Meet D’Andrè Janaè | Makeup Artist & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with D’Andrè Janaè and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D’Andrè, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I’d become a first-time mother in September 2020. I juggled caring for my infant, breastfeeding, taking care of the home and teaching virtually full-time. Up until that point, I’d enjoyed teaching second grade, however the unrealistic demands and politics of the job caused me to burnout. (I speak more on this on My YouTube Channel: D’Andrè Janae)

All I could think about is my family and sanity. My thoughts are simple: I have to provide for my family and revamp what work looks and feels like for me. But what else could I do? — And then it clicked. I live for anything haircare and beauty related, so why not start my own business? I started two.

I’d been a makeup fanatic since high school. In college I practiced on friends and even had a few clients. With my newfound time, I’ve been able to explore and share many techniques, styles and makeup products. Because of this, I have gained notable attention and even more clientele. My style of makeup is special effects meets baddie. Personally, I prefer bold and creative eyes but sometimes, I like to transform into characters. More of my work can be viewed on IG (@dandre.janae) and TikTok (@dandrejanae).

I launched Puff Haircare because I wanted to provide black women products and tips on how to take care of their hair properly. Too many times, I’ve heard stories about black women not liking their hair (texture) and that it can’t grow but the truth is they don’t know what to do. My products are infused with the best essential oils and butters designed to moisturize and support the health & maintenance of our hair. There is even a DIY section on PuffHaircare.com that shares my favorite homemade hair masks and their benefits. So be sure to check that out as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Yes, I am the owner of Puff Haircare and a Makeup Artist, but I am still a teacher at heart. So, to answer your question, I am sharing knowledge with our community. I am giving them tips and tutorials on how to: properly care for + style textured hair, apply makeup and create one of a kind looks.

Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. I love making women feel beautiful about themselves. However, I also feel like everyone should be able to do the things they love for themselves. Providing knowledge is one of the ways I can make the former happen!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Monday: Yoga, Dinner at STK
Tuesday: Breakfast at West Egg Cafe, Top Golf
Wednesday: Bowling, Dinner at The Garden Room
Thursday: Shopping, Dinner at The Porsche Experience
Friday: Axe Throwing, Harold’s Chicken, Massage at Four Season Hotel

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

In this journey of entrepreneurship my biggest supporter has been my boyfriend, Lamie. He’s always like “Yo, I think you should really do this!” Whether it’s about haircare or makeup. He uses his photographer and videographer skills to capture me in just the right way.

I also can’t forget two of my best friends Alexis and QTheCreator, Joe, Petress and Kim for encouraging me to promote my businesses and experiment with different styles of makeup.

And I can’t forget my supporters and clients for giving my products a chance and trusting me with their glam!

Website: www.puffhaircare.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandre.janae/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCUM0Xq3rMz-jlY8TwrJWsYQ

Other: TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdMaDmYX/

Image Credits
D’Andre` Parks and Lamie Jimmeh