Toni Thomas is an award-winning beauty industry professional, freelance editorial makeup artist, and a top U.S. beauty influencer. She has been a makeup artistry instructor for the past ten years and is the author of several beauty industry books, including The Business of Makeup Artistry and Professional Makeup Artistry. Her makeup has been featured on top models in many fashion publications, and she can be found twice a year working backstage at New York Fashion Week. Toni is the founder of Women in Gear and has spent her entire career in the beauty industry working in and around the beauty business as well as the beauty education arena where she has taught for many years. Opening her first salon in 1993, she proved that even young women could and will conquer the world of business and she has been an independent small business owner ever since. Today you can find her working hard on a new book or on-location doing fashion photo shoots; she also works as a consultant giving guidance to some of today's trendiest salons and spas! She has committed her life to her passion in the beauty business, teaching in the world of beauty to those who are willing to take a leap of faith on themselves, and it is what she aspires to do the rest of her life. As one of the pioneers for quality online education, she is committed to all aspects of an industry that has lacked credibility for far too long, and she is committed to teaching women across the globe how to build their beauty businesses with passion and patience. Born and raised in beautiful Montana, she now travels with her husband between their home in the mountains of Montana and their home by the lake in Virginia. Her passion for inspiring others has made a global impact on the world of business, makeup, and beauty.