#GIRLBOSS SPOTLIGHT: STACEY NICOLEAU
/Written by: Kabrea Thomas
Meet Stacey Nicoleau, she’s a makeup fanatic that just so happen to start her own cosmetic company. Not only does she own a cosmetic company that makes you look good, but also makes you feel good too! Read all about how this #girlboss paved her way, and how she learned all about her love for cosmetics.
Kabrea Thomas : When starting Mademoiselle Mackenzie Cosmetics what was the most challenging obstacle for you?
Stacey Nicoleau: The most challenging obstacle for me was work, life balance. Giving my business 100% of myself, having a 9 to 5 job and being mentally present, maintaining my personal everyday tasks and spiritual life was difficult to balance. Each of these things can stand alone and consume much of you. Finding the balance from season to season and year to year still looks different for me five years later.
KT: What’s the story behind the name Mademoiselle Mackenzie?
SN: Mademoiselle is French for “Miss” in English. For me it simply represents rejuvenation, sophistication and youth regardless of age or marital status. Those were some of the sensations that I wanted people to experience when wearing my cosmetics. Since my teenage years “Mackenzie” has been the name that I said I would name my daughter in the future. Spiritually it means “radiant one” which serves as the inspiration of our motto, “Dipped In Color. Twirled In Radiance” In launching my business I said to myself if I didn’t have a daughter then I would still birth the name with its purpose.
KT: When did your love for makeup start?
SN: My love for makeup started at the tender age of six years old. I was so intrigued watching my mother apply makeup. I was highly fascinated by red lipstick and how it transforms your look. I would play in her makeup when she wasn’t around and she learned quickly that she would have to hide it from me. Well the more she hid it, the more intrigued I became. I looked forward to my dance school recitals because that was the only time she would let me wear makeup without getting in trouble. It was a curiosity that grew into my passion.
KT: What’s your favorite product in the Mademoiselle Mackenzie Cosmetics line? Why?
SN: My favorite product right now in our line is the “Fringe” lipgloss. It’s a rosy-nude shade of perfection. It is sophisticated enough for a special occasion but yet subtle and sheer enough for the makeup minimalist. It is an effortless application and it smells really nice as well.
KT: If you had to rank which makeup application is most important ( to you ) in a particular order, how would you? ( Foundation, Lipstick, Mascara, Blush and Eyeshadow )
SN: Foundation, Mascara, Lipstick, Eyeshadow and then Blush.
KT: For those who don’t wear makeup, but want to get started, what are some pointers you’d suggest when wearing beginner friendly makeup?
SN: It can be intimidating to look at a full face of makeup and believe that you could never master the application yourself. I like to enforce that a little bit of makeup goes a long way especially if you don’t desire to wear a full face of makeup. In my opinion, eyes are a great feature of the face to start with. Familiarize yourself with putting on mascara. It will bring fullness and length to your lashes which in turn brightens your eyes for a more appealing and vibrant look. Lipstick and lip gloss should be fun. Lip gloss is an effortless application that doesn’t require much tweaking. Starting off with a shade that you love and then buying a lipstick color that pairs well with it is always great. I recommend knowing which shades of lipstick best complements your complexion with foundation on and which shades better suits you without any foundation on. When purchasing a foundation from a store it is recommended not to purchase it that day even if you like it. Spend a few hours with it on and in different lighting to see if you still feel the same way about it. If you still love it before you wash it off then go back and purchase it. Cosmetic store lighting is not the same as your lighting at home or at work.
KT: Are you a lip gloss kind of girl or lipstick? Is there a difference between the two?
SN: Although I usually just have time for lip gloss if I am on the go, at heart I am definitely a lipstick girl. There is definitely a difference between lip gloss and lipstick. Lip gloss has a more shiny and luster slick finish with easy application. Lipstick is highly pigmented and has different finishes such as creamy, matte, metallic, satin. Depending on the finish it may be harder to completely remove than lipstick.
KT: In October 2019 you added another title to your belt, you’re now an author. Tell us what that process was like for you.
SN: Yes, I did! The book is called Soaring Beyond the 9 to 5. Although the title speaks for itself it is essentially a few female authors who have collaboratively shared their stories of their success outside of having a 9 to 5 job. Initially for me, the idea of becoming an author and having a chapter of my own in this book was highly exciting. However, through the many rough drafts, I found myself struggling with transparency. I was fearful of putting too much of my personal business in the book with the possibility of being judged or misunderstood. I quickly grew to understand that my transparency would make the reader connect to my story and not feel alone in whatever obstacles they may be facing. I’m glad that I let go of my fear as so many people have told me what an inspiration it was and how they were able to relate. That is more rewarding than having the title of being an author.
KT: Congratulations! You’ve been in business for 5 years now, what are 5 things you know now about entrepreneurship that you didn’t before?
SN: Thank you so much!!!
1. Even when you don’t see progress, consistency is still key.
2. The way you plan, manage and execute things for your business is essentially how you will plan personal goals in your life.
3. Be careful with whom you do business with. Some business collaborations will only devalue your brand that you worked so hard to establish.
4. Entrepreneurship will change the circle of people you mostly associate with, especially if they are
not motivated or goal oriented.
5. Experiences will often teach you and humble you at the same time.
KT: Where do you want Mademoiselle Mackenzie Cosmetics to be 3 years from now?
SN: God willing, three years from now Mademoiselle Mackenzie Cosmetics will have extended to skincare from just makeup. Perhaps even something for the fellas! So many things to work on before that point but just saying it brings a big smile on my face and warmth to my heart.
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