Before Jamaican-born, Florida-raised celebrity makeup artist Sheika Daley ascended into the world of beauty, she focused on science and math. During her four years at Boyd Anderson High School, the Fort Lauderdale native was part of the International Baccalaureate “IB” program, and, during those formative years, spent time preparing for a career as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. That’s until she started experimenting with makeup in her senior year, acting as her younger sister’s personal MUA.

After studying at Florida A&M University for a year, she transferred to Florida Atlantic University. This return to South Florida helped her discover solace in a makeup brush over a pair of potential scrubs; she recalled how her mother’s path in life as an artist and painter had been much more influential than she initially thought. Deciding that makeup was the route, she took a job in the beauty department at a local Victoria’s Secret; and then moved to M·A·C Cosmetics and, finally, adult entertainment club, Tootsie’s Cabaret in Miami Gardens. There, Sheika became the go-to makeup artist for the dancers and worked a 5PM- 3AM shift, seven days a week.

Knowing that the strip club wasn’t a place she wanted to be – nor one that would be accepted by the industry – she transitioned out. She was signed to Ford Model’s artist division, cementing her as a professional makeup artist, and her agent suggested a transition to Chicago. Luckily, this move proved lucrative as she would go on to work on campaigns for Target, Sears, Kohl’s, and JCPenney. Eventually, she landed a spot on The Oprah Winfrey Show, starting with a Housewives segment that became a permanent gig. Six months after Oprah, she moved to New York City, and her star has been on a steady rise since.

Where did you receive your training, and how did that experience help shape your career? 

In a way, I can say M·A·C is where I was trained. I say “sort of” because the brand was all about selling the product; that is what they taught us. So it was all about numbers and not much about makeup techniques. But to their credit, they would send all the artists to a brand conference called “Update” twice a year. Update is where we would learn the new trends seen during fashion week and about the professional makeup artist behind the scenes. In addition, they had their own version of a “Masterclass,” which taught bridal and celebrity makeup. I must credit my mother, and I didn’t realize it at the time, but I fell in love with makeup when I was eight because of her. She spent many days and nights doing me and my childhood friend’s makeup for our ballet recitals.

How would you describe your signature look, and what about your style sets you apart from other makeup artists?

I’ve been told my signature is beautiful glowy, hydrated skin. What sets me apart from others? It is the way I go above and beyond to customize each routine for every individual client I work with. I say this with no intent to mock anyone else and kudos to them, but I do not believe in putting the same stamp on every single person. When applying makeup, people should look like themselves, just a better version of themselves.

Who inspires you?

First and foremost, Pat McGrath. I grew up loving her; she’s not just a makeup artist but an entire mogul. For her to be a Black Caribbean woman allowed me to see myself having a chance to excel in this field. Kevyn Aucoin is someone I’ve consistently watched over the years. Photos from his book lined the walls at my station when I worked in the club; the girls would take inspiration from there. Then, there’s Billy B and Danessa Myricks. She’s doing amazing things with her brand and product line. Gucci Westman, Bobbi Brown, Dick Page, Kabuki, and Sam Fine. All these people are where my bar lived and still lives.

Do you practice pushing boundaries, or are you comfortable with where you’re at in your craft?

No, I want it all! I’m not afraid to say it, and I purposely put it out in the universe so that God will align it for me. I’ve worked hard to get to where I’m at in my ability and career as an artist. That said, I want to make waves with my own product line that I’m currently working on. I’ve been slowly inching my way into fashion shows, and LaQuan Smith has been instrumental in my crossover to that side of the industry along with my team for the last four seasons.

Someday, and sooner than later, I want to become an Emmy/Oscar award-winning makeup artist, and for that to transpire, I have to be in film and television. I started dabbling in that about four years ago. It’s not all about me. I want to give back and educate the kids coming up behind me by providing a detailed outlook on what they’ll need to know and expect to succeed in this space. It’s an actual business behind it, and they need to know how to go about having health insurance, life insurance, paying taxes, etc.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

For me, it’s the pressure I place on myself to deliver every single time. The further you go and the higher you climb in this world of beauty, the higher the expectations become. It can be a little nerve-wracking sometimes because the client is expecting something before I even walk in the door, and not only that, but I must exceed that expectation every single time. It’s a visual industry, so my work is being put on display, and if it isn’t perfect, the whole world gets to critique it, and you can’t escape those comments.

Your social media tells a story of the women you’ve worked with, including Zendaya, Beyonce, Savannah James, Jodie Smith, Lala, etc. How’d you land into the celebrity world? 

It started with Trina, the Rapper, when I went on tour with her. Having Trina as my first celebrity artist introduced me to life on the road and taught me to work on the fly, such as on airplanes and other scenarios. After that, word of mouth traveled; from there, I worked with Kelly Rowland, we bonded and built a friendship seamlessly. Through Kelly, I was granted the opportunity to work with Serena Williams on her first book tour, and then came Lala. Shortly after I started working with Lala, Brandy and Monica followed. My relationships continued to blossom, as seen with Jodie.

You work with Zendaya quite often. How did this relationship come about, and what are you usually trying to achieve with her look?

When I met Z, she was a baby “young teen” on Disney. I remember getting a call asking me to work with her. I remember saying her name out loud around my son, and he started freaking out. The excitement was on another level. I flew to Los Angeles for the project, a Material Girl shoot she was a part of with Madonna for Macy’s. This was our first time working together, and we built a bond that day and kept at it.

Z is 25 now, which means I’ve been working with her for over a decade. We curate looks for her; more recently, she has formed clear visions of how she wants each look executed. For those wondering I use special Lancôme products that were formulated for her specifically on her skin. Law Roach is instrumental in the final product as well; wardrobe comes first, then hair and makeup are organically built.

You mentioned the Emmys and Oscars earlier. Have you ever been interested in doing makeup for fantasy films? Think Tim Burton films like Alice in Wonderland, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands.

Oh my God! Yes! Yes! That is precisely what I want to do. The fantasy movies you mentioned, plus Charlie, The Chocolate Factory, and Maleficent. I hope God allows me those opportunities, especially since they recently announced a remake of The Wizard of Oz. I know my strengths and my teams, and we are ready for this opportunity to present itself.

What advice can you give prospective individuals thinking about an education and a career as a makeup artist?

I can give the advice given to me, which is something Oprah said when I was working for her show back in Chicago: “Do your best, and the right people are going to notice.” I tell everyone to never turn down any job they’re offered. I don’t care how small it seems or how little you’re making versus. the amount you feel you deserve to make. You never know who will be at that small job that you thought nothing of; that person could change your life and the trajectory of your career.

These opportunities are steps to the next level. That’s not just advice; that’s also my outlook regarding my career because I’m still trying to grow. Be on time no matter how late the talent is. Mind your business because every conversation isn’t meant for you to join in on and have a clean kit. There’s a level of militancy and decorum you need to have.

IG: @officialsheiks