Photo credit:  Chloe’ Wallace

Tanisha “FaceByGrace” Conley, is a multifaceted entrepreneur, licensed esthetician based out of the Chicago suburb of North Chicago. Affectionately known as “Grace,” she was engulfed by the beauty industry at a very young age. It was just as difficult then as it is now to try and not focus on every detail of the face, from brow shapes and finishes, to the texture of skin and makeup during simple encounters with people. She began doing makeup for family and friends while in high school.

In 2012, Tanisha added “Entertainment Management” to her entrepreneurial resume, which became a great networking tool as a makeup artist. She’s worked with Reggie Wells, who was Oprah’s makeup artist for over 20 years, Demi Lobo and Red Carpet for the Soul Train Music Awards. Tanisha has also taken classes with renowned celebrity makeup artist Reny Vasquez (Vanessa Williams, Brandy) and Sir John, whose biggest clients include Beyoncé (Coachella) and Mary J. Blige.

In 2015, she received her estheticians license and it’s been a purposeful journey ever since. “IAmFaceByGrace” Makeup Skin and Body was official! In 2018, she decided she wanted to be a part of a team and learn more about the beauty industry so I joined Ulta Beauty as an “Arch Expert” at their Benefit Brow Bar.

Shortly after, “HoneyGirl Brows” was founded by her daughter Vavi and herself. New scheduling allowed Tanisha to offer brow service to her local community, one day a week. She’s now expanded those services, and offer laser free hair removal, body waxing, facials, and chemical peels for women and men. She also offers two special services, vajacials (pubic facial) and honey buns (butt facials).

In 2020, Tanisha stepped outside of her comfort zone and launched her own skin care line of products. Although she loves make-up and freelancing as a make-up artist for many years, her passion for skincare is eminent. She’s intrigued by the components and ingredients in products and what it takes to maintain and achieve healthy skin.

Tanisha is so fascinated with anti-aging. “I feel like the bridge to beauty…enhancing what God graced women and men with. I am so happy to be able to share my products with the world.”


GO BANG! Magazine: What originally attracted you to the entertainment industry?

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: I’ve always had some type of attraction to the entertainment industry. It wasn’t until my oldest son (1 of 3 creatives) was graduating college, that I jumped into managing with both feet and it has been a journey ever since.

GO BANG! Magazine: What does an Entertainment Manager do and why did you decide to become one?

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: As an Artist Manager, the focus is the success of the client. Managers play a key role in helping shape the career of an artist, from marketing, booking gigs, to planning album releases and touring.

I birthed three creatives, so in my head they were going to be my main focus. I was going to manage my kids. I genuinely have a soft spot for the youth and wanting to help them anyway that I can. Word spread about what I began doing as a manager. I started out with a nice size roster of young new talent. I loved it, but it became a bit overwhelming, having so many starting out while learning more about the industry. I wouldn’t change anything because I met a lot of great people and learned a lot.

GO BANG! Magazine: One of your clients musical career in particular, Justin Ruff, has been on the steady rise. What is it about the Justin Ruff brand that keeps you supporting and managing him?

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: Justin Ruff is such a unique and super-talented individual. I’ve seen Justin’s growth as an artist and I am very proud of him. He is definitely in his own lane. His work ethic is undeniable as a singer/songwriter. Justin spin on R&B infused with his love for Jazz and Hip Hop. I have not heard anyone like him. Over time, Justin and I built a great working relationship. I will always support him. I’m so excited about Justin’s new music. Be on the lookout for it. You can find him on social media @JustinRuffMusic.

GO BANG! Magazine: What drew you to the beauty and skin care industry?

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: The Beauty Industry had me hooked at a young age. I have always been fascinated with makeup. I started doing makeup for people when I was still in high school. I was just passionate about how a great makeup application can enhance one’s features and make them feel good as well.

When I got older, my skin began to turn on me. I had acne flaring up like a teenager. In my frustration, I went to esthetics school to figure out how to cure my own skin issues, which fueled the fire for this new found love, “skin care.” Today my skin is beautiful. I work hard to maintain a youthful look. I want to encourage your readers to know that with commitment to a great skin care routine, you will see results.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please explain to our readers what an esthetician is and when you knew that you wanted to professionally pursue it as a career.

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: An esthetician evaluates the condition of the skin, determine which treatment will be best for that skin condition, and skin goals of the client. The question always asked, “What does your best skin look like to you?” That gives an esthetician an idea of where to start.

Once I graduated from esthetics, I felt deep down inside I wanted to pursue esthetics professionally. I love the connection I have with my clients and how I make them feel after a service.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a Makeup artist, I’m sure you have witnessed people’s lives transformed after your artistry on their face. Please describe one example that stands out the most.

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: Makeup can definitely transform anyone. I have had clients who had lost their eyebrows due to chemotherapy. As I educate and guide through on how to recreate the best look for them, these clients share their journey with me and how they won’t let and didn’t let cancer win. The happiness and the smile on their face is so heartwarming, after I finish and hand them a mirror. I’ve cried tears many times. Nothing compares to that.

GO BANG! Magazine: Congratulations! “IAmFaceByGrace” has been in business for six years. Please describe how difficult or challenging it has been to successfully run beauty and skin care businesses.

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: Thank you so much! There have been some challenges. Having to decide what my main focus would be was challenging. For the longest I struggled with what services I would offer and what products to offer, when my ultimate goal was to create my own formulations. Also, having the right location, making sure I have the proper liability insurance, and follow esthetic guidelines as far as client care. If I could turn back the clock a little bit, I would do some things differently, like not second guess myself. Just Do It!

GO BANG! Magazine: With “HoneyGirl Brows”, you joined forces with your daughter as a co-founder. Please explain why it was important for you to work with your daughter in business.

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: My daughter Vavi is one of my biggest supporters, and I am hers as well. We attended esthetics school together. She is passionate about the beauty industry. While I perform my craft mostly with wax, Vavi uses thread to shape brows.

We both, as entrepreneurs, felt it was time for the mother/daughter duo to link up. Brows are that one thing we really connected on, although she has so many other talents and is successful as an artist (canvas/mural), as well as a tattoo artist. It was important for me to work with Vavi because it gave me an opportunity to observe my kid and interact with her in a different space. It also allows me to stay connected to a different demographic that I may not have had the opportunity to reach. Vavi actually came up with the name which is very sentimental to me because my grandmother called me HONEYGIRL.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is some advice that you could give to our readers to help them in achieving healthy skin?

Tanisha “Face By Grace”: First I will say healthy skin starts on the inside. Drink water too! Second, cleanse your skin every morning and every night. Add a toner and serum to your routine. Use moisturizer and SPF during the day and moisturize before going to bed. I recommend you exfoliate, use masks, and peels weekly. I definitely suggest you get a facial done by a professional, at least twice monthly, if not more. As I stated before, staying committed to a good skincare routine will result in great looking beautiful skin.

YOU CAN FOLLOW TANISHA “FACE BY GRACE” CONLEY:
http://www.IAmFaceByGrace.com
https://www.facebook.com/facebygrace
IG: @1facebygrace
https://www.facebook.com/IAmFaceByGrace
IG: @IAmFaceByGrace




Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram