MEMPHIS — Dreams really do come true.
Surely, Shaqueena Cleveland can greatly attest to this awe-inspiring, life-enhancing notion.
Consider, for instance, how Cleveland, a Mid-South-area businesswoman during an exclusive interview with Making Headline News this week, explained in great detail her proverbial competitive drive in life that essentially has given way to an array of endeavors about which she’s pursued.
“It has allowed me the opportunity to work harder to pursue my dream,” Cleveland said. I have always dreamed of owning my own business. It started with pursing my education.”
For what it’s worth, it is due in large part to her unyielding, relentless perseverance, coupled with her steadfast commitment to educational excellence that have contributed mightily to Cleveland having become a well-rounded instructor for the Institute of Make Up Arts.
Located at 5728 Stage Road, Suite 7 in Bartlett, Tennessee, the Institute of Make Up Arts featured mission is to help students reach their maximum potential as the next generation of makeup artists, according to a detailed description of the school at www.imuapro.com. In addition, this institution strives to educate makeup artists in a variety of media while simultaneously using what is described as Queen Cosmetics.
“We provide students with all of the skills needed to succeed as makeup artists and to give them a solid foundation for any job they seek,” according to a spokesperson for the Institute of Make Up Arts. “In addition, students are taught professionalism, ethics, business, and history.”
Also, Cleveland’s professional makeup institute places a strong emphasis on offering training and certification to those who have a passion for the makeup industry, particularly those who aspire to find their niche in the professional industry of beauty, television, film and other special events and career endeavors.
A native of Shelby, Mississippi and a graduate of Delta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Cleveland emphasized that her school offers two notable programs, both of which are full-time and part-time or, in a nutshell, freelance makeup artistry and fashion makeup artistry.
The institute also offers business-related hands on courses, she said, and that at the end each session, the students style with live models, or basically what Cleveland described as “a style of real life experiences” that give pupils the confidence and motivation essential for the industry as makeup artists.
Freelance Makeup Artistry, she said, focuses on beauty and glamour techniques and is most suited for those who are interested in bridal, special events, private salons, photography and pageants. Conversely, she said that Fashion Makeup Artistry focuses on high fashion techniques and is most suited for those interested in runway, entertainment, photography, television, bridal, commercial, and spa/salon industries.
Interesting enough, Cleveland said her school’s programs are less than $2,000 for full sessions and classes are offered day, night and weekends.
CHECK OUT THE IMUA ONLINE: https://www.imuapro.com/
“In this evolving billion dollars industry, it is our mission to provide the finest training and create professionally trained artist to work in various careers,” said Cleveland, whom, in 2010, earned a Master’s degree in Science of Accountancy from University of Phoenix, then became fully licensed and in 2017 from the Academy of Makeup Arts. “Regardless of the path you choose, we have been there and our accomplished artists can help you get there too. We welcome students from all over the world.”
Having been actively involved in the professional makeup artist industry for more than two decades, Cleveland’s expertise and keen professionalism have allowed her to put her immeasurable skills on display in a slew of Southeastern states. “However, I have had people from West Africa and Paris, France and Mexico to inquire of the services,” she said.
In addition, she said arguably her biggest supporters during her stellar career have been her husband, Johnnie Cleveland, Tamika Turner, owner of the Institute of Beauty, her sister, Melody Robinson-Henry, and the Apostle Joseph Young and Gloria Igue.
Moreover, Cleveland said a new school is about to go into operations and that the first class will take place on September.
Also, the Institute of Make Up Arts will be hosting its’ inaugural Pretty Face Competition on November 4 at 4:30 pm at a time and location to be determined.
According to Cleveland, the event will showcase the talent of makeup artists throughput the Memphis metropolitan area and that participants can begin registering for the event on August 1 at www.imuapro.com.
“Once I obtained my degrees and certifications, I knew that I could not stop there,” Cleveland said. “My hunger for success and my drive to obtain more encouraged me to set my sight on the sky because that was my only limit. After I obtained my masters, I begin working as an accountant for Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, a very prestigious and awesome company.”
To her distinctly unique credit, one monumental endeavor ultimately led to another.
Look at her today, diligently walking in the divine purpose for which God created her.
Yes… dreams really do come true.
MAKING HEADLINE NEWS SALUTE TO SHAQUEENA CLEVELAND:
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Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.