Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Chase
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for all things makeup and beauty began at 25. I became fascinated with makeup by watching every YouTube tutorial I could find, eager to learn the ins and outs. The turning point came when I was 27, at a friend’s birthday party. I had my makeup done at a MAC counter by a talented artist, and the transformation was so phenomenal that I decided I wanted to learn how to recreate the same look on myself. That moment ignited a passion for makeup that set me on a mission to master it.
As I continued to explore, I made a personal pact to study and practice every makeup look that stood out to me. My rule was simple: I wouldn’t move on to the next look until I had mastered the one I was working on. Years went by, and by 2019, I was working a corporate job in Memphis, TN, while also holding a part-time position as a Makeup Advisor at Estee Lauder and doing freelance makeup gigs on the side. It was a busy season of my life, but I loved it.
During this time, I had an inspiring waxer who encouraged me to pursue an Esthetician license. She explained how it could expand my skillset beyond makeup and allow me to better understand skin while working with clients. So, I enrolled in Esthetician school, but unfortunately, the lack of professionalism and quality education led me to pause my studies. I knew I needed to wait for the right time and a better program to truly invest in my future. Soon after, life threw me a curveball. The company I had worked with for years conducted an unexpected Reduction in Force (RIF), and I was laid off—just two days before I was scheduled for major surgery. It felt like the worst timing possible, but there was an unexpected feeling of relief that followed. For the first time in a long while, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, and a sense of freedom took its place. It was as if the universe was giving me a chance to rewrite my story.
Even though I didn’t know exactly how things would unfold, I decided to take a leap of faith. I broke the lease on my apartment, donated more than half of my belongings to charity, and packed everything I could fit in a few boxes. I shipped my car and essentials to San Antonio, TX, and with my cat, Brady Michael, by my side, I hopped on a plane to start fresh.
When I arrived in San Antonio, I was still in shock. I hadn’t taken the time to process everything, especially while still recovering from two major surgeries. But life had no intention of letting me pause. The very next morning, I showed up at Paul Mitchell The School to register for classes—and I ended up securing the last available spot (talk about divine timing!).
After completing my studies, I continued my education by enrolling in the laser program at National Laser Institute in Dallas, TX. I worked at a major waxing center and a med spa, gaining invaluable experience. Eventually, I knew it was time to take the next step and open my own suite. I started at Sola Salon in Stone Oak, and more recently, I moved to My Salon Suites at The Rim, where I continue to grow my business.
Looking back now, I’m incredibly proud of my 35-year-old self for choosing to take the leap. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every challenge. I am so grateful for the unwavering support of my family and close friends throughout this journey.
I also learned a powerful lesson: the universe is waiting for you to take the first step. When you commit to moving forward, even without knowing exactly how things will play out, everything starts to fall into place.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? ABSOLUTELY NOT. There have been a lot of challenges, turbulence, and losses along the way. When I made the decision to open my suite in March 2022, I was also working part-time as a beauty advisor at Sephora to help supplement my income while building and growing my business. Just six months into it, my beloved cat, Brady Michael, became incredibly sick. I soon learned he was in kidney failure, had heart disease, and was battling Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). For anyone who has a pet or has been a pet parent, you know that vet bills can quickly pile up and become very expensive.
At the time, my business was still in its infancy—only six months old—and Brady’s condition was rapidly declining. I had to make a tough decision: I chose to leave Sephora and return to my first career in animal medicine. I knew I needed to go back to ensure I could cover his medical expenses and provide him with the best care possible, even though, on paper, he didn’t have much time left. During that period, I worked overnight shifts, splitting my time between working full-time at the animal hospital, caring for Brady, and trying to keep my business afloat. And on top of all of that, I had costly mechanical issues with my car.
To be honest, it felt like my world was falling apart, and I felt like I was falling apart with it. Then, in March 2023, Brady passed away at the age of 18. Losing him was one of the most painful moments of my life. I always tell people that he was THE BEST life partner a girl could’ve ever asked for. Not having him by my side left an emptiness that felt like one of the darkest periods of my life.
