Today we’d like to introduce you to Atiya Imani.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began being fascinated with make up around middle school but my mom would never let me wear it. One time, I snuck and put some on at school and it got all in my eye, that was the last time I played around with it until I was able to freely, lol. My 9th-grade year my mom gave me the ok and I took it and ran with it. I would try all types of colors and liners, all looked terrible and luckily my mom never let me leave the house with that on. I quickly realized in 2009 that golds, bronze, and browns look FABULOUS on me! So, 9-12, I wore the same set of eyeshadow and liner every day! When I graduated, Naked came out with a pallet fit for POC( People of Color) and I was quick to get it and start experimenting! within the past two years, I have watched the makeup community grow artistically and bigger with the help of social media it blew up! Everyone was trying colors and styles and it seemed like finally, everything I had loved about makeup was becoming a social norm so I too began to intensify my skills. I practiced and practiced and after 2 years I can confidentially say that I am able to achieve any look. I get so inspired by the ladies that do exotic looks and thats what motivates me! I live for making people feel good about themselves!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely been a journey. I struggled with myself mostly because I see the talent out here and I felt incomparable, but I kept pushing forward. So, to anyone who is wanting to do something and feeling inadequate remember to trust yourself and trust the process and don’t give up. hard work always pays off!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into TiyaBEEats story. Tell us more about the business.
Right now, I am in the middle of building my brand, so I have dedicated my skills to nonprofit organizations and I am a travel make up artist. I am most proud of working with people who may not be able to afford a higher quality makeup and providing that A-List look with A-list products at a reduced or no cost.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think the biggest barriers is that a lot of people have joined the make up a community that is POPULAR and it has turned more so into a popularity contest and the people that are actually passionate about it do not have a voice. Since the makeup community is predominately female, I can’t say that it is hard establishing a role as a leader while being female, however, I do believe that the POC has been hugely under-represented and that is the barrier I face making a brand for myself as a leader, as a woman and as a woman of color.
Pricing:
- Eyebrows $5
- Eyebrows & Lashes $10-$20 depending on lashes
- Eyes only $20
- Full Face $30-$50 (Soft glam-exotic)
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6193791068
- Email: tiyabeeats@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lovelyyimani12
- Facebook: facebook.com/Tiya-BEEats
Image Credit:
Atiya Imani
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