Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Stevens.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Monica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a woman of many trades. After highschool, I worked at Kaiser Permanente as a Paid Summer Youth Intern in OB/GY. I originally thought I wanted to work in health care but after my graduation from the program, there was a hiring freeze and they were not able to offer me full-time employment. I went from various retail jobs for about three years until I scored a full-time position with MAC cosmetics for whom id work for almost six years. My father worked for the DOD and my cousin had joined the Apprenticeship program, from which she graduated. Who knew that 15 years after her graduation they would re-open the apprenticeship. My cousin and her husband encouraged me to apply.
A year after putting in my application, I was hired as a Non- Destructive Inspection Tech Apprentice. One of two African Americans and one of two women out of the thirty people who had made it through the aptitude test and hiring process. There had been over 700 applications and we were the first apprentices for the entire Fleet Readiness Command in 15 years. After four years of trials and tribulations, I graduated as a journey-level artisan on August 26, 2019, as the only woman to have made it through all four years. I’m not going to lie there were moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it. I had to tell myself I am not just doing this for myself but for other women out there, especially other women of color.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I went through various ups and downs. I took a major pay cut to join the apprenticeship program and cried when I got my first check thinking I had made a mistake. I had to call my dad to keep from having a breakdown. He reminded me that the outcome would be greater and more rewarding than the issues at hand. I had worked three jobs during the first two years of my apprenticeship in order to keep things together.
Going from my 6 am-2:30 shift straight into work again and sometimes not getting off until 10 pm. I was determined to make it all work. I would freelance for MAC, I had a part-time job as a jewelry sales associate for JcPenny and at one point worked for Sephora part-time on the weekends. Some advice I would have is < take the leap. Do not be afraid you never know what is waiting on the other side. Everything good comes with a risk. Do not confide in everyone, be selective and find people who are the roots in your life. But do not be disappointed when they do not always see things the way you do, even roots can lift. But never lose hope.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Being an NDI inspector is just the surface for me. I still work as a freelance Makeup Artist in my spare time and continue my education. I have a degree in Visual and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Photography as well as a Certificate in Leadership and Supervision. I am currently completing a degree in Business Management and am one class form completing degrees in Business Administration and Accounting and Finance. I believe in being versatile.
In my spare time, I like to work on my project car which is a 2003 Infiniti G35 or ride my motorcycle. Most people who know me know that I am kind of a Jane of all trades. I seek continuous education. The thing that I am most proud of was recently working with LA Splash Cosmetics. I had to opportunity to film at their Headquarters and have been posted to their social media platforms multiples times.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
I would tell her never take NO as an answer. There is always a way, just because one person doesn’t want to help you or give you information there is always someone else. I would tell her that the road will not be easy and it’s okay to shed a tear or two but she must continue. She has more strength within her than she knows. There is never an end just new beginnings. Always try to uplift someone else along your path. You never know who you can inspire along the way.
Pricing:
- Glamour Makeup Application $80
- Natural Makeup Application $65
- Bridal $120 per bride and $60 Per Bridesmaid
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makeupbymonicafaye.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msmakeupfaye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmakeupfaye
Image Credit:
Dale Law Photography
Fayes Photography
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