Today we’d like to introduce you to Shacarra Bennett-Hardy.
Hi Shacarra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m your favorite beauty guru, Shacarra Bennett-Hardy, from the Eastside of Detroit, MI (born and raised). I share my love and knowledge for beauty through my YouTube channel: MakeupByCarraMae. I was first introduced to makeup in high school. I would put on two eyeshadow colors and mascara and think I was doing something.
During the summer of 2013 going into my junior year of college at my Alma Mater, the illustrious Alabama A&M University, I began watching YouTube videos consistently. I had my favorite beauty influencers I loved watching and I would buy every product they suggested in their videos. This was a great introduction into makeup for me. I then began doing makeup on my family and friends. At this point, I just knew I wanted to be a makeup artist. After graduating college, I starting working under my mentor, Danny B. Danny is a successful celebrity makeup artist in Detroit, MI. She would take me on different events with her which taught me so much. Later on, I started working at a well-known makeup store. I was literally around makeup ALL the time. Working there I would have to do training on all the brands with different representatives. This not only gave me knowledge on the brands, but now I had knowledge on skincare and knowledge on the right products to use for each client. While working at the makeup store, I started a blog on WordPress, hoping to transition into YouTube. I had my mind set on being an influencer, just like the ones I would watch. My supervisor at the time, whom I admired a lot, kind of discouraged me not to do YouTube, so I kind of put it out of my head after that.
As time went on, I got married and moved to Birmingham, AL (my husband’s hometown). I have a lot of family in Birmingham. A family member who I was always with 24/7, my big cousin Coco, who just so happens to be one of the biggest makeup artists in Alabama. So of course being around her, she put me to work. I would assist her with clients and bridal parties. She taught me the business side of being a makeup artist. After a while, it hit me that I did not want to continue to pursue being a makeup artist as far as providing services for other people, I rather share my love and knowledge on YouTube and help people that way! I later moved to Dallas, TX with my husband. After moving, I thought that would be the perfect time to start my channel. I did and I haven’t looked back since! Now I’m doing something I’m passionate about, I get to work with different brands and show people a glimpse of my life. Best decision ever!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely was not a smooth road. I started out always thinking it wasn’t a good time to start my channel yet, then I was letting people discourage me from doing so. I wish I would’ve just went with my first mind because I would’ve been so much further than where I am now, but I’m super grateful for where I’m at today. After officially starting my channel, I had to learn so much about recording, editing, and the algorithm for each social media platform. I’m still learning, but it’s honestly been such an enjoyable experience as I learn.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My YouTube channel consists of beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. I’m mostly known for my makeup skills and knowledge for skincare, but my vlogs and clothing hauls are what the viewers love the most. I’m so proud of myself for setting such a huge goal like this and really sticking it out. It’s hard trying to be consistent. Yes, there are a lot of beauty influencers out there, but none of them are me! And that’s what sets me apart from others.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up as a kid, I was super shy and quiet. It was hard to get me to talk. As I got older, my mom made me join extracurricular activities like gymnastics, dance, cheering, piano, and tennis. I thank God for her! It definitely helped. I think having a platform where I have no choice but to speak helps today. It gives me a confident push to step out of my comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mscarramae/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mscarramae
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/MakeupByCarraMae
