Conversations with QuiNeshia Graham

Today we’d like to introduce you to QuiNeshia Graham.

Hi QuiNeshia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a versatile makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California but I am from Durham, North Carolina, My makeup journey began in 2013; after having my makeup done for my high school prom when I was extremely dissatisfied with the result. After receiving services that were not up to par, I decided to learn the art for myself so my makeup needs would be met at all times. From that day forward I researched, studied and practiced makeup artistry constantly, with hopes of mastering the craft but never imagined actually offering my services to others. My friends noticed how quickly I learned and began to ask me to share my talents, so I happily obliged.

I am passionate about empowering others through the beautification process of enhancing the beauty we already possess. My goal is to aid others in finding the confidence within themselves through accentuating their natural features, not by creating new ones. Although natural makeup is my specialty, I am extremely versatile and I do offer services for different types of makeup needs. I am dedicated to providing wonderful customer service based on each individual’s personal desires and needs. I offer makeup services for individual appointments, film sets, red-carpet events, photoshoots, headshots, etc.

I am also a creative producer and I began my career in film as a makeup artist in 2020 when I worked on my first official set at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. I later gained a love for film and began to dabble in producing after collaborating with a number of student and professional filmmakers in the LA area. Some of my most notable work includes “Fathead”, a short film that was nominated for an NAACP image award, “Blackifier” which won a DGA Award in ‘22 and “MALTA,” the first film I’d ever produced, was an official selection at the American Black Film Festival in ‘22.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all but I am trying to stay positive and remember that my goals take time and patience. Some of the bumps in the road have been, struggling to make the connections needed in order to elevate in the entertainment industry, financial stability in the world of freelance, adapting to a new world far away from family, work-life balance, and remembering that comparison kills motivation.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a makeup artist who specializes in enhancing the natural beauty that we already possess. I enjoy working in the entertainment industry such as film sets, photoshoots, awards shows. I am also a makeup artist in a salon called My Hair Palace on Melrose, so I enjoy working with individuals on an appointment basis as well.

I am most proud of my work on several award-winning and award-nominated film sets, such as “Fathead”, a short film that was nominated for an NAACP image award, “Blackifier” which won a DGA Award in ‘22 and “MALTA,” the first film I’d ever produced, was an official selection at the American Black Film Festival in ‘22. I am also proud of my work in collaboration with some amazing photographers. One of them is Jamaal Murray, I’ve worked alongside him as the makeup artist during his headshot photoshoots. I’ve also worked alongside Danté Bailey as a makeup artist during his headshot and beauty shoots.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, I learned to work through adversity and don’t allow them to stop you. I actually relocated to California in December 2020, which was in the height of Covid. I planned to move and follow my dreams of becoming an artist in the entertainment industry before Covid happened, so I’m sure you can imagine that I was very skeptical about moving forward with my plans, however I chose to move despite the obstacles that Covid threw at me and I am extremely grateful that I did because I am definitely headed in the right direction and slowly but surely achieving my goals.

Contact Info:

• Website:imperfectradiance.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nenethemakeupartist?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= 

Image Credits
Jamaal Murray Danté Bailey