Meet Whitney Bond | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Whitney, how do you think about risk?
Honestly, I believe everything we do in life is attached to some sort of risk. The bigger question is knowing to discern how much of a risk you can afford to take. And, I’m not just saying this about financial capabilities, but emotionally, mentally, physically, etc. In terms of starting Beat By Bondy, I knew that it was a comfortable risk, business wise. However, I hadn’t really showcased my makeup, especially on others, to the level in which I do now. So, the fear of my work not translating well was a huge risk I was taking. Plus being in a booming city like Atlanta can sometimes make you believe certain industries are oversaturated. But, I had to remember why I even started doing makeup. I enjoyed helping people feel beautiful in their own skin. And, so many of my clients have had traumatic experiences from bad makeup jobs that they have been scared to try someone else. The fact they are willing to share in a risky moment is always a vulnerable experience. And, I’ll be forever grateful to my clients for entrusting me to their faces!

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.
I entered college in 2004 and immediately became the one in the friend group who did my friend’s makeup, and sometimes hair, for various events on campus and the Atlanta University Center (AUC). But, it wasn’t until 2018 that I actually became serious about being known as a Professional Makeup Artist (MUA). One of my sorority sisters inquired about my business. And, I gave her, what I thought, was an in-depth explanation of what I did. That conversation quickly showed me that I needed to do more! But, I was scared. I thought the market was oversaturated and that I didn’t have enough in my wheelhouse to actually have a beauty business. Well, the weekend I went live on social media, I booked 3 clients over 2 days! Now, that may not seem like a lot to most, but I was overjoyed! I couldn’t believe the timing, but it served as a reminder that we are often better prepared than we think! Because I’d been doing bridal makeup, pageant makeup, birthday makeup, cosplay, etc for 14 years by then, I was ready. I do know that I did play it really safe that first year of Beat By Bondy being an actual business. I’d previously taken a course with Alex Bond-Butler in 2017 and then completed a mentorship with MiMi Johnson in 2020. Those two experiences have totally shaped my business, the type of artist I am, and how I hope to create more business partnerships and opportunities in the future. Now, my 17 year journey has not been easy. But, it’s been filled with amazing people who have chosen to support me and provide guidance. If I would’ve imagined myself doing makeup professionally all of these years later, I definitely would have sought up mentorship and formed connections with other MUAs earlier in my career. In all areas of my life, I have mentors and professional peer relationships. Some are for specific areas of my life and others are more all-encompassing. Because of what I’ve learned about the importance of having good mentors and sacred peer relationships, I could’ve probably prevented a few bumps along the way had I been in community with others striving towards the same goal. But, instead of being sad over what I didn’t do earlier, I allow my mistakes to serve as lessons. If I didn’t make the mistakes I did early on, I wouldn’t be prepared for how my business has been taking off the last few years. Like, during the pandemic, I’ve been able to teach virtual makeup classes across the country! Totally something I didn’t foresee happening, but it has been so much fun meeting so many people virtually and helping them achieve their own makeup goals! One of the biggest lessons I learned as a makeup artist is around products! In this industry, it’s SO easy to become a product junkie. It’s also one of the biggest ways to prevent yourself from saving money. Because these are living products with expiration dates, they can only be used within certain time frames. I can’t tell you the amount of money I’ve thrown away in products just because I wanted a new foundation, eyeshadow palette, or lipstick. The biggest piece of advice I would give to a new MUA is to get the basics of a makeup kit and stick to your budget. There are so many products out there! So, get what you absolutely need and, in the words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work!” Where I am in my career now, I only really upgrade products once I’m ready to expand the quality of products I’m using. And, to be clear, all of the products most MUAs use are extremely expensive. Again, learn the products that work for you and your clients & you’ll be good to go!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
All of my friends know that I am a total foodie! I love good food, delicious drinks, and great conversation! If my best friend were visiting, these are a few of the places we would go! Now, we aren’t as young as we used to be. So, these are some of my favorite places as a mid 30s woman. But she’d experience just enough to say she had a great time! This would also be planned in a non-pandemic world. Sunday: Attend a nap event hosted by The Nap Ministry and grab ice cream from Morelli’s Ice Cream Shop Monday: Dessert from Sammy’s Cheezecake and Girls Night Glutes with The Lampley Fitness Lab Tuesday: Stop by my Alma Mater, Spelman College, to grab some paraphernalia for her toddler and then grab dinner at Slim & Husky’s. She lives in Nashville and introduced me to S+H! Wednesday: Spa Day at iwiFresh (facial, massages, pedicures, and manicures) and a kale wrap from Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe Thursday: Trap Yoga at Level3 Yoga Friday: Happy Hour and Dinner at Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours Saturday: Brunch at Atlanta Breakfast Club and then drinks on the roof of Tom, Dick, and Hanks. Before heading back to my house, we’ll grab the best oxtails from Scotch Bonnet and I’ll be the bartender!

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?
There are 4 groups of people I would love to dedicate this shoutout to! 1. My mama, Rochelle! When I was in elementary school, she earned her cosmetology license. And that was my introduction to the beauty world. Watching her and other stylists transform others was always so fascinating. Seeing her clients, and the clients of other stylists, allowed me first-hand experience in assisting one’s self-confidence. 2. My fiancee, Chariell! When we finally moved in together, that meant that my in-home business was also coming with me. She never questioned me or made me feel as if this business was not welcomed in our home. And, especially during the pandemic and quarantine, she has been totally supportive. When I was ready to begin having in-home clients again, she made sure that I had all necessary PPE so that I could protect, not only myself, but the both of us and my clients. 3. Makeup Mentors, Alex Bond-Butler and MiMi Johnson! These two women have been extremely instrumental in how I’ve chosen to create my brand and signature look, but also in how I hope to mentor other artists in the future. Their breadth of knowledge of the industry is so expansive and deep. I feel like I’m always learning something new from them. Additionally, they are so gracious with other upcoming artists. There hasn’t been one time that their honesty and tip sharing hasn’t been appreciated by me! 4. My clients! I wouldn’t be where I am without them. Honestly. Truly!

x

Website: www.beatbybondy.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/beatbybondy

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