Meet Dewayne Chestnut | Artist & Aspiring Entreprenuer

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

Hi Dewayne, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I became a makeup artist not for the notoriety but to learn more about who I was as a person. The decision was bigger than money, and more valuable than any job I could have obtained. The decision was a liberating one and bestowed upon me the confidence I never knew I possessed. I was in control of my destiny. I called the shots, created the rules, and went forth with a certain type of hunger that led me to beautiful places amongst beautiful people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m currently a full-time student at Georgia State University continuing my degree in health professions. I have always wanted to be a Oby-Gyn so working in the medical field I feel like is one of my callings. I am most proud of my person, for being so resilient and determined to make it through the obstacles before me NO MATTER WHAT. Professionally, I have more to conquer and more credentials to obtain but I overcome my challenges by maintaining a support system comprised of friends and family that want to see me win. I’ve learned many lessons along my journey with the most prevalent lesson being to never ever give up on life, on yourself. I Want the world to know that I was a spirit created to do work and that’s what I intend to do in this lifetime. My work. My calling.

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?
Oh man, this is a good question and a challenging one since I don’t get out often. In my opinion, a fun time would probably consist of something that costs little to no money like going to catch a symphony orchestra play. I believe the best experiences are the ones that force you to be adventurous. Naturally, I’m a homebody. My perfect friend would be okay with some at-home activities like going to get a bucket of snacks and setting up a movie tonight to enjoy together.

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?
I would love to shout out the people who believed in me when I had no idea of what I was getting myself into. Thank you to my sister in crime, and peer Kiuana Henderson MUA. Thank you to my agency director Sha Summerlin or Primp Agency. Thank you to my peer and mentor Chelsea Mikaela MUA. Thank you to Dana Hall for my first fashion show opportunity here in Atlanta. And thank you to all of the amazing people I have been able to share my gift with. Nyla Sostre, artist and musician. Kim Reed Special Effects MUA for her continuous training in special effect makeup. Thank you to all of the muses along the way who gave me a canvas to be free and express my inner creative being. Thank you Designer Daequam Andino for his continued support and for allowing me the opportunity to showcase my work through his own social mediums. And last but not least, Thank you film producer and director Shakesha Willams for my first film opportunity where I met the amazing actress Leslie Nicole. Thank you to social media influencer Robbie’s World of Atlanta and director Tiara West for their support in the film industry.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dmicheig/

Image Credits
Jade Lilly