“Beauty & Brains” featuring Celebrity Makeup Artist Sophie West

“I want to be remembered as someone who is authentically herself, talented, and a kind person.”

– Sophie West

I am super excited for this next feature of  “Beauty & Brains”! Sometimes you can’t just sit around and wait for someone to open a chair for you at the table. You may have to take that first step, bet on yourself, and bring your own chair to the table. And that is exactly what my next feature did. She knew she had the talent, all she needed was an oppportunity. She is the perfect example of going after what you want.

Ms. West has been a Makeup Artist for some of your favorite television shows such as Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Dish Nation. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to speak with Ms.West about her journey thus far. Check out my interview with Ms. West below, & see what projects she is currently working on! Enjoy!

1. Hello! Please let everyone know who you are! What is your full name?

Hello Everyone! My name is Sophie Nicole West

2. Where were you born & raised? Did your upbringing have an influence on you wanting to join the beauty industry?

I was born in Spain because my dad played basketball overseas, but I was raised in LaGrange, Georgia. I was always an artistic child, so my parents always made sure I had access to express my creativity and were always supportive. So definitely my upbringing had an influence on being artistic which ultimately led me to the beauty industry.

3. How did you get your start in the Industry? Who was your first “ Big” Client, and when did you know you “ Made it” in the Beauty Industry?

Before I started working on television, I sent Shay Johnson who appeared on Flavor of Love and Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, a direct message on Instagram asking her if she needed anyone to do her makeup and she responded the same day and actually needed someone to do her makeup at that moment. So I met up with her that day to do her makeup, and she loved it. After that, she would take me to all the events in Atlanta and exposed me to a lot of different agencies who work for these shows. So I’m grateful for her giving me that chance. I went from working a beauty counter at the mall to working on different television and movie sets. I remember quitting my job because what I made one day on set was what I would make one week at the mall, so I had to take a bet on myself and I’m glad I did.

4. Do you feel any pressure when it comes to making sure everything is on point with your client’s makeup, especially if its for a television show or movie production?

Not really because after working in the beauty industry for some years now, you know what products work and don’t work and you just have to trust your craft. A lot of my clients I’ve had for years, so I have developed personal relationships with them. When I have new clients, I ask a lot of questions to make sure I meet their needs. It is my job to make sure my clients leave happy because when you look good you feel good. Overall I really enjoy what I do, and no matter the set or environment I’m in, I try to make it an enjoyable experience.

5. What advice would you give someone trying to pursue a career in the Beauty Industry?

Make Connections… Build relationships… & always continue to work on your craft because this is an industry that is always evolving. Trends are always changing so you want to make sure you’re not stagnant and doing the same type of makeup from 3 or 5 years ago. Know yourself and capabilities. Make sure you feel confident in being able to work on different types of skin.

6. What are your daily essentials and fashion staples that you must have?

SKINCARE! It is really important to invest in your skin. You can put as much makeup on your face as you want, but for that flawless finish, it is important to have a good skin care regimen. I have oily skin so I use a clay-based cleanser, witch hazel toner, eye cream, and a good moisturizer are my beauty must-haves.

Fashion-wise… ACCESSORIES! Accessories really bring an outfit together. I like to wear a lot of bodysuits and boy shorts, and how you pair things together can make your outfit look high end.

7. What projects are you currently working on? And are there any upcoming projects that you are involved in, that we can look forward to seeing?

I’ve been able to work on a lot of different sets which I am grateful for. The ones I’ve worked for consistently are but not limited to is Dish Nation that comes on Fox weekdays, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, and Growing Hip Hop Atlanta. An upcoming project that I was able to work is the Coming to America sequel that comes out in December. I really enjoyed working on that set and recreating classic looks on some of the characters.

8. Apart from makeup, is there anything else that you would like to tap into?

Yes! I was actually a Fashion major in college, but since working in the beauty industry, I have not been able to tap into it how I would like to. But now I am slowly focusing on that extension of myself since it is a passion of mine. I have a lot of cool and exciting things coming up that I’m excited to share soon with everyone that will really show the different sides of me.

9. At the end of the day, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind for people to remember you by?

I want to be remembered as someone who is authentically herself, talented, and a kind person. In 5-10 years I really want to maximize my full potential. I don’t know what the limit is, but I know I haven’t tapped into all of it yet, so I am excited to see what the future holds. The sky is the limit!

10. How can people get in contact with you via email or social media outlets?

Website: http://www.sophiewestbeauty.com/

Instagram: @sophiemua

As Always…Thanks for Reading!

-Madam Koverage