Through it all, I’ve learned that sometimes life can throw you into the storm, but even when things feel impossible, you have to find a way to keep moving forward. I carry his memory with me, and it motivates me to keep pushing through the tough times, because he showed me what true love, loyalty, and resilience looked like.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Chase Beauty: The Mission and Vision
Chase Beauty was born from a desire to see more inclusivity in the beauty industry—especially for people who look like me. As a woman of color, and particularly as a dark-skinned woman, it can be incredibly challenging to find makeup products like foundation, concealer, bronzer, or contour shades that work without looking ashy, too red, too orange, or just completely wrong. Too often, we’re forced to become our own mini scientists, mixing products to create the right shade ourselves.
For a long time, it was equally difficult to find content creators who reflected my skin tone being pushed to the forefront by algorithms. This made it hard to learn which makeup products would actually work for us. I realized I had been chasing an ideal of beauty that didn’t serve me—one shaped by societal standards—when I needed to Chase My Own Beauty.
That realization became the foundation of my brand and its motto: “Always Remember… Chase Your Own Beauty.” In a world where social media and society constantly push narrow beauty standards, it’s important to remember that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. We all come in different shades, shapes, sizes, and colors, and our uniqueness should be celebrated, not shunned. Chase Beauty is about embracing who you are and confidently owning your individuality. Nobody can outshine you when it comes to your unique gifts, talents, and looks.
When someone sits in my chair, my mission is clear: to uplift them, leave them feeling confident, and help them see their own light.
What Chase Beauty Offers:
Currently, I provide a range of services, including makeup application, makeup classes, personal makeup shopping, and waxing. I specialize in Brazilian waxing and have built a reputation for my makeup teaching skills and perfectionist approach to waxing.
What sets Chase Beauty apart is my genuine care for helping others see the light within themselves.
We’re often our own worst critics, but when clients are with me, I aim to help them recognize the beauty and goodness that others already see in them. My approach is rooted in calmness, patience, and meticulous attention to detail. Ask any of my clients—they’ll tell you I’m a perfectionist, especially when it comes to Brazilian waxing!
Proud Milestones:
I’m most proud of opening my own suite and launching my own line of faux mink and faux silk eyelash strips. These milestones represent the growth and vision of my brand and my commitment to serving clients with care and quality.
Personalized Experiences:
What I want people to know about Chase Beauty is that I’m here to help at every stage of their beauty journey. Whether you have skincare concerns, makeup questions, or waxing needs, I’m here to listen, educate, and provide personalized guidance. No two appointments or consultations are the same. I tailor each service to the individual, ensuring that every client feels seen and valued.
Education is also a cornerstone of my brand. I believe in empowering my clients by teaching them the “why” behind products and ingredients. Understanding what works for your skin—and why—gives you the confidence to make informed purchase decisions, rather than simply following trends or recommendations that might not serve you and your skincare needs.
The Personal Makeup Shopping Experience:
One of my most requested services is personal makeup shopping. This offering came to life because many clients expressed a need for expert guidance when shopping for makeup. I accompany clients to major retailers to help them find the perfect foundation, concealer, blush, or even a complete makeup kit.
What makes this service unique is the level of expertise I bring. With over 15 years of experience in the makeup world and as a licensed professional, I provide insights that go beyond surface-level recommendations. For example, I explain why certain foundation brands work better for oily skin or why golden undertones clash with products designed for cooler skin tones. By sharing the “why” behind my suggestions, I empower clients to make better purchasing choices long after our session ends.
Why Chase Beauty Stands Out:
The driving force behind Chase Beauty is my passion for helping others feel seen, celebrated, and confident. Whether it’s through makeup, skincare, or waxing, my goal is to create a space where every client feels valued and leaves with more than just a service—they leave with knowledge, confidence, and empowerment.
At Chase Beauty, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good and embracing the beauty that’s uniquely yours.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
A Heartfelt Thank You
First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my sister, Charlotte, and my mother, Yolanda. When I lost my job in 2018, they became two of the most powerful forces behind me. The moment they found out, their first question was, “What’s the plan?” followed by, “The three of us will figure this out. Whatever you need, we’ve got you.” And to top it off, they reminded me, “We’re so proud of you.”
My sister Charlotte has always been a guiding light in my life. From the time I was a little girl, she instilled in me the importance of staying true to myself, running my own race, and never following the crowd. She taught me that it’s more than okay to step outside the box, even when it’s scary, and to trust myself wholeheartedly. I am the woman I am today because of her encouragement and wisdom.
