We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandi Mallory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandi, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My Business, The Brandi Mallory Experience, LLC, (The BME) was created from my love of transformation in its many forms! I enjoy transforming faces, minds and bodies through makeup, motivational speaking and fitness! I had been involved in the beauty industry as a child model/actress and beauty Queen, so there was no surprise when I grew up and decided to do makeup as the start of my career! In 2013 I then started my weightloss journey on the ABC show Extreme Weightloss, where I lost 151 pounds in a year and gained a whole knew perspective on life! I decided then that there had to be some way to merge my experiences in health and beauty just as they do in stores and magazines, thus The BME was founded in 2018!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art form is Makeup Artistry! My favorite part is taking a blank canvas and bringing it to life! The canvas is my client and life is makeup. Makeup enhances what is already there and when done right it can balance and correct problem areas we see on a daily basis. I’m proudest of moments where I’ve corrected and evened out the eyes of one of my clients who was involved in an accident that left one eye slightly unable to open as widely as the other, or Cancer survivors who haven’t seen themselves with brows or lashes due to chemo treatments. Life changing moments where women who’ve never seen themselves glammed up, get to do so with mind blowing end results! I’ve been blessed to train with one of the best in Atlanta! I learned a lot working with Nyssa Green and took that knowledge and built my brand! I’ve been trained in every medium of makeup and many can’t confidently say they are aware of what each medium requires. I’ve also been able to work with some really amazing clients like Mo’Nique, Janell Monáe, Dr. Ben Carson (male grooming), Solidad O’Brien, the Miss America Organization and our very own past Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, just to name a few. I’ve done work at almost every news station in Atlanta except Chanel 5, had my work printed in many magazines, and I’ve done many campaigns with major brands like Adidas, Hot Hands, Amy Witherite and more.

It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. I struggled building my clientele, the same agent I accredit my knowledge of makeup to also was taking advantage of me and stole money from me. I pushed through because makeup is my happy place. It brings me joy to be able to create signature looks for my clientele. I’ve learned how resilient I am and how naturally talented and creative I am, pair that with my belief in myself and it’s a winning combination for success. I want people to know that everything they want is on the other side of fear and the only way to conquer their fears is through action!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting Atlanta for the first time we’d go to Brunch on Sunday at Roc South, then Monday a Dance Your Pounds Off class to work off all of those mimosas and do it in a fun and exciting way! We’d go to Blu Cantina for Taco Tuesday and depending on the season we’d have to hit a game! Atlanta sports is a big deal! I’d take her to Cascade to go skating and Midtown Moon for Karaoke! The High Museum of Arts always has an amazing exhibit going on so it would be a must to stop by there! Fin and Feather on Friday night to turn up and Saturday we’d visit MLK’s Museum for some black history and Busy Bee’s for a piping hot soul food meal made like your grandma did it, and if she’s not too ticketed out we’d finish string with Suite Lounge!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my beautiful Mother! My mom gave me the drive to go for the things I want. She also exposed me to so many facets of life and put me in front of crowds early on in life, which helped me have the confidence to stand in front of people and perform without caution or fear. I have quite a few ppl to shoutout for being able to be who I am today: My father, Chris & Heidi Powell, Dwight Holt Jr, my faithful clients, my friends who keep me focused and motivated but most importantly, GOD.

Instagram: @brandimallory

Other: All handles are Brandi Mallory

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