Rising Stars: Meet Ahshia Cavin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ahshia Cavin.

Hi Ahshia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for makeup and beauty stems from the lowest point in my life. When I was younger, I struggled with low self-esteem, to the point where I despised looking in the mirror!

Many scars have been left by comments such as “ugly” or “big lips.” I fell into a deep depression and have low self-esteem as a result of the constant negative comments.

When I realized how powerful makeup was, I was able to crawl out of that deep hole. It had the ability to make me feel good about myself and instill confidence in myself that I had never felt before.

I thought I needed something to “help” me be pretty. As a child, I didn’t realize the natural beauty God blessed me with.

God used my natural creativity to open my eyes to the natural beauty I saw in myself.

Yes, my ministry was born out of a difficult time in my life. God has called me to start this ministry in order to help other women who are in similar situations to me. Women who value themselves and want others to notice their natural beauty and God-given abilities.

Fast forward to August 2018, when I left corporate America to pursue my dream of being self-employed. I’ve never looked back now that I’m doing what I love. From the moment he created me, God planted a seed of creativity in me. It was created with the intention of serving HIS people.

Has it been simple? NO WAY! But it’s totally worth it. Every day is an honor and a blessing when you are walking in your God-given purpose! ! 🙌🏽

I strive to do everything in EXCELLENCE because we serve an EXCELLENT God.

When God has planted a seed in your heart, don’t let it dry out and wither away. Be sure to water it, nurture it, remove the weeds as needed and watch it blossom!

2 Timothy 1:6 “So I ask you to make full use of the gift God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a makeup artist has ALWAYS been something I was inspired to be. Back in the day, YouTube tutorials were not popular. There were no social media, and hardly anyone was willing to share their “secrets” to help you out. I had to learn by trial and error. I practiced make-up looks by watching Video Soul, MTV James, I looked in Jet, Cosmopolitan, Word Up and Ebony magazine to get my inspiration (I know I am telling my age LOL). I would do my friend’s makeup for homecoming and proms. I would offer to do wedding makeup for little to no cost. I would trade services with models and photographers just to get my name out there and build a portfolio.

A lot of people didn’t see the value in getting their makeup done and paying the price that I thought I was worth. Many people laughed at me, saying, “Why would I pay you when I can just go to the department store counter and get my makeup done?”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Makeup by Ahshia is a luxury bridal makeup experience for women who value quality and the assurance that they will look and feel their best on their wedding day! With our clients in mind, we meticulously curate our exclusive bridal and beauty experience. We will create a memorable experience while building genuine relationships with our clients from the moment you contact us to the moment you walk down the aisle.

We listen, work with your desired looks, and make your vision a reality.

I love doing makeup but when it comes to bridal makeup, this is my specialty. I will ensure that you have a memorable experience while developing a genuine relationship with my clients from the moment they contact me until the moment they walk down the aisle. I am most proud of how my clients trust me to make them look and feel beautiful for special events (especially Weddings). It is a true privilege and honor to be a part of one of the most important days in my bride’s life!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Never give up on your passion. If it keeps you up at night, if you find joy in what you do and it doesn’t feel like work then you are supposed to be doing it.

Important tips to get your career started on the right path.

1. PRACTICE to ensure you strive to give your best.

2. Invest in a mentor/coach that is in the makeup industry that has a successful track record and loves to help other artists become successful. (Should out to my coach Jenny at www.elitebridalmastery.com)

3. You MUST learn the fundamentals of makeup. I learned that makeup is not a cooker cutter. It’s much more than painting on a blank canvas. It’s not just painting on blank canvases. It’s so much more than that. Remember makeup has the power to make people feel a certain way about themselves and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I sure don’t!

I believe that each of us is endowed with a God-given gift that contains our purpose, and it is up to us to discover it. God is God, and He works all things, including your life, to accomplish his purposes. Nothing can happen unless God permits it. According to Psalm 57:2, Nothing beats figuring out your life’s purpose so you can serve others and live it to the fullest.

I’m happy to say I’m living my purpose when I help my clients feel beautiful and secure on their special day!