World-renowned celebrity makeup artist Deida Massey recently penned, FACE VALUES – THE FOUNDATION OF Beauty, which is an unparalleled read about knowing who you are as it relates to self-esteem, self-worth, and fortifying your confidence. With 10 years of mentorship under her belt, Massey is transparent. She weaves her own life story into FACE VALUES with the passion and purpose of a true artist.
Massey teaches young women that you are what you believe and you are who God says you are, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Massey is the founder and executive director of Reel Beauty Inc., which is nonprofit organization that assists at-risk urban girls because she is committed to helping young people discover their own beauty inside and out.
Here, Massey chats with rolling out about her beauty project that doubles as a self-help book and memoir, goal-setting guide and travelogue.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book to inspire teen girls and women of all ages to love themselves right where they are. To understand their beauty within is far more than what societal perceptions today say beauty is. Face Values is a transparent and transformational read to empower women to follow their dreams, inspire young women to know who they are and encourage everyone.
What’s the story behind the title?
The story behind the title comes from my organization that I founded in 2004 for teen girls named Reel Beauty, Inc. We have a 14-week curriculum and within that curriculum we have a workshop that teaches girls about values and the importance of having values. I choose the title because it is synonymous to my purpose and passion; which is makeup.
What do you hope readers will glean from reading your book?
My hope is that readers will read about my journey to self-love and self-discovery and begin to tap into their own personal struggles with self-esteem and rise from above the ashes and find their true beauty.
How long did it take you to write this book?
It took me six years to write Face Values – The Foundation of Beauty.
What was your regimen to complete this book?
My regimen to complete this book was late nights and early mornings. I would start in prayer first because it was important to hear what God was saying as it relates to the message I wanted to convey in my book. I would spread countless pieces of paper across my bedroom floor and write down the vision, phrases and words I wanted to share with readers.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
I arrived at this career choice through a deliberate decision to pursue my passion in makeup. I wanted to do something adventurous. I was tired of the monotony of working a job where there was no growth and doing the same thing over an over again.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
I believe the one thing that separates me from others in my field is having a great personality. I’ve learned and seen people get fired or demoted because they didn’t have the best personality. People want to work with people who have good personalities and people who are personable and one who can get along with people.
For those considering entering this arena, what skill sets do you recommend mastering?
I would recommend taking classes to learn set etiquette. Also, I would recommend working at makeup counters to help build your confidence.
What traits are most conducive to success?
The traits that are most conducive to success is having a positive attitude and always being eager to learn.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I stay at the leading edge of my craft by staying relevant and allowing myself to grow by learning more about my craft. For example, taking classes to learn new techniques and being informed on selecting emerging brands to execute new makeup looks.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about what you do? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
The one widely held misconception about what I do is that makeup is a hobby. It’s not a hobby it’s a profession that has led to many passion and purpose. I don’t argue much to that misconception other than when asked I explain how I left corporate America to pursue my passion and how I make a better living doing what I love to do.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I map out my goals by writing the vision God had for life. I then set a plan in place on how to achieve those goals. I began to execute those goals by working the plan for each goal I had set before me. That included research, reading and building a network to help achieve those goals.
Name two of your top role models; one from your industry and one from outside of it.
I can’t name anyone in my field who is a role model for me but outside of my field I am inspired by people both men and women who are game changers and visionaries.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life, yourself or both.
The Jewish Phenomenon: Seven Keys to the Enduring Wealth of a People by Steven Silbiger, dfree Breaking Free from Financial Slavery by Deforest B. Soaries Jr. These two books helped shaped and change my mindset on building wealth and breaking free from financial bondage. The Bride Wore White is a good read about sexual purity for young girls and women.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
I consider continued learning important because it helps one grow mentally. In addition, continued learning is important to help stay relevant in the area that interests you.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
The affirmations I repeat to myself are: “Today I am blessed. There is no slackness in my hand. Where I stand GOD gives me the land; endless bounty comes to me. I am blessed gong in and blessed coming out.”
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
Technology plays a huge role in my day-to-day life. I love, love my iPad 2 and iPhone 6. Having the two along with my MacBook Air allows me answer emails and work on WORD documents through my iCloud while I’m working on set or away from my office.
Please define your personal brand.
My personal brand is a brand that has emerged into many facets that represent entrepreneurship, beauty, social change, inventions and becoming an author. I started in my passion as a makeup artist and while working in my passion I found my purpose. God began to reveal to me levels to my brand by showing me visions, ideas and new ways to be creative with all my gifts and talents.
What is your favorite vacation destination? Why?
My favorite vacation destination is anywhere off the Mediterranean Sea. I absolute am in love with pristine blue waters. I love the sound of water. It brings peace, serenity and tranquility.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Remove racism.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
The only thing I would change about myself is to stop being so indecisive at times when making decisions when I already have discerned the solution.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
To be iconic it takes hard work, dedication, commitment and courage. Others may define iconic differently but one who demonstrates these four characteristics is Serena Williams and Misty Copeland. They both worked hard to get where they are today.
