Meet: Marva Stephens!

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: 
My name is Marva Stephens, professionally known as MJ on the Beat. I am a Makeup Artsit & Skincare Professional based in Anne Arundel County Maryland. 

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? 
I've always been into all things beauty & vanity. What inspired me to pursue makeup professionally was my love for fashion, style, art & my creativity. I look at faces as canvases. Skincare came naturally, once I mastered how to apply makeup correctly, I became obsessed with perfecting the skin underneath. A picture is only as beautiful as its canvas, I want to make the natural canvas as flawless as my makeup application is! 

What advice would you share with those interested in a similar pursuit?
Do it! Don't talk yourself out if it just because there are many individuals in this industry. Find your niche & perfect it. & always be a student, continue to learn. 

Discuss a professional challenge and how you overcame it:
I work in the fashion show environment a lot. & there are always time constraint situations. As a professional MUA, you have to learn to be efficient & timly. Time management is key. There are also those challenges where you've just done beautiful work on a model & now she's crying! Learn to improvise & be quick in your thoughts & your process! 

What is next for your brand/business in 2017?
I really want to get my new studio, MJ's Face Atelier in Odenton, MD, well known in the area. I want to start classes to teach my makeup techniques. & of course I want to continue my work in various Fashion Week's & Television makeup. 

How can readers connect with you online and through social media
I am on instagram @ mj_on_the_beat_ 
Facebook @ MJ on the Beat - Makeup Artistry 
Website: www.mjonthebeat.com ​​