Shiedha Williams and Tonique Chadwick have one mission: to make women look and feel as gorgeous as they are.
And they’re doing just that with Hellooo Gorgeous — one beat at a time. In additional to the beauty classes and personal makeup services they provide for weddings and special occasions, their newly launched brand of lipsticks will help you “Slay,” look “Gawjus” or say “I Do.”
Launching a business is no easy feat for two women who also maintain full-time professional roles. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and in this case — makeup. But the work has paid off for them, as they’re now considered some of the most sought-after makeup artists in the Washington, D.C., area.
The sky is the limit for these two, and the lipstick line is the start of it. The dynamic duo are looking to increase their product line in 2017 and beyond.
Get to know Hellooo Gorgeous through one of its founders, Shiedha Williams.
What year were you founded?
Hellooo Gorgeous was founded in 2012.
What inspired you to launch your business?
Both founders met while working for a popular makeup brand and decided that if they were going to work that hard, it should be for their own company! A year later, Hellooo Gorgeous was founded. We are inspired by our clients and the need for professional makeup services from trusted professionals in the beauty industry.
What makes your brand/product unique?
Our product is unique because we were 100% involved in selecting and perfecting the colors in our collection. This was important to us because, as working makeup artists, we knew the colors that were necessary to complete a gorgeous makeup look. Often times, large cosmetic brands come out with colors without feedback from formally-trained artists. Each color is in our signature creamy-matte formula which is moisturizing to the lips and long-lasting for wear-ability.
Why should everyone #buyblack this holiday season?
Everyone should buy black this season, because every time you buy black, you are investing in someone’s dreams, which is the best gift of all!
How do you pay it forward within your community?
One of our founders, Tonique, has Multiple Sclerosis. As a company, we make an effort to support the MSWALK every year in Washington, D.C., and have planned initiatives to support research for this disease. Additionally, Hellooo Gorgeous is routinely involved in offering our services to women in need as well as speaking and encouraging D.C. youth. Most recently, we spoke at the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program encouraging young creatives to follow their passion.
What is your business mantra?
“Curating makeup responsible for double-takes and winks!”
Kimberly Wilson is a writer and social media director at theGrio. Follow her on Twitter.