Meet Michelle Robertson | Master Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Beauty Expert/Published Author/Salon Owner & Educator

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

Hi Michelle, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My passion and ultimate goal when I entered into the beauty industry years ago was very clear and simple. It was “To change the lives of women by enhancing their beauty which will heighten their self esteem.” That I feel is the most important factor in the success of GlammCity Beauty as a brand. Women have so many challenges and insecurities that do not have a nationality, height, size, income level, status or body type attached to it. Many women suffer silently in the dark about whatever it is in life they may be going through. Simply because as women we are taught to be strong, quiet and deal with everyone’s problems as well as our own. When a client enters my salon or if I am working on set or at an event, I aim to make them forget all about their troubles and get treated like a queen for the time that I spend with them. I focus on “THE CLIENT” because when you bring out a woman’s beauty by doing her hair and makeup, you give her a new confidence that helps her to bring change into her world and into the worlds of others around her.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a completely dedicated and committed Beauty Professional, I am also a Master Stylist, Published Author, Salon Educator, Entrepreneur, Freelance Event Hair & Makeup Artist and successful owner of GLAMMCITY. With over 20 years in the beauty industry, I still continually strive to refine my craft via beauty industry education. This has afforded me the skills necessary to be successful in today’s thriving beauty industry. Born and raised in Brooklyn where I started my career in beauty, then later on in South Florida, I have worked in some of the most desired salons in New York, as well as with some of the most sought after models and photographers in Miami. For these experiences, I am grateful.

What sets me apart from others is that I believe in continuing education in the beauty industry no matter how long you’ve been at it. With the world changing so rapidly and techniques constantly evolving, beauty professionals need to be diverse in all things beauty. With that being said being able to serve people from all walks of life. I feel like I want to bring a sense of integrity, diversity and humanity to the art of hairdressing and makeup. Being a multicultural beauty professional helped me to be able to expand on my craft. Having said that, I created my own product line which just launched and that myself and my clients are super excited about called GLAMMCITY BEAUTY MULTICULTURAL HAIRCARE to serve the beauty needs of Women of all races and all cultures.

I was Inspired by beauty industry leaders such as Ted Gibson, Martin Parsons, Sam Fine and Kim Kimble, and earlier in my career being mentored by Christopher Maldonado; the legendary makeup artist to the late, great Aaliyah. I have had the pleasure and honor to be trained by some of the best in the industry. Faith Evans, Lil Kim, Venus and Serena Williams, as well as Aaliyah are some of the celebrities I have worked with in the past. My work has graced the pages of publications such as Essence, Marie Claire, Vibe, Hype Hair, Ocean Drive, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Heart & Soul and Black Men Magazine just to name a few. In addition, my work has appeared in national ad campaigns for brands such as Wilson Sporting Goods Tennis Division and Her Imports Virgin Hair. I got to where I am today by saying yes a lot to get my name out there, by showing up on time and in a professional manner, and by never giving up even when others said that what I was doing was waste of time. Simply put, I believed in myself. It was not easy, but when I focused on the gift that God gave me and understood that it was to be shared with others by serving others in a creative and beautiful way, it became easier. My faith kept me going when others would have given up sooner.

My work has also been featured in several television commercials namely “McDonald’s”, music videos, fashion shows such as “Miami Swim Week”, T.V. shows such as “Model Latina Miami” and album covers for a few major recording artists. I also worked as a professional makeup artist for M.A.C for over six years, as well as with other well known cosmetics companies. Those were some of the most exciting times in my career. Seeing my name in publications and working with amazing people whom I looked up to. I have learned many lessons along the way, but by far the most important lesson that I have learned is to be teachable. Sometimes in order to be a leader, you have to learn how to be a student for a while.

My philosophy is beauty from the inside out and my lifelong mission, vision and total commitment as I mentioned is to change the lives of women by enhancing their beauty, which will heighten their self-esteem. While enjoying the fabulous weather in Miami, I am presently in the process of finishing up my second book, along with the development of a multitude of other exciting projects, assignments and beauty products. My first book “Hair Biz: Tales of a New York Hairdresser” is now available at Amazon.com in paperback and kindle version. What I would like people to know about my brand and story is that you can create the life you want in the beauty industry with patience, focus and humility. Ego serves no purpose unless it is healthy like having quiet confidence. I would also want people to know that putting a little touch of class, elegance and glamour on things in the beauty industry never hurt especially when it comes to serving others. The profession of cosmetology has been given a stigma that we are all creative types who are unprofessional, inconsistent and unreliable. I want to change that by serving others in a gorgeous and dignified manner.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 – Bar One Miami for the turn up and great food.
Day 2 – Fountainbleu for drinks.
Day 3 – Up to Fort Lauderdale for dinner at Kaluz on the water.
Day 4 – Hollywood Beach to tan like a Goddess and people watch.
Day 5 – The Adrianne Arsch Center for a fabulous show.
Day 6 – Blowouts at Drybar for fun, giggles and a little Glamm before heading to the 80’s dance club to dance to the oldies!
Day 7 – The Spa at the Lowes Miami Beach for facials and the wind down before going home

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to my loving Grandmother Mrs. Edna Robertson. I thank God everyday for her crystalized intelligence and her wisdom. I do not think that I would be half the woman I am today if I had not been raised by her. The values and morals that she has instilled in me are part of the reason why I am able to navigate through life and treat others as I would like to be treated. She took care of me when I was coming up and my motto is simple in regards to her. “Take care of those who took care of you!” The highlight of my visits to New York is always seeing my precious Grandmother. Just sitting with her, listening to her old school wisdom and giggling with her about the good old days in Brooklyn always keeps me grounded. I take great pleasure in giving simple acts of kindness to her like doing her hair or serving her coffee. It makes her smile and it gives me even more of a sense of purpose. She makes focus on what’s really important in life and she reminds me that love, kindness, forgiveness and giving is not a momentary trend or convenience, but are ways of being that never goes out of style. ❤️

Website: www.glammcity.com

Instagram: @glammcity and @glammcitybeauty

Linkedin: @glammcity

Facebook: @glammcitybeauty

Youtube: @glammcitybeauty

Other: https://michellerobertson.onfabrik.com/