Conversations with Sherita Leslie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherita Leslie.

Hi Sherita, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins at White Creek high school, where I initially took cosmetology. While I loved all things makeup and hair, I was unsure if I wanted to work in a salon. So once I graduated, I pursued a career in business and marketing. I enjoyed marketing, but I missed working in the beauty field. I met a makeup artist who needed an assistant for a commercial. I still kind of did things here and there, so I agreed to assist him. I had never been on a production set before, so it was such an eye-opening experience. Instantly I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing. I was lucky because that makeup artist was a former instructor at a makeup school. Because at that time, there were not any makeup schools in Nashville. So I was able to learn and work under him. From there, I would travel to New York, LA, and Chicago to take classes. From those classes I learned how to work in production, various techniques and developed so many mentors. Fast forward 14 years later, makeup and hair for the entertainment industry is all that I do. I love working on TV shows, commercials, films, magazine editorials, and award shows. I have had many jobs that I have hated, so I genuinely appreciate one that I love.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have had a few challenges along the way in my career. The first obstacle was that there was not anywhere to learn to do what I wanted to do. Nashville did not have any makeup schools at that time, Youtube was not a thing, and the industry was not really welcoming to new artists. So I traveled a lot to bigger cities to get the answers and training that I needed.

My other obstacle was that 14 years ago, there were not many African Americans in Nashville who worked behind the camera. So it was a lot of hard work to get my foot through the door and getting considered for jobs. I love that the industry is slowly changing. I am currently the only African American union makeup artist in TN. I am happy to say that I know for a fact this is going to change in the next couple of years.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a freelance makeup artist who works in the entertainment industry. If I had to describe my makeup style, I would say that I am somewhere between editorial and glam. What I enjoy most about my job is the variety. In one week, I might work on an ad campaign, a commercial, and a music video. I have had the opportunity to work on crews for Netflix, ABC, CBS, ESPN, Lifetime, Travel Channel, Food Network, Amazon, Apple, Sony, People, Glamour, GQ, and Chanel. I have traveled with artists for Super Bowl performances, red carpets, and press junkets. I am proud that I created a successful business from my passion. I am currently focused on gaining more experience as a makeup dept head and lead artist, which will allow me to lead makeup crews on bigger TV shows, films, and ad campaigns. I am also creating a course to teach artists to do what I do. It is basically the course I wish I had available when I first started.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest cheerleader has always been my dad. From day one, he has always told me to go after my dreams. My dad’s advice to me was “to be so good that they can not ignore you .” Being average was never an option for me.

My biggest supporter has always been my husband. He has always had my back, pushed me, and gave me the space to grow my business.

When it comes to makeup artistry, I have had many mentors throughout my career. Some of my first few mentors and teachers were Candace Corey and Dan Reed. Along my journey, words that Deshawn Hatcher, Crystal Wright, and Brady Wardlaw have poured into me have shaped how I view the makeup industry. I was able to work with Karen Jackson and under Heather Cummings, who both hired me for pivotal jobs that helped launch my career.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.sheritaleslie.com
• Instagram: @sheritaleslie
• Facebook: @sheritalesliemakeupartistry

Image Credits
Uncorked -Netflix Photo Credit-Nina Robinson