Meet Kourtni Brandy | Pro Makeup Artist, Business Mentor, and Influencer

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

Hi Kourtni, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has transformed my life for the better. Growing up in Chicago, I started doing makeup at 14 and quickly built a loyal clientele, becoming one of the youngest makeup artists around. By the time I turned 20, I felt God was confirming that I had reached my full potential in Chicago, so I took a leap of faith. I packed only my clothes, makeup, and my dog and moved. People thought I was crazy; they just couldn’t see the vision I had. Sometimes, taking a risk means not having a solid plan but simply trusting God’s guidance. I arrived in Atlanta with no plan, no clients, friends, or family, but now, a little over a year later, life here has been incredible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am uniquely Kourtni, and one of my greatest strengths is my personality. My openness and relatability allow people to connect with me on a meaningful level. I take pride in the fact that I’ve always remained true to myself, never compromising my identity to conform to societal expectations. Even during challenging times, I persevered. There have been periods when business and finances were slow, which I saw as a test of my faith. I believe God was challenging me to fully trust in His plans for my life. Consistency has played a pivotal role in my journey—while many talk about their aspirations, achieving them requires dedicated action. I maximized each day, staying productive and actively working to expand my brand.

Through experience, I’ve learned that not everyone close to you will support your vision, yet there are people you’ve never met who will champion your success even more fervently. I’ve also recognized that not every goal or idea needs to be shared, as others may inadvertently project their fears onto your plans. I firmly believe that God wouldn’t place something on my heart without equipping me to bring it to life.

I am committed to building Bleu Rouge Cosmetics, a brand I invested in at just 17 years old, and, most importantly, I want people to understand the person behind it: Kourtni Brandy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting the city, I’d be sure to take them to some of my favorite spots to give them the full experience. First, we’d definitely go to Frost Bistro—it’s one of my top choices. The food is exceptional, and the atmosphere has an inviting, vibrant energy that makes it perfect for brunch. After enjoying a great meal, we could head over to *Activate*, an interactive gaming venue that’s unlike anything else. It’s a blast and always brings out everyone’s fun, competitive side, creating an unforgettable experience. To wrap up the day, we’d go to Atlantic Station for shopping and good vibes. With its open-air shops, entertainment options, and upbeat atmosphere, it’s a great spot to explore, people-watch, and just soak in the city.

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 heartfelt shoutout to my parents, Christine and Evans Brasier. They adopted me as a baby—technically, they’re my great-great aunt and uncle, but to me, they are forever my mom and dad. My success and character are a reflection of them. They filled my life with so much love and wisdom, allowing me to flourish from a young age. Growing up, I was surrounded by unconditional love and had parents who genuinely cared about my interests. When I wanted to sing, they enrolled me in vocal lessons. When I wanted to play piano, they gifted me one for Christmas. Even when I wanted to sell snacks at school, they invested in me, taking me to the candy warehouse to stock up—this was the beginning of my hustle. Selling those snacks taught me the value of a dollar. Later, when I took an interest in makeup, they supported me there too, getting me all the supplies I needed. God truly blessed me with amazing, supportive parents. I can’t remember a time when I looked out into the crowd and didn’t see them cheering me on. That’s why every blessing I receive, I share with them, because without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Website: https://www.bleurougecosmetics.com

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