BOSS Spotlight: Meet The " Beauty Expert" Deida Massey

Deida Massey Prior to her 14 years as an A-list Hollywood make-up artist, Deida Massey worked as a paralegal for the Public Guardian's Office of Chicago's Cook County advocating for abused and neglected children. During her time there, she saw a tremendous need to help teenagers with issues of self-worth and esteem-specifically teen girls. Moonlighting as a makeup artist at night and on the weekends; it didn't take her long to trade in her cushy nine-to-five job for a more rewarding career in makeup artistry. 

With her passion in one hand and purpose in her heart, Deida took a leap of faith in 2002 and headed to Los Angeles, CA.  Living in LA, Deida quickly ascended to become one of the most sought after makeup artists in town working on numerous commercials, TV productions, editorials, personal appearances and fashion shows including the prestigious Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC.  She was also one of nine artists selected to work as a celebrity makeup artist on Oprah Winfrey's Legends Weekend in 2005. Although her love for makeup led her to the City of Angels, Deida remained focused on the inner call to mentor young girls.  In 2004, she followed that voice and started Reel Beauty, Inc. 

Today Deida Massey is the Founder of Reel Beauty, Inc. - a 501 (c) (3) organization that assists at risk urban girls.  "We teach them to value themselves and empower them with self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence so they will be productive citizens within their environment.  We do that by offering 14 activity based workshops designed to help these young women resolve the problems they struggle with day to day." Deida realized how detrimental the messages in today's music, culture and media portrayal were.  "I wanted to do something to combat all the negativity." Reel Beauty not only made inner city girls feel beautiful and more self-assured, but also equipped them with tools to help them succeed in life.

The BOSS Network: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?

Deida Massey: In beginning starting as a makeup artist was difficult for me because I was working a 9 to 5 at the time and decided to take a leap of faith. So I quit my job, moved to Los Angeles to pursue my passion as a makeup artist.  Adjusting from a full-time job to becoming an entrepreneur was difficult but rewarding. I knew I would be fine due to the plan I put in place, but the inevitable is something you can’t plan for.  I believe those challenges and obstacles that I faced while pursuing my passion made me into the winner I am today.  In addition, the challenge was setting myself apart from everyone as a makeup artist and as The Founder of Reel Beauty, Inc. My challenge was never about competition in makeup or with Reel Beauty.  The challenge is always being memorable, catchy and unique.  I believe that's how people identify with your brand and that is what staying power looks like. 

BN: What inspired you to break into your particular industry?

DM: I was inspired to break into the makeup industry because I found it to be adventurous and exciting.  I come from a creative background where my father was an artist and my brother was a very skilled artist, but neither pursued a career in it.  My initial muse came when I started to do makeup with my friends and they loved the results. I would get compliments and started to get requests for me to do other people.  What inspired me started from the adventure and excitement, but most of all it came from wanting to show others how you can build your own business with your gifts and talents GOD gave you?

BN: How do you balance your personal or professional life or have you been able to find a balance?

DM: I have been able to balance my personal and professional life through bringing order to my day before it starts.  As an entrepreneur, my professional life has inevitably been combined with my personal.  Whether I’m working on set all day, doing personal appearances etc. somehow I manage to cultivate relationships that become personal.  As a makeup artist and CEO of my own non-profit, I must create balance wearing these two hats.  Typically, if I’m not on set, I’m mentoring girls inside Chicago Public Schools.   There are times when my days are consumed only with my professional life and I am completely fine with it.  Again, with balance comes order. 

BN: What is an inspirational quote that you live by?

DM: “If GOD be for us who can be against us.”

BN: Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you long the way?

DM: I was blessed to have a great support system and mentors.  When I started assisting at FORD MODELS in 2000 my mentor became Marcus Geeter.  He was absolutely heaven sent. Marcus taught me about the business and taught me how to apply makeup.  I would watch him and follow him to photo shoots to learn the dynamics of the business.  On the weekends, I would go to his home bring a model and he would give me private lessons.  There were others I trained under: Triphena Johnson who is an amazing artist.  Later in my career, I met and worked with Reggie Wells.  I learned some valuable lessons and tips on the application of make-up while working with him as well.

BN: What are your “must-haves” to keep your career or business going strong?

DM: One of my “must-haves” to keep my business and career going strong is perseverance.  You have to keep pushing.  You have to get outside your comfort-zone and stay relevant. 

BN: What is your definition of a BOSS?

DM: My definition of a BOSS is a person who understands their purpose and pursues it.  A BOSS is person who is a visionary, innovator and game-changer. That BOSS is me.

Connect with Deida Massey on Twitter @DeidaMassey and Facebook . To learn more about products and services visit www.deidamassey.com and www.reelbeautyinc.org

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