a path for oneself in any field as an entrepreneur comes with its fair share of challenges, especially in a highly saturated and competitive industry. So I always lead with my personal equity, the things that cannot be replicated. And I make sure the things that can, such as technique, are always up to task and go above and beyond expectations.

When I started, I took advantage of any opportunity that would give me a chance to grow my skill set and experience, regardless of compensation, as long as it did not compromise my values and morals. Now, I am blessed to be in a place where I can more discerning and choose projects that spark passion and resonate with my sense of purpose. This kind of freedom was at the top of my “to-do” list on day one, and I am happy to say it now rests at the top of my “get to-do” list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My AMAZING parents, siblings, and my son

Paula Hutchinson, owner of Second to None Hair Salon

Bro. Cornell Summrell, owner of Tru Rootz Natural Hair Salon

Kerry Herta, Award winning Makeup Artist and owner of Colourbox Makeup

Every client that has ever trusted me to enhance their beauty or bring their vision to life.

My spiritual advisors.

You have all shaped my beginnings and supported me along the journey. My extreme gratitude is eternally yours.

Website: http://www.phoenixroseartistry.com/

Instagram: @phoenixroseartistry

Image Credits
Image 1: Photographer: Jessi Arnold Makeup: Phoenix Rose Hair: Tiri Abril Image 2: Photographer: Jessi Arnold Makeup and Hair: Phoenix Rose Florals/Headpiece; Michelle West for Magnolia West Image 3: Photographer: Jessi Arnold Makeup: Phoenix Rose Image 4: Photographer: Jessi Arnold Makeup and Hair: Phoenix Rose