To my niece, Lourdes: Your creativity, love, and light are a constant source of inspiration. You’ve shown me the beauty of living authentically and thriving in our creative gifts. You’ve also reminded me of the importance of self-care and embracing our inner child. Your support and curiosity about my business mean more to me than words can say.
To My Parents:
My mother and father both have an unmatched work ethic. They always gave 100% effort to everything they did, refusing to half-step on anything. If they couldn’t produce quality, they wouldn’t even begin. That mindset has shaped me. I find myself operating the same way: if it’s not up to par, I go back to the drawing board to ensure it’s right before moving forward.
In addition to my parents’ incredible work ethic, their resourcefulness is absolutely unmatched. When life presented them with challenges, they always found creative ways to navigate through, making things work for them and with them, never against them. This unwavering determination and ingenuity have been a gift they’ve passed down to me, and for that, I am forever grateful.
To My Friends:
I have a circle of friends that are truly family.
To my best friend Angie: We’ve known each other for 20 years, starting when we worked together at a large animal practice back home in D.C. You always reminded me I was working in the wrong field whenever we talked about makeup (you knew before I did!). Your unwavering support—especially during one of the most tumultuous times of my life—and your help with my cat, Brady Michael, will always be appreciated.
To my best friend Asiatu:
Thank you for reminding me, from day one, of who I am and what I’ve always been. I’m deeply grateful for you encouraging me to step courageously into my purpose and embrace what I’ve been called here to do.You lovingly remind me to stay the course, even when I question whether I’m on the right path. You always reassure me to trust the process, even when the outcome is unseen. And you’re always right—it does work out!
To my sister from another mister, April:
We met in Memphis while I worked at the Estée Lauder counter and you managed Lancôme while also freelancing as a film/TV makeup artist. You pushed me to remember my “why” and even gave me opportunities to work on major film sets. Those long days and nights on set solidified my love for the industry. Your support then—and now—has meant the world to me.
To my best friend of 30 years, Marketta: No words could ever fully express the depth of our friendship or what you and your family have meant to me. Thank you for your unwavering love and support through the many decades we’ve shared. You’ve been a constant in my life, and I’m so grateful for every moment. Thank you, too, for being one of my very first clients when I ventured into makeup—you believed in me before I fully believed in myself. I treasure you more than words can say.
To Dr. JC Baas: You’ve been one of my biggest cheerleaders, believing in me even when I struggled to find my own confidence. You always found strategic ways to push me out of my shell and encouraged me to do what I was placed on this earth to do. Thank you for being a friend, a voice of reason, and an advocate for others who are still finding their own voice.
To Brittney and Shawn: Brittney, we met on our first day of esthetician school and clicked instantly. Both you and Shawn have been pillars of support—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Your life and business advice have been invaluable, and your care extended not only to me but also to Brady.
To my Memphis family: You know who you are. Whether it was at Memphis Veterinary Specialists, Lifetime Fitness in Germantown, or my Black Girl Magic Crew at my corporate job, you all embraced me as family. During a time when I felt alone, especially with my immediate family being so far away. You invited me into your lives, showering me with love, kindness, and warmth. What began as one of the hardest periods of my life turned into one of the best, thanks to you all.
To My Clients;
Finally, to my clients—where do I even begin? Chase Beauty wouldn’t exist without you. You’ve brought laughter, tears, encouragement, and so much inspiration into my life. You’ve been a part of brainstorming sessions, pep talks, and planning ideas. Your referrals, feedback, and unwavering support have been instrumental in helping me not just remember my “why” but also reconnect with who I am at my core.
Thank you for everything.
Pricing:
- Waxing Wednesday Specials on Brazilians and Bikini Waxes: Brazilians normal price $65.00 but Wednesday specials $42.00 and Bikini Reg Price$40.00 but Wednesday special: $32.00
- Makeup Application: $130.00 incudes luxury mini facial
- Personal Makeup Shopping: 1hr $200.00
- Ageless Beauty (In Person Class) : $175.00
- Makeup Bag Makeover(In Person Class) 1hr 30mins : $175.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ChaseBeauty
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_chasebeauty
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chasebeauty4833/videos
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chasebeauty1?lang=en
