We had the good fortune of connecting with Irene “Vee” Peña and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irene “Vee”, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
That there is no limit to how far you can go in life! People have told me I would NEVER make it, That I would always be put on the back burner because of my weight , complexion & my features, Basically that I would never matter! If YOU know you wanna create something , be somebody in this world, GO FOR IT! I want people to remember me by saying “Wow! She’s been through hell but through all the darkness , she has found a way to glow in it” I’m a gorgeous black woman who battles with 16yrs of anxiety depression, PCOS, now diabetes still doing & WILL DO EVERYTHING they told me I couldn’t! Turning my pain into something beautiful, while making others feel beautiful inside and out! To all my future entrepreneurs, Never limit yourself! Follow your heart! Bring your dreams to life, No matter how long it takes, Regardless if people don’t like what you do. Take your time on your craft & most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP! You’ll NEVER know who you’re inspiring in this world! Anything is possible if you keep fighting and doing the damn thing! If I can do it, so can you! 💚✨

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up I’ve always loved art, playing with colors ! Makeup became my baby since 7yrs old! I just knew I wanted to become a MUA. I’ve been teaching myself how to do makeup since 16. Tried all the trends, watched Tiarra Monet & Tyme The Infamous FAITHFULLY on YouTube, trials and errors lol didn’t know what the hell I was doing but I stayed consistent with it! I’m proud that through all the obstacles I’ve faced, I still found a way to gain my inspiration back! My biggest obstacle was losing my grandmother in 2019 to breast cancer and before she passed, she knew how much I wanted to start my own makeup collection and become a cosmetologist! Being productive was the last thing on my mind, I gave up on myself, went into a deep depressive episode for 5months straight and toss all of my dreams in the trash, but what got me to get back on my feet is remembering everything she spoke to me about, all her advice and support she gave. She told me she was so proud of me & I wanted to continue making her proud! So I attended Empire Beauty School where I learned more about cosmetology, graduated, obtained my license and from there started my makeup business!

All during a pandemic! I will always remember those victories so vividly! I’ve learned that the show must go on no matter what, My nana wouldn’t have wanted me to give up on life. She lived her 79yrs to the fullest through all her struggles and that has pushed me to do the same! She took Mental Health breaks when needed, but didn’t give up on herself & her work! Music, cooking, being photogenic and doing makeup has been my medicine to overcome my challenges! I want the world to know that I’m just getting started! I have so much in the works for my brand, creating quality cosmetics that my vivid dolls & clients can enjoy and feel good about! I want people to read my story and feel inspired to go for the things they want in life! Regardless if they are enduring or endured such pain. it isn’t the end! It doesn’t have to be! Finish your story and create magic! Do your best! Through every dark cloud there’s a sliver lining! You can do anything you put your mind to! Just stay consistent & believe in yourself! ✨

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?
Hmmmm. it’s funny this question is being asked because my best friend is usually the one showing me all the good spots LOL but I would take her to this place call Angel of Harlem, It’s a great atmosphere and the food is DELICIOUS! The music is upbeat and it makes your time there worth it! If I was taking a trip I would love to go to Jamaica and Panama ( St Thomas too!) I always wanted to travel To different parts of the world! Get a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air! Some of my friends/family
Went and told me it was the best trip ever and worth every penny! As much as I love to go out and have fun, I barely do but that will change lol!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow there’s so many people to show love to , but one of those people is a great close friend of mine, Flo, the CEO of his brand “ExtraBacon&Co”! (IG @extrabacon_co) His creativity with his clothing line and hats is out of this world! He’s been in the entrepreneur game longer than me (10+yrs) but seeing his ambition motivates me to go harder with my brand and never give up on my dreams! Another good close friend I have to acknowledge is Dionne, a cosmetologist who has started her hair brand “HairFits” back in 2020 (IG @hair_fits20) and is a VERY VERY talented hair stylist! Her determination and drive to make her clients satisfied is very inspiring to me! Both of these individuals have played a major part in my life! Great mentors, Beautiful souls, loving & very supportive of me and their people! I love them both and feel like they need to be recognized for how special they are, not only as entrepreneurs but as humans! They deserve their roses! 🌹💛

Instagram: @vividvictories
Twitter: @vividvictories

Image Credits:
Nikita Stewart

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