Rising Stars: Meet Shelice Sheppard of Midtown Kansas city

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelice Sheppard.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I fell in love with makeup at a very young age, watching my mom do hers. She used to sell Avon and always had makeup samples on hand. I’d sneak them and do my own makeup before school, but I was scared I’d get in trouble—so I’d wash my face off before I got home.

Eventually, the women in my family noticed my interest. They started asking me to do their hair and makeup for different events. That support gave me the confidence to take on my first wedding gig at just 15 years old. After that, I was always the person helping my cousins and friends get ready for prom and homecoming.

My love for makeup even helped me land my first professional job at a photography studio, where I was able to sharpen my skills. If you count my teen years, I’ve been doing makeup for over 20 years now

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?
I’ve definitely had my fair share of struggles—from the money not coming in as quickly as I’d hoped, to the ups and downs of being in the beauty industry. There are times when I’m really busy, and then there are slower seasons when I’m not bringing in as much.

I’ve also dealt with self-doubt and the feeling that I’m not doing enough. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially in such a visual and competitive field.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a published makeup artist based in the Kansas City Metro area, specializing in bridal and special event makeup. I’m probably most known for my soft glam makeup applications.

What I’m most proud of as a makeup artist is the way I help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. It’s more than just makeup—it’s about the transformation. Seeing someone light up when they look in the mirror is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I’m so proud of the trust my clients place in me to be a part of those meaningful moments.

Honestly, I think what sets me apart is how chill and personal I keep things. I really take the time to listen to my clients and make sure they feel comfortable from start to finish.

How do you define success?
For me, success is making a living doing what I love, still being passionate about this industry after all these years, and having the chance to serve people I care about. It’s also about passing down what I know—to my kids and anyone who wants to learn—so the love for makeup keeps growing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shelicemua.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelice_mua?igsh=ejR0ZjcyNDY2dm56
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/168zEAooTt/?mibextid=wwXIfr