Introduce yourself, who are you, what is it you do, etc?

My name is Nicki Willis, recently turned 25! I am a professional makeup artist of 7 years and an esthetician as of a year ago! I enjoy all things beauty and helping others! I’ve known since I’ve been a little girl that I would change the beauty industry one face at a time  I also enjoy working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I definitely feel like it goes hand in hand with the industry I am in!

What was your inspiration that helped you want to mold that career as a makeup artist?

Honestly, when I was in 8th grade I had a friends’ mom do my makeup, and she had this huge collection, and I was like I want that! I started watching YouTube videos like Carli Bybel, Jaclyn Hill, Desi Perkins & just took inspiration from all of them and started teaching myself! By my junior year of high school I was getting offers to work for a haunted scream park doing special FX makeup & special occasion events. I then decided this was my burning passion and found a makeup school in Nashville, TN! I’ve always loved the reaction that clients get after seeing their selves in the mirror after makeup, it’s such a rewarding feeling. And that is why what I do what I do! I love uplifting others!

What are some words of wisdom you live by on a daily basis to keep you motivated?

I’m a firm believer of everything happens for a reason, I take everything in life as a lesson. Good or bad. I try to learn from every person I meet and experiences! I stay motivated by helping others, that fuels my gas tank!

What were some struggles you’ve faced to push to the next level with everything you’re doing?

In 2016 after I graduated from makeup school I ended up having to move back to my small town in Southern Illinois. I was sad, I was defeated, but I constantly reminded myself that sometimes you have to take 3 steps back in order to take more moving forward. I came back home and took time for myself and did some soul-searching. Went back to school and received my license as an Esthetician & now I’m working my way out to Los Angeles in the next few months for a big move! So moral of the story is progress takes time, don’t compare yourself to others. We are all on our own individual journeys, and that’s the beauty of it all!

What are your thoughts on human society today, and what is one way you’d like to make an impact in the world?

I think society as a whole has been brainwashed into thinking money & expensive things is what gives you “status” in this world. But I believe in love and light and if you can show others that they can find that love and light in themselves & not in materialistic or temporary fulfillment, then the world would be a better place. Not to get into the universe, but we are all vibrating frequencies and are lives are based around the frequencies we are around. So if you are in a bad situation, take a look around & see what you can’t do to change it. Just being aware is a beautiful thing.. I think I can help just by planting that seed with others & letting them do with what they want with the information. Small impacts can change the world.

What is your biggest goal that you want to achieve, and when do you feel you’ll complete it by?

It’s always been a dream of mine to do makeup for dancing with the stars & move out to Los Angeles! I think by the end of this year my dreams will be reality!

Last question, what other things would you like to tell the world about you?

That I haven’t always been this positive or headstrong. I think we all have inner traumas we are trying to heal daily and as long as we are trying to always become a better version of ourselves then that’s what this journey called life is about. If I can tell anyone anything, it’s to carry yourself with confidence, and you can conquer the world! & the beauty industry will know my name REAL SOON!

Instagram: @beautybynicki