Elea Blake Cosmetics, named for its owner’s twin daughters, occupies an unassuming spot amidst the bustle of Frazier Avenue’s resurgent business district. And once inside, one is not assaulted by competing odors of candles and balms. Instead, everything inside Darin Wright’s studio is subtle: the scents, the lights, the music and, most importantly, the colors.
As make-up artist and creator of the Elea Blake cosmetics line, Darin Wright has formulated mineral blends for 10 years. She has developed numerous foundation blends that address all skin tones, from the fairest of skin to darkest ethnic mineral make up blends. Using natural and mineral based products, Darin creates the make-up for each individual.
When Elea Blake opened its doors three years ago, Darin Wright already had a long line of clients and an extensive resume attesting to her varied experience in the fashion and glamour field. Her career unofficially began during her teen years in New Jersey where she sold Avon to a primarily elderly clientele in a nearby retirement community. Riding her bicycle from house to house, Wright always made time to sit and visit with her customers, pausing for a cup of tea, happy to hand out her samples of cosmetics.
In college, she first majored in fashion merchandising, then switched to design and finally found her passion in makeup. As part of her college internship in fashion merchandising, she was required to work in retail and was assigned to the lingerie section of a major department store. The manager there was quick to recognize the still-present spark in Darin Wright and left her alone one evening to move all the new stock from the stockroom to the sales floor. “I was so excited to show her what a great employee I was, so in three hours I brought everything out. And I’m saying to myself, ‘It really doesn’t look too good.’” Wright sheepishly recalls when the manager returned the next day and saw what had been done. “Her jaw dropped.” Wright laughs about it now, explaining that she had only read through the first chapter in her merchandising textbook, and is quick to add, “the manager never said , ‘We only put out three of each item: small, medium and large.’” Wright also remembers that her supervisor was quick to ‘encourage’ her by gently steering her elsewhere. “She said, ‘You’re so good with people. Maybe you should do shoes, or makeup.’” And immediately, Wright thought, “Makeup!”
Wright went on to work at the makeup counter, but soon moved on to modeling classes and freelance makeup work. At one modeling show, when the makeup artist didn’t show up, Wright felt bad for her fellow models, then realized she could handle the job herself. “I realized that I had makeup. I could do this.”
When it comes to wearing the right color, Elea Blake studio can help with its full personal color analysis services. Color analysis here goes beyond the simple spring, fall, winter and summer pigeonholes of the past. Here, each season is broken down into its own warm, cool and neutral possibilities, resulting in a twelve-tone seasonal palette. A full color analysis will cost $215, while a color palette designed especially for the client will cost $65.
“One of the things I’m really passionate about is color: getting the right color and wearing the right color,” says Wright. And getting the right color is what Wright loves best. “We’re not your typical makeup studio,” she says. “We actually create the makeup for the individual, based on their coloring.” Wright goes on to explain that her custom foundations, blushes and shadows not only address her clients’ obvious skin coloring, but they also take into account the customer’s undertones: the blues, reds and olives that often make it difficult for women to find a good match at a typical makeup counter or drug store. Wright’s makeup products are natural and mineral-based, and because they are custom-blended for each client, are able to address the particular makeup needs of women of color. Prices are reasonable, with custom-blended foundation selling for $45, and shadows, concealer and blush selling for $18.
In addition to her unique makeup line and services, Elea Blake Cosmetics has recently begun carrying a select line of boutique items including washable travel and makeup bags, vintage-inspired handbags (constructed with original Chanel and Oscar de la Renta fabrics), and choice edibles like chocolate-covered sunflower seeds. Elea Blake produces its own line of skin care products as well: lightly scented shea butter body lotions, bath milks and brown sugar scrub. Unlike too many overly scented products on the market today, the Elea Blake line is understated, leaning toward earthy, natural scents like Green Tea, Vanilla and Grapefruit.
The Elea Blake studio offers a variety of additional services including chemical peels, waxing, and eye treatments for tired puffy eyes and facials. All of Wright’s facials include a chemical peel designed for the client’s particular skin type and range in price from $65 to $75. To further enhance the facial experience, facial towels are infused with lavender essence, and her treatment room is tastefully decorated in colors that would make anyone happy.
With the wedding season right around the corner, brides should take note of Elea Blake Cosmetics’ complete array of makeup application services. A variety of options exist for the wedding party, including trial application, on-site services, and combination packages. Prices start at $55.
When asked what the future holds for Darin Wright, she responds with a smile that makes it difficult for one to believe she is old enough to be the mother of teenagers. “I just love the makeup,” she answers. “You can never get bored with it, because you can always just make a new color!”
Elea Blake Cosmetics is located on Chattanooga’s North Shore at 133 Frazier Avenue and can be reached at (423) 266-6222. Their newly launched website has specific information on their services and prices at www.eleablake.com.