I’ve always had a thing for beauty. Not just makeup, but everything—hair, skincare, fashion, you name it. If it had anything to do with enhancing your appearance or expressing yourself creatively, I was all in. I guess it’s no surprise I was voted “Best Dressed” in high school. I had an eye for pairing colors, textures, and patterns in a way that turned heads—and not just for the clothes. My makeup always matched the vibe.

Back in the golden era of YouTube beauty gurus, I was obsessed. I’d stay up for hours watching tutorials on the perfect red lip or mastering a sharp winged liner. I wasn’t just watching for fun—I was studying. Learning every technique, trying them out on myself, tweaking, practicing. Eventually, I got really good. Good enough that I finally felt confident wearing my looks outside the house. The compliments poured in, and my classmates were always eager to see what look I’d rock next.

The First Blow to My Confidence

But like many journeys, mine wasn’t without bumps. And one comment almost derailed me completely.

I’ll never forget the day. I had on this cute purple sweater, a fresh pair of jeans, my chocolate collection sneakers, and a stunning purple eyeshadow look to match. I was feeling myself—and I thought everyone else was too.

Then I walked into Mont’s Office, the hangout spot at school. A boy looked at me and said, “Whitney, you do makeup nice, but you come to school looking real flamboyant.”

Oof.

Who did he think he was? I couldnt believe someone could be that rude. That one comment was enough to unravel the confidence I had built up. I went home and scrubbed all my makeup off. I felt so embarrassed. Was that really how people saw me? Were they all just pretending to like the looks I created?

I didn’t want to give up, but I also didn’t want to feel humiliated again. So I pivoted—I decided to start studying natural makeup looks. Soft glam. Effortless beauty. I practiced until I had those looks on lock, and soon I found myself craving something new: I wanted to try makeup on other people.

My First Client

I took my first client shortly after that switch. When I finished their makeup and handed them the mirror, their face lit up. That reaction? Everything. Then came the cherry on top—they handed me $20. That was the moment I realized, “Wait... I just made my first real transaction as an artist!”

I was hyped. If I could do five clients a week, that was $100 in my pocket. And with prom season right around the corner, I knew it was just the beginning.

The Sophhop Setback

It was May 2010. A girl from school asked me to do her makeup for Sophhop (a semi-formal for sophomores), and we set up a trial. I was over the moon! I even asked my parents to take me to the beauty counter at the mall to stock up on high-quality products—I wasn’t about to show up with anything I wouldn’t use on myself.

The trial went great. She smiled, said she loved the look, and booked her appointment.

A few days later, while I was out eating with my mom, I got a text that read:

“Hey Whitney, I’m going to cancel my appointment with you for prom. You do makeup well on yourself, but you’re not good at doing it on other people. Thanks.”

I can’t lie—I was crushed. It felt like all the air was sucked out of my lungs. That one text had me questioning everything: my skills, my creativity, my purpose. I decided I wouldn’t do anyone else’s makeup again. I couldn’t handle the rejection.

College: A Fresh Start

When college rolled around, something inside me said, Screw it. New people, new environment, new opportunities. I made a decision—I was going to be a makeup artist. For real this time.

I put on my all-black outfit, did my hair, slayed my makeup, and asked my mom to drop me off at the mall. I marched straight into Bloomingdale’s and over to the MAC counter.

“Hi, my name is Whitney, and I’d like to apply for a position as a makeup artist.”

I didn’t even know if they were hiring. I just went for it. To my surprise, the woman I spoke to was the counter manager. She asked if I had a portfolio. I didn’t. Her expression said it all—“This girl has guts”—but she admired the confidence. “You know what?” she said. “Come in on Sunday for an interview.”

I was hype.

Making Sacrifices for the Dream

I passed the interview with flying colors. The final step? A beauty trial, scheduled for that Tuesday. But there was a problem—I had a final exam at the same time. And my college was an hour away from the interview location.

Two problems, really. No car. No ride.

So I did the only thing I knew how: I prayed. I asked God to make a way.

Then I got honest. I told my professor about the opportunity and asked if I could make up the final the next day. She said, “Follow your dream.” One obstacle down.

Next, I asked my best friend if she’d drive me. I was nervous—she’d have to skip class too. But she said yes.

I made it to the interview. I did my thing. And guess what? I killed it.

Working at MAC was a game-changer for me. Not only was I surrounded by some of the most talented artists in the industry, but I was constantly learning and growing. I pushed myself harder than ever before. All that hard work paid off when I was named Artist of the Region—a huge honor that recognized my skill, passion, and dedication.

That title didn’t just boost my confidence; it gave me real credibility as an artist. It showed me—and others—that I wasn’t just a girl with a dream. I was a true professional. And that recognition lit a fire in me to reach even higher.

*This was the look that won me artist of the region

Empowering Others Through Beauty

Working at MAC while in college was a dream come true, but I didn’t stop there. I wanted to create a space where women could come together to celebrate beauty—inside and out. So I started a beauty organization at my university called "Poise" focused on empowering women and teaching them about makeup, skincare, and self-love.

We hosted weekly meetups and events. Girls would show up in droves to learn the latest beauty trends, practice techniques, and build confidence. It was one of my proudest accomplishments. And the wildest part? The organization is still running—over ten years later!

The Spark That Ignited the Brand

One day in my dorm room, I had a thought: If I can sell other companies' products, I can sell my own.

I had the skills, the training, and now, the experience. I started small—handmade lip glosses in three shades, selling them for $8 each around campus. I sold a few, but it didn’t take off the way I had hoped. I thought people would just purchase it because it was a great product but I was completely wrong. That was my first lesson I learned in business.

So I paused. I knew I needed more exposure and more knowledge about the industry. I didn’t give up—I just got strategic.

I continued working at the counter throughout college and eventually took on a role as the Beauty Manager for one of the most prestigious beauty brands in the world. That leap was the true catalyst behind what would eventually become W Cosmetics—my own beauty brand, born out of passion, resilience, and a whole lot of heart.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

This is just the beginning. From my earliest dreams to real-world accomplishments, every part of my journey has built the foundation for something even greater. In Part 2, I’ll share the behind-the-scenes story of launching W Cosmetics, the lessons I’ve learned, and what it really takes to create something beautiful from the ground up.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Remember: passion and perseverance can take you anywhere.