As you can tell from some of my recent posts, Three Custom Color Specialists is one of my new favorite brands and I find myself sporting at least one of their products quite a bit of the time! I'm so honored to bring you an interview with Trae Bodge, co-founder of Three Custom Color Specialists - a new inspiration to me, as a woman of color who owns her own beauty brand and is a renowned makeup artist. Enjoy!
Trae Bodge has over 20 years' experience in the beauty business. In addition to serving as Creative Director for Three Custom Color Specialists, a brand she co-founded in 1997, Trae specializes in clean, flawless makeup for bridal and fashion and she has been featured in Elle, Lucky, Marie Claire, Vibe Vixen, Upscale and Essence and on NBC, ABC, LXTV's First Look, Glow! on the Style Network and QVC UK as a pioneer in independent-brand cosmetics.
1) What hardships have you experienced in the beauty industry, as a woman of color? Not many, to be honest. My only challenging experience I faced based on my ethnicity and gender was many years ago when I worked for a family-owned company. One of the owners was from another generation and leery of working with women in general and women of color in particular. I made it part of my job to allay those fears and suspicions.
2) How has being a woman of color helped you in building a beauty career? I think because I have had my own share of beauty challenges with my own skin tone, I make it a priority to be aware of the challenges that women of all skin tones face. But that being said, any serious makeup artist should have a solid understanding of all skin tones, what colors work on them, etc.
3) Women of color historically have been underserved by the beauty industry. What changes are you seeing in this regard? What changes do you think still need to be made? I think that there have been great strides made in recent years in the beauty business. The first major step was with the introduction of makeup lines made specifically for women of color, like Fashion Fair and Flori Roberts. From there, many makeup companies have become more "global" with their color selections. I still think that there is more progress to be made, however. As a business owner, I understand the challenges that brands face when they try to carry shades for every skin tone - it's not often practical from a monetary standpoint, but I think it's important from a human relations and customer service aspect. When we launched Three Custom Color Specialists, my partners and I made it a priority to offer colors for women of all skin tones. This continues to be the cornerstone of our business philosophy.
4) Who has been your biggest inspiration and why? My mom. She is a driven woman who lets nothing stand in her way, who raised me with the belief that I could achieve anything I wanted to. She has always held me to a high standard and has been unfailingly supportive of my endeavors and proud of my achievements. I hope to be as good a mother to my daughter!
5) What tips can you give other women, particularly women of color, who are seeking to enter the beauty industry? For women - be good at what you do. Be willing to apprentice at the beginning and learn everything you can from those more experienced that you. Be open to criticism as there is always something to learn no matter your level of experience. If you plan to launch a product or start a business, it's not enough to have a good idea. Make sure your idea has longevity and that you have the knowledge to grow from where you've started (and if you don't, make sure you are willing to admit your weaknesses and build a team of people who can contribute what you cannot).
For women of color - Always feel pride for who you are and where you came from, but don't use your ethnicity as a crutch or consider it a hindrance. It should only be an issue if you choose to make it one.
6) Name the products you think every woman of color needs in her beauty wardrobe. This is for all women! High quality, effective skin care (with high SPF for daytime). I am partial to Aveno, Clinique, Olay and Kiehl's.
The perfect Concealer, a face powder (translucent or pigmented), Brow Gel (clear or tinted), an edited collection of lip colors, eye shadows, liners and blushes that give you flexibility with different clothing colors or for different occasions. I am partial, of course, to Three Custom Color Specialists, and our products and makeup consultations, but I encourage every woman to seek the advice of a professional makeup artist at least once every couple of years.
Right now I am loving: Three Custom Color Specialists Concealer #6, Face Powder #4, Clear Brow Gel, Pink Fizz Lip Gloss and Tai Lip Shine (due out in mid-Oct), Poppy Lip & Cheek Stain, Warm Camel and Cool Aubergine Eye Shadows, Black and Navy Eye Pencils and Dark Clarifier Pencil
7) Talk about your idea of beauty. Share your beauty philosophy. I love makeup and what makeup can achieve, but I do believe that beauty comes from the inside out. Respect yourself and others, be true to yourself and be the best person you can be and you will feel more beautiful. Then consult a makeup artist and learn how to play up your features. Have fun expressing yourself yourself with makeup!
Thank you so much for sharing with my reading audience, Trae!
