Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Bull.
Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up being the plus-sized dark-skinned girl was very challenging. In addition to being an immigrant from Liberia, West Africa, I was teased about my ethnicity, my size and skin complexion. However, I found comfort in makeup, fashion and all things beauty. Around the age of 16, I began to embrace my natural hair, curves and rich brown skin.
Soon after, I gained followers from all over the world via Instagram that were inspired by my poised demeanor. I exuded unapologetic confidence. I was never ashamed of my origins and people loved it. Truth is, I faked it until I made it! Not every day I felt my best but I made sure to always keep a smile on my face, a cute outfit, a beat face and matching accessories. Someone once said, “you can feel terrible inside but make sure your looks never show it.” Now at 22, I have so many women that admire my love for myself which in return encourages them to love themselves.
As I claim it right now, I will make a big impact in this world. Look out for M.L.E (pronounced Emily)
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The path to success is never smooth, however, consistency will be your biggest aid. Self-sabotage was and still is my largest struggle. I get all these ideas whether it pertains to makeup or fashion and I’ll find myself talking myself out of it. I turn down makeup offers because I minimize my talents and feel like I’m incapable of doing certain things when in reality I can actually do it.
To all the young women starting their journey, practice. Practice and perfect your craft. Become open to constructive criticism, accept that not everyone is a competitor, be consistent and ask for help when you need it. There are many willing to help especially in Atlanta. Just get your name out there and you’ll be surprised.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
Currently, I am a freelance makeup artist going by Africana Beats in the Metro-Atlanta area. I was extremely skeptical to start but I always had peered at my university, Clayton State, asking and encouraging me to start it as a profession. With a leap of faith, I started my business. It’s relatively small, nonetheless, I still have a very loyal clientele that consists of my family, friends and classmates.
Along with my business, I created a YouTube channel, It’s M.L.E., to showcase my talents to a bigger audience. It showcases makeup tutorials, hair reviews, fashion and vlogs. My older sister really helped me build my confidence and I want young women who look like me to know that they are beautiful in every single way. Whether they are plus-sized, dark-skinned, awkward, unconventional, “weird”, etc. they are special and killing it. We all need reassurance when we don’t feel our best and I want to be that person for many. If that includes me assisting them with their makeup, hair, fashion advice or just me being unapologetically me, I will do that. Women run the world and we should all uplift each other in every way possible.
My personality, work ethic and passion definitely sets me apart from the rest and captivates people’s attention. I bring a representation that the media isn’t used to seeing. I am a large dark-skinned black woman that fearlessly loves herself and the world needs to hear and see me.
Who have you been inspired by?
Monique, Nicole Boyer and My older sister Macphina would definitely be my biggest inspirations. I still remember seeing Monique’s tribute to Beyoncé on the 2004 BET Awards as a six-year-old girl and being so excited to see someone my size on TV. She looked so beautiful as she danced across that stage and from that moment, I just knew that the possibilities were endless.
As I teenager I always watched Nicole Boyer on MTV’s Girl Code and her personality matched mine so perfectly. She has that quirky, dry sense of humor that everyone loved. She embraced her size and skin tone and I fell in her. People always compare me to her too.
My older sister, Macphina has always taught me to be carefree and chase my dreams. From a young age, she ensured that I wasn’t meant to fit in a box and because of her I keep pushing. I honestly adore her. She’s the best and I’m glad she’s my only sister and I’m her only sister.
Pricing:
- Full Glam-Lashes included (students) $25
- Full Glam-Lashes included $45
- Soft Glam- $30
Contact Info:
- Email: emily.bull130@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/africana.beats?igshid=1tse0jvfu2x6a
Image Credit:
McKeithen Thomas
@gambinostories
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