Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolette Stewart.
Hi Nicolette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been in creativity growing up. At one point I thought I would do hair and makeup when I grow up. However, college came…but while in college (FAMU) I was in a modeling troupe (FACES) and some of that love for makeup and hair came up again. Later in college, I needed community service hours. I would volunteer at Boys and Girls Club with my Public Relations group. I would sign up for Face Painting almost every time. I always noticed how this was always a popular thing at almost every event. The lines were always long. I always thought it was cool …a different type of makeup. In the Summer, of my senior year while pregnant. I Googled Face Painting in my area and called the owner. I told her I was interested in learning and working. She embraced me with full arms. I came to her house, and she taught me the basics, gave me supplies and would practice as a team twice a week. I was given the entertainment name “Glitter” after “Sparkle” wasnt available. After three weeks, I would paint under her at restaurants during the week for tips and food. Then eventually, back to school drives and fall festivals for tips. After a year after graduation and with son and husband. We moved back to my hometown Jacksonville. I had a desire to start painting again. I started creating marketing and free website and named business in 2011 “Nic and Nac’s face paintings” inspired by my son. With inspiration it would be our full thriving entertainment business one day. I started posting on Craigslist, news paper and word of mouth started. Then I wanted to polish my craft, I went to Google again and Googled Face Painting in my area. And I connected with “Amazing Face Painting by Linday” she was a blessing too! We met at an Arbys off Atlantic with my son and she gave me brushes and taught me how to paint with sponges. Sponge painting was a game changer! She introduced me to the entertainment community. We would meet monthly at Make Believe Costume. I got so inspired and learned so much! I started getting bookings out of town, local events and then I got burnt out when I had my daughter and a demanding job. My mom told me to take a break, I did and it went dormant on and off with maybe 1-2 customers a year. In 2022 I slowly picked it back up and started re-branding, “Fantasy Face Paintings and More was created. Not knowing this was right on time after loosing my fulltime job beginning of 2023 and becoming pregnant with child number 4. I told myself, I would not let my business become dormant this time. I showed up more online and in-person. My business started picking up and we were able to add more services. I also, reconnected with community. This keeps me inspired and booked as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been up and down. I have met so many genuine people that will pour into you and actually help. It’s not common anymore, these days you have to buy this ebook, course, coffee and etc. You know when you are in the right circle when people genuine help and want to see you win. I believe community and not doing it alone helps. I have imposter syndrome sometimes, and I’m told to charge my worth. I still struggle with getting consistent t customers. I had to start working a 9-5 August 2025 because my business wasn’t producing enough to sustain and contribute to house hold. So, now I’m building, learning and growing and one day I will be a successful full time Mompreneur.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a professional since September 2015 I’ve been in HR Marketing. Marketing has always been my core, I started off in college with a passion to work in a huge firm like Boomerang or Gina in Martin. I specialize in connecting with humans and seeing people. I’m naturally a connector. I’m proud of being able to get along with everyone and being discriminative. What sets me apart from most is being able to go along with the flow and get along with everyone.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My church family was a big impact. My youth leaders and worship leaders helped mold me in a big way. They poured into me that I had high standards. While in college and even as an adult I could hear sayings that were said from talks pulled aside, said at youth lock-ins, hair appointments, Sunday School and fellowship halls. In college, when I changed my major to Public Relations from full blown marketing. I had a female professor, Prof. Kinchlow and Dr. Gordon. They were tough but was getting us prepared for the real world. I appreciated their realness and their love for us to do everything with excellence. Last, my sister has always been like a mother to me. She planted small seeds that blossomed into me doing things I’ve never imagined like going to college, singing, being in pageants, being in modeling troupes and getting in sales.
Pricing:
- starting at $125hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/frugalfash/
