Check Out Shelby Reed’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Reed

Hi Shelby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in love with makeup for as long as I can remember. As a little girl I wasn’t necessarily allowed to keep or wear cosmetics aside of the greatly coveted roll on body glitter from the 90’s that my dad eventually confiscated because he said I looked like ‘The Tin Man’ haha. But I would repeatedly accumulate a collective of makeup things given to me from neighborhood girlfriends that they inherited from their older sisters or little things my mom would sneak buy me from the 99c store in Norco CA where I grew up… and then I would always inevitably get called up to the office at school for wearing it, my dad would take the stash, and the process would start over again lol. I think he finally gave up on this disciplinary endeavor around middle school. Makeup was now permitted, and in the 8th grade Mr. Michael assigned our English class the task of each student to give a tutorial on how to do something. He gave examples such as how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or how to wrap a present… and in this pre-YouTube tutorial era, I pioneered a makeup seminar, with an inverted school binder featuring an illustrated pictorial I’d flip through and a live model that I demonstrated how to apply eye makeup on! I wasn’t popular at all back then and I didn’t have expensive MAC makeup like a lot of the other girls in my class at the time, so I didn’t realize until I was older the profundity of me teaching with my little drugstore bon bon eyeshadows, and the passion I would build off of that. Because I didn’t grow up with expensive makeup, I also created a self taught skill set that most other makeup artists didn’t even dabble with until it ‘trended’ around 2019. No matter the budget, I could and still very much can do my makeup and yours with just about anything. In fact I used to create my own makeup at home with one of those early and inexpensive hundred color eyeshadow palettes and Vaseline, making custom lipstick shades, blushes, etc. And in 2018, I had my very own TV segment on KCtv5 discussing and exhibiting makeup on a budget! I’ve now worked the biggest fashion shows in Kansas City, including David’s Bridal for the Kansas City Bridal Expo, West 18th St. Fashion Show, and Kansas City Fashion Week where I was named a senior artist my first time ever. My work for the first time ever as well finally hit a billboard for the West 18th show this year, and I’m only just getting started. So look out world!

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?
Definitely not a smooth road, despite my self taught skill set the market for makeup artistry since about 2016 has become heavily saturated. Staying relevant on the Internet as a key aspect of success is an ever evolving beast on its own. Adding in personal life hardships I’ve found myself facing a whole new level of challenge to stay afloat. Ending a toxic decade long marriage has been a very painful band-aide to remove, and yet I am starting to rediscover the life in me that got this all started and I can’t wait to see myself continue to fully transcend.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a freelance HMUA, specializing primarily in makeup. I am known for being ‘Shelbedazzled’ and the only one in the world at that! I would have to say despite working with luxury cosmetics being a definite plus, I am most proud of my ingenuity and ability to work with budget friendly drugstore products, as well as my humble list of accolades. I do believe that is what sets me apart from the rest.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone! This will be your biggest building tool. If someone inspires you, tell them and ask your questions! I can personally say that so many of my techniques I have learned individually from various people in my life and will always credit them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/shelbedazzled
• Other: [email protected]