1. Where did you grow up and what was it like growing up there for you?

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I grew up in Rhode Island the smallest state in the United States. What molded me the most was attending The Met high school. They encourage you to follow your passion by learning through internships and experiencing the career your interested in hands on.

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2. When did you realize that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

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I didn’t become a makeup artist, I was born like this. For as long as I can remember what I would love to do most was be a cartoonist. I would loved to draw all sorts of women and make them jump off the page and come to life. As a makeup artist It the same thing, except now I get to bring the inner super hero out of a living, breathing canvas. Like many others I had issues with acne, and peeling skin. For a person of color with these issues, it left my skin blotchy and significantly lighter in the affected areas. It was a QVC commercial that first caught my eye and triggered me to put makeup on myself and compliment my own beauty. The brand that drew me in had great skin care. I started selling that same brand at Macy’s. When I realized people loved my work it was when that very brand broke the rules, and offered me a position directly with them exclusively.

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Who are some of the dream people that you would love to do makeup for?

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I would love to do makeup for brands such as Danessa Myrcks, Juvias place, Fenty Beauty and makeup by Mario because I’ve learned so much from them in my career and to the core those are artist I respect and look up to for inspiration. Most are black owned brands but I love that they are very inclusive with all skin colors and skin types I can find something for everyone.

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What are some of the obstacles of a make up artist and out of all those obstacles which ones did you overcome?

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I lost so much motivation around the pandemic. I worked  for a bank full time, I was miserable! I came home everyday complaining and drained! My boyfriend at the time who has passed (Eric Cannela) motivated me to leave the bank and any 9-5 job and I haven’t looked back since!

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What are some of the things you had to learn in order to become a better business person?

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I learned to not take any short cuts! When I was first starting out in my make career I invested a ton of money in inexpensive makeup. I would get frustrated when the products wouldn’t last as long or when the product wouldn’t perform as well as the higher quality products. I then end up having to spend more money purchase the high end makeup later on. That taught me not only to invest in your self but to invest in the quality of your product.

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Where do you see yourself as a makeup artist in 10 years In the next 10 years?

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I see myself sort of like Sookie Stackhouse in true blood, just joking! I see myself working with high end brands such as Danessa Myrcks or even being at her level of artistry and having a makeup brand of my own. That way I can help other makeup artist get the high end quality products they need, just as Danessa has done for me.

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What advice can you give to someone who wants to be a makeup artist but does not know where to start?

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What I would recommend is to start off at a makeup counter, learn retail, products, ingredients, from employees and managers. If the counter doesn’t help advance your artistry, reach out to a makeup artist you love and respect and ask them if they offer any classes! Always network baddies!

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What is next for you?

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When this article comes out I will be starting a new adventure at a brand new salon and I’m super excited about it. I am also working on some skin products that should be releasing very soon. But this year is focusing on me and what makes me truly happy. And I’m on the right path.

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