Meet Tanya Neely: Makeup Artist & Artisan

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

Hi Tanya, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art and creativity allows me to express myself beyond words and logic. I’ve grown to be taught to stick to reality.. it’s safe.. it’s certain.. it’s predictable.. most times. But to completely surrender to your creative side is a different kind of freedom. I love every aspect of the word art.. music, visual, aesthetic, makeup, poetry, body art.. you name it.. I just want to be able to tell my story in all mediums related.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am most excited and proud of my accomplishments of seeing my hard work pay off. It lets me know that it’s all worth wearing my heart in my sleeve and being in a vulnerable space so I can reach people. I have done makeup on Grammy Nominated Female Rapper Remy Ma in 2017. In 2018, I won makeup artist of the year by Platform Modeling and Talent Management in Greensboro, NC, where I won the next round to do makeup in Washington DC and Italy for the final rounds. I am currently a brand ambassador for The Taura Amoy’s Goddess MinX Luxury Cosmetic line. My work has been published in a few magazines. I have been interviewed a couple times by Raleigh’s own The Oak FM on Glass Boyz Radio.

Far from easy. This is.. or rather can be a vicious industry. I was discouraged for sure in the beginning. It’s a very competitive and demanding industry. I honestly overcame that fear of not being good enough by staying in my lane.. I created my own lane. I Invested in my craft, knowledge, expanded my creativity and never stopped believing in myself because I couldn’t hear people clapping for me. But over the years I’ve found my tribe of support, which happens to include several makeup artists in the same area that I know, love and respect.

A lesson ..or two.. I’ve learned along the way is making moves in silence is golden and people will disappoint you; so always have YOU!

I want the people to know that Tanya is here and I am not going anywhere any time soon so get used to this smile. Neely Glam Studios Makeup Artistry was created in 2015 to help make women look and feel beautiful, relax and enjoy a moment to be pampered; catering to enhancing the external beauty. I created an extension of my makeup artistry in 2020 when I birthed my second business, Chai’s Healing Corner Holistic and Metaphysical Online Shoppe. Chai focuses on the internal beauty, healing the mind, body and soul through self care and catering to spirit. I hand create all products available on my online site, from soaps, body scrubs, body butters, candles, white sage and Palo santo smudge wands, jewelry, vaginal hygiene care and the list goes on.

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?
If a friend was visiting in my city (Raleigh- DURHAM, NC) I would definitely recommend eating.. anywhere. Me personally I am vegan so I love Empress Vegan Palace, Vegan Flava Cafe and Souly Vegan. I enjoy Tobacco Road, Cuban Revolution and Mellow Mushroom in the American Tobacco Trail district. The city is definitely expanding, so more to do coming soon. You can catch a baseball game downtown. If you’re not into the city life, like myself, there’s Eno River.. an amazing hiking path with beautiful rivers and rapids and greenery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I come from a large extended family/ network. So to pin point anyone I particular wouldn’t be possible. I would love to give thanks to my Soul Tribe for seeing something in me and encouraging me to nurture my gifts. I appreciate the support from those cheering for me quietly. I love you and I’m thankful for you all.

Website: www.NeelyGlamStudios.com / https://chaishealingcorner.square.site

Instagram: @NeelyGlamStudiosMua / @ChaisHealingCorner

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/neelyglam , www.Facebook.com/chaishealingcorner

Image Credits
Brandon Parris Oly Photography