Daily Inspiration: Meet Leyla Shay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leyla Shay

Hi Leyla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an artist—the friend doing everyone’s makeup, offering style advice, and obsessed with beauty. But did I ever imagine being a professional makeup artist? No way! Growing up in the Midwest, especially before the rise of social media, being a makeup artist wasn’t really a common path. But 17 years ago, as I worked as a personal stylist at Saks Fifth Avenue, a Trish McEvoy regional artist approached me about joining their team. I thought, “I like makeup…why not?” And so, my journey began. Truly, the beauty industry found me, and through it, I found myself.

A lot of my success and skill comes from my background in fine arts. I studied at DePauw University in Indiana, where I majored in Fine Arts, focusing on photography and mixed media. I had incredible experiences, like learning silversmithing at the famous Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and interning in NYC with the renowned Starn Twins, where I even worked with Chuck Close and William Wegman on Polaroid’s legendary 20×24 Camera. These moments deepened my artistic knowledge, which I bring into my work today.

After college, I dove into the fashion world, starting at Saks in Charleston, SC, where I learned the art of client service with a touch of Southern charm. Eventually, I moved back to Ohio, where the slower pace in the Cincinnati Saks store led me to the makeup counter—and my introduction to Trish McEvoy. Trish McEvoy herself is an inspiration: she’s built one of the last privately owned luxury beauty brands, hands-on and boldly independent in a fast-moving industry. I didn’t realize it then, but joining her team would become a lifelong passion. Seventeen years later, I’m still a Trish McEvoy Regional Artist, the very role that launched my career. Starting my own business felt like a natural next step after years of learning from inspiring entrepreneurs. When COVID hit and I was furloughed, I had the time to map out my vision. Soon after, I found a perfect studio space at The Co-op, a women-led space in Cincinnati that’s home to other amazing entrepreneurs like my friend Meg Valentine and Rachel Hamilton. Lovely by Leyla was born, and four years later, I’m loving life! The wedding industry here in Cincinnati is thriving, and I feel honored to be part of my clients’ most special days, helping them feel like their best selves. In addition to bridal and event makeup, I’ve found my passion for teaching. During the week, I hold private and group classes, helping women simplify their routines and feel confident applying makeup for any occasion. Lovely by Leyla truly brings together everything I love: creativity, connection, and helping people see the beauty in themselves.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Self-doubt can be one of the biggest obstacles as a creative. There were countless times I held back, thinking I wasn’t talented enough or didn’t have that “main character energy,” as they say now. But with years of training and a little more life experience, I’ve learned to trust myself and believe that I deserve a seat at the table.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
It’s hard to know what you are known for, but I do think people gravitate to my energy. I have been told, being in my makeup chair is like being with a good friend, and I love hearing peoples stories, and part of what I love about falling into this form of art is that is interactive with people. When I paint a canvas, that is just me and finding inspiration can be tough. But when I hear what someone’s vibe is, what their wedding dress will look like, how they wear makeup on daily basis then I can formulate a vision and I would describe my style as Enhanced natural beauty. I try to portray the external glow we all have from what makes of shine from the inside.
I think what sets me apart is my reliability and quick response to clients, that can be hard in this industry and I have built a very trusted client base, that know I will not let them down.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best advice I can give to an aspiring makeup artist is to start in a retail beauty department. Not only does it give you access to incredible products and a wide range of clients, but it truly teaches you how to work with people. Learning makeup on YouTube is a great way to pick up techniques, but it can’t prepare you for working with different skin types, ages, and personalities—or for providing the level of customer service that retail experience brings.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lovelybyleyla.com
• Instagram: @lovelybyleyla
• Facebook: Lovely by Leyla