Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendi Yvonne
Hi Wendi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My background is in marketing, brand design, and brand management. I was managing and creating social media content for accounts before it became an actual career path. I was a makeup artist as a hobby for a lot of years. I started working with my wonderful friend Delila as a guest makeup artist for Lancome and Dior and started falling in love with not just the application of makeup. But the metamorphosis that took place in the person I was working with. I started to see how much one small act of service could touch someone on a very personal human level and the feeling it gave me. And I changed careers. I made the bold decision eight years ago to dive into the beauty industry full-time getting my Esthetics License and then my Esthetics Instructor License. Allowing me to continue doing makeup and also nerd out on the science of skin. I’ve had a hand in the education and licensing of many amazing Estheticians who now practice all over the U.S. Something I’m proud of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve encountered numerous challenges on my journey. I’ve had former bosses and friends ask me how I keep getting up and going after being knocked down so many times. My easy answer is this. You have two options. You either get up or you don’t.
From facing homelessness, leaving an emotionally abusive relationship, health issues, loss after loss. Struggle has been a big part of my story. But the comfort in the loss is that it has always been replaced with something more refined. A better home, better relationships, PEACE. It’s always been a level-up.
Balancing the roles of provider, mother, father, and caregiver to my two younger children, one of whom has autism, has required a significant amount of sacrifices. But sacrifices I choose … every day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My background is actually pretty expansive in all things creative. From Music to Makeup. From Theatre to Education. I guess it just depends on who you ask.
In makeup, I specialize in skin of color. The stories I’ve been told about the negative experiences many beautiful men and women of color have experienced on set as well as in the treatment room really gave me a passion to learn more about working with skin of color. Understanding its complexities, its beauty, the intricacies of light and reflection. Don’t get me started on the differences in hair care.
I also dabble in special effects makeup. Prosthetics, blood, and gore. Although, I am terrible at remembering to take pictures. Makeup is such a creative process for me. And the freedom to bring an idea, a look to life, is the reward. I get so immersed in the moment, I forget to take pictures.
But what sets me apart is the way I show up for people. It’s the experience I provide and the needs I meet in the moment. Understanding how to hold space for someone in what sometimes is one of their most vulnerable moments.
For my students, I show up as the mentor, the coach, the mom, the sister, the voice that tells them “I believe in you”, “You got this”, “How can I help you succeed?”
But my biggest accomplishment and proudest achievement in my life. Are the three incredible humans that call me mom. Or actually, they call me “Momo.”
They are my world. Their resilience through all they have faced thus far. Their free, beautiful, brilliant, creativity. The love they exclude. The accomplishments they have achieved. THEY are my greatest achievement.
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?
I hope that people really took quarantine to stop and take a moment to really evaluate their lives. I learned so so many important lessons. But most of all, I really and deeply understood the meaning of time. How fragile it is. How insignificant it is. How powerful it can be. How much we actual do have control over in the same 24 hours that everyone is gifted. And how to fill that time with what brings you peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wendiyvonne.com
- Instagram: @Wendiyvonne
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/FemFspxuB1foFqWR6
Image Credits
@actorschoicephotography
@ciebon.brand
“Three Wishes” BTS Photographer @thefledgingpotter
