Meet Shantel Challenger | Pro Makeup Artist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shantel Challenger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shantel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
If it wasn’t for risks, I would’ve never started. Risk taking is what stretches my faith and trust in God. Risks truly show me the meaning of “faith without works is dead.” It catapults me into another level of understanding when it comes to needing God’s grace and strength. Grace, which is undeserved but gives me the ability to work effectively and in excellence. Strength, which helps me to push through even when I feel like giving up. Because truth is, sometimes I do. But when you take risks, you’re allowing room for growth in character and skillset. It allows you to learn the ropes beforehand and gives the ability to make changes. When it comes to taking risks, you should be using wisdom and asking the Holy Spirit if it’s the right move. The last thing we want is to waste time. In the end, taking risks is always a worthwhile learning experience, especially if you’re committed to the cause.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a professional makeup artist with 6 years experience as of February 2022. When I first started makeup, I didn’t have a sense of direction for my artistry until I started seeing a need for soft and timeless makeup applications for women of color. Where I’m from, heavy and unnatural makeup applications were most requested. However, I love simply enhancing our God-given beauty and making sure every client knows that she’s fearfully and wonderfully made. After investing in courses, practicing every chance I got, and diversifying my portfolio, I can honestly say that I’ve mastered skin that glows from within. It took a lot of investing, trial and error, and starting over to get to where I am today. However, my last name is literally Challenger so with the leading of the Holy Spirit, I tackle these challenges and grow from them. Some lessons I’ve learned thus far is that we can’t depend on our own strength. We need the grace of God to accomplish things in excellence and with peace. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to restructure and reassess my game plan. Things are forever evolving and can change at any moment. Through it all, just remain consistent and integral. Most importantly, allow God to truly be your CEO. Not just in your business, but your life as well!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Woop woop! All my girls are in town and we want to explore the beautiful city of Houston. The first stop has to be the one and only Breakfast Club for a laid-back brunch. After brunch, we can shop until we drop at the Galleria Mall which is biggest shopping mall in Texas. After a long day adventures and selfies galore, it’s time to check-in at Post Oak—a 5 star luxury hotel which includes an amazing spa and restaurant to lounge at in the evening. I’m all in for exhilarating attractions! With that being said, we definitely have to go horseback riding at Cypress Trails or take a swim at Splashtown Waterpark. Last but not least, we can add the finishing touch to this eventful weekend by enjoying some world famous stuffed turkey legs at Turkey Leg Hut.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Aside from Jesus, my immediate family and best friends would have to get this shoutout. A support system is truly needed being that we weren’t created to do life alone. I can truly say that all the prayers, love, verbal and physical support have motivated me to keep on pushing.

Website: shannjaibeauty.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/shannjaibeauty

Facebook: facebook.com/shannjaibeauty

Youtube: YouTube.com/shannjaii