"The Sky's the Limit" -Glam Gig Icon, Felicia Walker-Benson

Looking back over my career in fashion, I can honestly say that each career move I made was a result of networking. Last year, I was fortunate to meet Felicia Walker-Benson while networking at the New York Women In Communications conference in NYC. I immediately knew Felicia was someone that I'd want to build a professional relationship with. We exchanged business cards and I emailed her the next day.

Since our first exchange of emails, Felicia has become one of my dearest mentors. I've learned that she is not only a great mentor, but she is a budding beauty entrepreneur too! Felicia is the founder of ThisThatBeauty and also teaches on makeup and all things beauty. She will be speaking at The Artist Summit Miami Oct 3-5th, and The Artist Summit Chicago Oct 10-12th. For more information and to purchase tickets for The Artist Summit please visit their website. Felicia will be leading a panel discussion on "Beauty and the Blog" during the Miami and Chicago conference.

I found this interview with Felicia The Powder Group's blog . Thanks for such a great interview of such a great person!

How have you kept your career growing in a challenging economy?

I’ve managed to stay busy by leveraging my networks and optimizing opportunities. I also focus on being useful to others. If you are useful, others will see your value and seek your services. I am always asking, “How can I be useful”, “How can this person/brand use me”. If others have a reason to “use” you...your career will flourish. Focus on what you can offer others…as opposed to what others can offer you!

Is there a project you have worked on that you are especially proud of?

I recently had the opportunity to work as Creative Director of Makeup/Lead Artist for a Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week show (the Vessel by Lois Samuels). This was a great honor and a dream come true. As Creative Director of Makeup, it was my responsibility to design the runway makeup look, partner with the makeup sponsor to select colors, and lead a talented team of artists. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was the makeup sponsor…they’re truly an amazing partner! (sidebar: I am a HUGE fan of the Youngblood Mineral Foundation! Felicia shared some with me and I'm hooked!)

What are you working on today?

I just recently covered NYFW and was Creative Director of Makeup for a show. I’m looking forward to speaking at the upcoming Artist Summit in Miami and Chicago. I’m excited to talk about one of my great passions - beauty blogging!

How did you get started in makeup?

My beauty obsession dates back to my childhood. Most kids bought candy with their weekly allowance. Not little Felicia! I bought Jean Nate, V05 hot oil treatments, Lee Press On Nails, mud packs, etc. If the local beauty supply store sold it, I bought it! As a young adult, my friends, family and coworkers always came to me as the go to fashion/beauty girI…so a career in makeup, fashion and beauty feels as natural as breathing.

What does “community” mean to you?

I love the concept of “community”. My very existence as a writer and artist is living proof of the power of “community.” It truly takes a village and I am the product a very close knit and supportive village/community. Constant nourishment of the community is key. Find ways to include others. Share resources and information. Help one another. Share your blessings and be a blessing to others!

Can you tell us about a change you have made in your career?

Prior to fully committing myself to fashion and beauty, I spent over 10 years in Human Resources. While still in corporate HR, I worked freelance as a makeup artist and started a beauty blog. ThisThatBeauty was born in April of 2008. Within six months of writing ThisThatBeauty, I got my first press mention as a “top rated” beauty blog. From there ThisThatBeauty continued to flourish and open doors for my makeup artistry. In April of 2009 I launched a line of makeup brushes under the ThisThatBeauty brand. My resume continues to grow at a pace that even I can’t believe! Makeup Artist… Fashion/Beauty Writer….Product line….Celebrity Makeup Artist…Wardrobe Stylist…Bus Dev Consultant…NYFW Lead Artist! The sky’s the limit!

For more info on other beauty entrepreneurs from the Powder Group, check out For The Love of Makeup blog by clicking here. Also be sure to support Felicia by visiting her ThisThatBeauty blog.