Meet Darian ‘Dee’ W.: Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darian ‘Dee’ W. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darian ‘Dee’, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first took the leap to start my own business my first thought was, ‘Should I really do this?’. I was absolutely terrified! I have always had a love for skincare, makeup and creating things, and I always saw myself being successful but i’m also very introverted by nature. When you actually get to the point to where you are taking the steps to make things happen that’s when it gets exciting but scary! By taking a leap of faith I have been able to do what I love and grow in ways I would’ve never imagined I would be at! Yes, I am still growing and have so much more to accomplish but looking back it’s amazing to see what can be accomplished in such a small amount of time and it’s warming to see people that believe in what me and my business have to offer!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business was created from a love of art and creativity. I was always good at drawing, painting, and creating things but when I discovered makeup in my early teens (couldn’t wear it as a child), I saw all of these beautiful colors and I couldn’t help but to create different looks. I loved watching videos on makeup and at one point that was all that I bought. Overtime my talent began to show and I got better and better with sharpening my skills. I then knew that I loved doing other people’s makeup because it challenged me to not only be creative but I had to use what I had to create something suitable to the canvas that was presented. Each face is different so you have to learn to work with all kinds of skin tones, features, and even skin textures. I was working out of a salon here and there and doing freelance makeup for photoshoots, fashion shows, and clients here and there. The pivotal moment for me was when I wanted to be taken seriously as a makeup artist, so I pursued my esthetics license. That’s when the intriguing world of skincare was introduced to me! An old classmate reached out to me to sell her esthetics equipment without me even looking to branch out on my own in that moment (I had a full-time job at the time unrelated to beauty), so I took it as the sign to just go for it and made the decision to leave the salon I work at from time to time and to get my own suite! I want the world to know that my brand is built on my love for making women feel beautiful in their natural skin or fabulous by getting glam with makeup! The biggest lesson I have learned and am still in the process of learning is to keep believing in yourself & what you can achieve (Even if what you see now doesn’t look like the vision you have been presented with). It will come! The second lesson that I have learned is to not compare your business successes to others! What matters most is the progress that you have made and where you are going on your journey!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am always down to explore new things in the city! I love anything creative and fun so one thing I would take my friend to do is a paint and sip class or any kind of place where you can design something to your liking! Any restaurant where we can get dolled up and have a good girl’s night would definitely be on the list as long as the food is good. If there’s a rooftop with great city views we are there! And a beach day is always on the list! During this visit me and my bestie would have to take a little trip to Orlando! It’s my favorite city for the nightlife, theme parks, and shopping! There is so much to do! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to the matriarchs of the family! I have always looked up to my mom and grandmothers. Not only did they care for their families but they showed me you could also be hardworking and have a fulfilling career too! Seeing them in action is where I get my drive from and it has instilled values in me that I could have never payed a price for! They motivate me to work towards being that modern day Proverbs 31 woman!

Instagram: @ddollsmua

Other: Email: ddollsmua@gmail.com Business name: Dee Dolls Makeup & Skincare

Image Credits
Personal Photo upload showing my work: Stylist-Synstyle Fashions @Synstyle_1 Hairstylist @accra_dion Photographer Gary Smith @garygeesmith Makeup-Dee Dolls Makeup & Skincare @ddollsmua Photo 1: Photographer- Gary Smith @garygeesmith Makeup-Dee Dolls Makeup & Skincare @ddollsmua Stylist-Synstyle Fashions @Synstyle_1 Photo 2: Hairstylist- @accra_dion Makeup-Dee Dolls Makeup & Skincare @ddollsmua Photo 4: Photographer-Gary Smith @garygeesmith Makeup-Dee Dolls Makeup & Skincare @ddollsmua Photo 5: Photographer- Gary Smith @garygeesmith Hairstylist- Ajay @accra_dion Stylist-Synstyle Fashions @Synstyle_1 Makeup-Dee Dolls Makeup & Skincare @ddollsmua