Meet Whitney Rae MUA | Pro Makeup Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Rae MUA and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Whitney Rae, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic career because it chose me! I graduated college in 2008 in the middle of a recession and couldn’t get a job in my field. I fell back on my retail skills and worked my way through makeup stores such as Macys and Sephora. It was there that I discovered a love for makeup ART and decided to make a career out of it!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is the EXPERIENCE! When I work with clients I like to create an atmosphere of sisterhood and beauty! I am not changing my clients with makeup but I am bringing out ALL OF THE GOODNESS they already have within them. I pride myself on lifting spirits as well as cheekbones!
I want my clients to recognize themselves when they look in the mirror. I want the best version of themselves reflected back in the mirror.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh WoW! I live in the heart of Bed-Stuy so there is definitely so much to see and do!
I would absolutely take them to my all time favorite place LINDENWOOD DINER as well as some of the local hangouts in Bed-Stuy. There are at least 3 different types of activities or eateries to choose from every 4 or 5 blocks. The neighborhood is BUBBLING!
There is always something to do in NYC!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that influenced me along my makeup artist journey. However there are a few key women who took it up a NOTCH and solidified my future in the arts !
1st: My best friend and line sister Angela who got me my 1st application to Sephora. That job was the catalyst to my makeup artist journey.
2nd: Tiffany RaeLynn. The first person to see in what I didn’t even see… POTENTIAL! She gave me my first makeup artist job (Stila Cosmetics on 34th ) in the heart of NYC. I learned hands on what it means to be a NYC makeup artist!
3rd: Erin (last name unknown) from MAKEUP FOREVER NYC. She was the first MUA to show and tell me how limitless the possibilities were on my chocolate skin. She applied lashes, red lipstick, and contour on me for the first time with such confidence and it was in that moment I decided I would become an educated artist like her. PLUS! She was WHITE!! I was so impressed with her knowledge of my skin and her level of expertise. I had to be an all around artist just like her!
4th: Floriane David. I had the opportunity to have her teach a workshop to me in my retail days. She was soooooooo smart, cool, french, and AMAZING ! I decided then that I would invest in MAKEUP SCHOOL and take my artistry to a new level! BONUS! She became my lead instructor and I spent 6 months learning from her directly just 2 years after meeting her!
5th: My Mother, Juanita Lewis. Without her love and support I wouldn’t have been able to solely focus on building my brand and my expertise in the makeup world. I love you always MA!
Website: www.CantStopMyPretty.com
Instagram: Www.instagram.com/cantstopmypretty
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyraemua/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cntstopmypretty
Facebook: www.facebook.com/canstopmypretty
Youtube: www.youtube.com/cantstopmypretty
Other: linktr.ee/CantStopMyPretty
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
