Today we’d like to introduce you to Deeonna Sharnay.
Deeonna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a native of Syracuse, NY, and have always been closely involved in all things beauty. At the tender age of 5, I could be spotted with beautiful nails, hair, and clothing all self-assembled. As the youngest of three, beauty was always a natural form of self-expression for me. People who knew me as a child could tell I was destined to be in the beauty industry.
I moved to Georgia where I attended The Fort Valley State University for 2 years. It was there I began studying early childhood education, but after missing the city life, I moved back to Atlanta. After returning, I continued my studies achieving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia State University. During my time at Georgia State University and after graduation, I thrived as a pre-k teacher. I discovered my passion for face painting while being a Pre-k teacher. Thankfully, my passion did not stop there!
My talent includes makeup artistry, face and body painting, lash extensions, and special effects makeup. My work has been published in several major magazine publications, such as Jet, Sheen, Hip Hop Weekly, Dark Beauty, and Black Bride. My makeup artistry has been on display at Bronner Bros, Essences Festival, and The Makeup Show. My resume of television shows is on the rise, as I have worked on Family Hustle, The BET shows Her, Xscape Just Kickin It, Teyana & Iman, and Grand Hustle just to name a few.
I believe that the best makeup is confidence. I enjoy enhancing women’s natural beauty!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to where I am today has not been a smooth one by far. Growing up I knew I loved beauty and working with children. In 2008, I graduated from high school and my parents always supported my passion from beauty but wanted me to have a four degree to always fall back on. I enjoyed my college life but at times wish that I just focused on my beauty career.
The beauty industry can be a very completive field to the point where it seems no one wants to give advice or even give constructive criticism. A few years ago, I was at a point where I didn’t know what to do or where to go to follow my dream of being a makeup artist. So, I decided to apply for a job with a major commercial makeup company. I was offered a part time 15-hour position but needed to have open availability. I decided that having a part time job in my dream field was worth resigning from my 40+ hour a week lead pre-k teacher position. I was able to move up fast in the company because of my talent to do makeup and ability to sell. Even though my sales continued to grow drastically above goal, I was denied growth in the company because of the general managers opinion of “my look”.
During my time working for that company I started growing my network and trying to connect with people in the beauty industry. I found a mentor that helped expose me to different levels of the beauty industry that I am forever grateful for. During this time, I was so determined and eager to learn as much as I could that it caused me to be taken advantage of. That experience has taught me how to run my personal business and has made me a stronger business woman. One key thing I would tell anyone who asks, “what is one thing that is a must do in the business world?’, I would say have everything in writing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Diva Brand – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Diva Brand LLC is a company that embodies all things beauty. We consist of but are not limited to makeup artist, hair stylist, henna artist, face and body painters, clothing designers, fashion stylist and personal shoppers. I am a makeup artist who specializes in beauty, editorial, fantasy, special effects, face and body paint and lash extensions.
I book my artist for jobs throughout Georgia and will be expanding to other states this year.
I am most proud at how fast my brand has grown and that I was able to take my experience and create a company, which allows me to help other individuals interested in the beauty industry get work and gain experience.
The Diva Brand is like no other company, we are set apart from others because we offer all areas of beauty with highly qualified artist. I as the owner has set a very high standard for customer service and quality of work. I ensure that my artists are highly educated in their craft and are able to create a professional but comfortable environment for all clients.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that Atlanta is so diverse we are able to work with people from all over the world and have the opportunity to work in all different industries.
Three words “The Atlanta Traffic”, But that is a catch 22 because all those people are potential clients.
Pricing:
- • Makeup services start at $85
- • Hair services start at $35
- • Henna pieces start at $25
- These prices are based on individual bookings. Prices for parties, weddings and classes vary. All inquires on services and or booking can be made by emailing thedivabrandllc@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 2124 Cheshire Bridge Road
- Website: www.themakeupdiva.biz
- Phone: 678-900-DIVA (3482)
- Email: thedivabrandllc@gmail.comhttps:/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/themakeupdivads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMakeupDivaDS/
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/the.divabrand.llc/
Image Credit:
A.Z.U. Studios
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
