Theresa Taylor, The Rouge

Theresa Taylor has been a makeup artist to movie stars, models and NFL football players. That experience has given her a strong client base at her store The Rouge in Danville, a town she has called home for the last 17 years.

Taylor says she first got involved with makeup and skincare as she struggled with skin ailments growing up in the Tri-Valley.

She then went to school in Los Angeles to train to be an esthetician, landing a job as a makeup artists for "Teen" magazine soon after graduation.

She worked as a makeup artist for the "49ers Playbook" pregame show on KTVU for six years and has done makeup for celebrity portfolios, movies and more.

At her Danville store, she has given makeovers and makeup lessons to teenagers and women aged 13 to 85 and says she is an "expert at eyebrows." She says every woman should have her eyebrows professionally done at least once.

Taylor sells her own line of cosmetics called Fleur Visage and skincare called Ongrien in her store. The makeup palette in her store includes basic colors and also follows the trends, bringing in new colors every six months or so.

I sat down with Taylor to talk about her business and life in Danville.

Danville Patch: What is you favorite part of running The Rouge?

Taylor: My main interest is educating women with makeup lessons. I look at someone and I know exactly what they need to bring out their own beauty. A lot of women know what they want, they just don't know how to get it. I'm not trying to sell you, I am trying to educate you.

Danville Patch: What benefit do you think a makeover or makeup lessons can give women?

Taylor: It gives you a sense of enriching yourself and can give you more confidence. Women have to be empowered.

Danville Patch: What is a common challenge among women who come into your store seeking a makeover?

Taylor: A lot of people are intimidated to walk into a makeup studio. Maybe they  haven't changed their makeup since high school.

Danville Patch: How do you deal with competition from major cosmetics retailers at nearby shopping centers and boutiques?

Taylor: There's competition everywhere and you just have to be one step ahead. We are so different here. We carry high quality cosmetics without the high price tag. I'll pick out a color that works for you and is also trendy.

Danville Patch: What do you love about living in Danville?

Taylor: I love the quaintness of it and all of the restaurants and of course the parks are beautiful.

The Rouge is located at 822 Hartz Way Suite 103 in Danville, you can also visit the store online.