Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Adams.
Tiffany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For my entire working career I have always worked with people. I spent 15+ years in food and hospitality, everything from serving to managing. Having a child at a younger age, it was always important to have a flexible work schedule. Through everything, I always had a passion for the beauty industry. Whenever a friend wanted their makeup done for a special occasion, I was the person they asked to help. One day it clicked and I decided to attend a makeup academy. I never had interest in doing hair and in the state of Maryland a certification isn’t required to practice makeup. I thought it was important to spend the time to learn things that weren’t accessible to the average person. So in 2019 I received my makeup artistry certification. Unfortunately, when it came time to start interviewing for a job Covid hit. It put everything on hold. Survival mode required me sticking to what I know and put my passion on the back burner. Finally after a couple years pass, an opportunity presented itself which offered me a position on a wedding team for a local hair salon. I’ve had previous experience working in the wedding industry so had a slight idea how things work (from the food point of view). I was nervous because this is one of the most important days in someone’s life. Being a part of that is special. Self doubt sets in, but at this point I asked myself what do I have to lose? I ended up working my full time job plus working with makeup clients nights and weekends. After about a year, with the support of my wife I took the leap and decided it was time to take on the makeup industry full time. I ended up being the lead artist of the wedding team at this salon. A couple years had passed and s someone who loves to learn new things, I decided a different team better suited me. I wanted to work with established artists who have more experience than me. The beauty industry is forever changing and evolving and I love that. So here I am now, working with a small group of ladies for a company that has been around for 15+ years working all over the DMV. I’m a firm believer that everything happens when it is supposed to happen. Taking risks and believing in yourself is so important if you want to be successful in the beauty industry. Will I one day have my own team, I don’t know. Will I take steps to continue learning and expand my knowledge, absolutely. What I do know for certain is I am exactly where I am supposed to be. And that I am thankful for.
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?
No way! Having to work to make money plus working on what you’re passionate about on top of being a single mom, it was very hard. Once my daughter got older and in school full time, it allowed a little bit more wiggle room but it was never easy. Then Covid put everything on hold. Also, financially this is a very expensive industry. You have to spend money to make money. The price of makeup products on top of working with clients for free just to build your portfolio. It requires a different kind of hustle.
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 professional makeup artist specializing in weddings. I offer one on one lessons plus makeup for any occasion. But weddings are my main thing. I am proud of making people feel their best versions of themselves on one of the most important days of their lives. If you are getting married at the court house or having a backyard wedding or 200+ guest reception, I want to make you feel beautiful. I am also proud to work with anyone and everyone. Everyone is welcome in my chair. As someone a part of the lgbtq+ community, inclusivity is very important. And I want everyone to know I am a safe space.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is summer vacations at the beach. Every summer my family would rent a house for a week. Days on the beach with sandwiches packed, wave riding. Those were the best days.
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