Meet Tamika Madeam Aka Mika2fancy of East Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Madeam Aka Mika2fancy

Hi Tamika Madeam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
So, here’s how it all began. Growing up, I was the ultimate middle child, but I was also my mom’s mini-me. Seriously, I was obsessed with her—like, “Mom, can I be you when I grow up?” obsessed. My absolute favorite thing was watching her get ready in the morning. It was like watching magic happen, and that’s where my love for makeup and fashion took root.

Now, we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but my mom was a genius when it came to fashion. She taught me that style isn’t about the brands you wear; it’s about how you put that shit together. She showed me how to work with what we had and to rock it with confidence. While some people get caught up in labels, I learned early on that true style is all about creativity and self-expression.

Even in middle school, I was THAT girl who wore eyeshadow & big hoop earrings. And let me tell you, back in my day (yes, I’m showing my age here), wearing makeup to school was “grown” . Nowadays, girls roll into class with a full beat, but back then? A little mascara, and suddenly, you’re “too fast.” But for me, it was all about expressing myself, and thankfully, my mom gave me the freedom to do just that.

Oh, and who could forget my freshman year in high school when I had bright red Rihanna-meets-Ronald McDonald hair? I was always pushing the envelope, living in color (literally), and just embracing my creativity. While everyone else was playing it safe, I was out there setting trends—whether people realized it or not!

After high school, while everyone else was heading off to college, I knew I had to follow my passion. So, I went straight to cosmetology school—Paul Mitchell in Atlanta, to be exact. That experience was everything. It taught me not just about cosmetology, but about connecting with a group of diverse people. We used to take customers once we hit a certain amount of school credit hours and making my clients feel amazing about themselves, and the joy that comes with helping someone feel like their most confident self means EVERYTHING to me.

Back in high school, I was the go-to girl for makeup before dances, proms, and, let’s be real, random bathroom touch-ups with my trusty beauty supply store eyeshadow palette. I was always in my element, blending and brushing, making sure everyone looked bomb for their big moments.

But my real breakthrough came during the Snapchat days—around 2017-2018. Remember when Snapchat was everything? I teamed up with another girl, and we started doing Snapchat takeovers. We gave up and coming makeup artists especially creatives of color a platform to showcase their skills to a wider audience. It was sooooo much fun, and honestly, that’s when my brand, Mika2Fancy, really started to pop off.

From there, things just snowballed. I launched my own makeup line, started working with clients professionally, and found my true calling in helping people feel like the best version of themselves. There’s nothing I love more than seeing someone’s face light up when they see their transformation. It’s all about making people feel like that confident, unstoppable force they are.

And I owe so much of this journey to my mom. She passed away in 2014 (RIP, Mommy), but she’s been my guardian angel, guiding me and inspiring me every step of the way. I know she’s proud of the creative, fearless path I’ve taken, and I’m forever grateful for the lessons she taught me.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Was it a smooth road? Not at all. I’d say it was more like a rollercoaster with some serious drops. The toughest part of my journey was when my mom passed away. That was a really dark time for me, not just because we were so close, but because I suddenly had to step up in ways I never imagined. At just 20 years old, I found myself planning my mom’s entire funeral, and yes, I even did her makeup for it. I know it sounds wild, but I just knew I had to get shit done. There wasn’t time to break down because my siblings and family were relying on me.

At that time, life got real, real fast. We had a mortgage to pay, and I was only working part-time, fresh out of cosmetology school with my license in hand. It felt like everything was hitting me at once. But in the midst of all that, my now husband..my zaddy, as I like to call him—was my rock. He held me down, kept me motivated, and pushed me to keep going even when I didn’t think I had anything left to give.

I had to put on my big girl panties and get a big girl job, which led me to my current role as a banker and manager in corporate America. It’s crazy how life works out because while it was one of the hardest times of my life, it also made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined to succeed. I truly believe that these struggles are what shape us, give us that extra push to rise up, and remind us that even after the storm, a rainbow is coming.

And let me tell you, that rainbow has been brighter than ever. I’m not done with my journey yet. I’m still chasing that pot of gold, but I’m shining brighter every step of the way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Honestly, I’m not just a MUA or “Beauty Influencer” I’m just a girl who REALLY loves makeup. What started as a passion has grown into something so much bigger, allowing me to build relationships with incredible clients over the years. I’ve had the pleasure of watching their kids grow up and doing their makeup for everything from middle school dances to senior pictures. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m all about connecting with even more people and making them feel their best.

I specialize in being my authentic self, which is something I think we all need a little more of these days. Let’s be real, there’s so much pressure to look perfect,
wear the right brands, and cap for the internet. But that’s not what life is about. I’m here to tell you straight up: it’s about being true to yourself, giving back, and bringing some light into other people’s lives. That’s what I love doing, and I’m most proud of staying true to who I am.

It’s tough to pick just one thing I’m most proud of because I’m always growing, but I’d say it’s not letting today’s society change me. I know a lot of people struggle with self-doubt, especially in this social media age, but I’ve always been secure in who I am and what I want to put out into the world. If young Mika could see me now, she’d be like, ‘Damn, she’s so cool!’ and honestly, that’s what I’m most proud of. Making my mom and grandmas proud is huge for me too. They’re the ones who taught me to stay true to myself, and I carry that with me every day.

Now, what sets me apart? I’d say it’s my versatility and my love for creative glam. Sure, I can do the soft, everyday looks, but I’m also all about that extra edge—think “Instagram makeup” looks that are still totally wearable. I’ve got this ability to blend creativity with practicality, so whether you want something bold or just a little bit glam, I’ve got you covered. I’m like a chameleon with makeup. I can do it all, and I love every minute of it.

So if you’re looking for someone who’s all about bringing out the best version of you, who’s got the skills to back it up, and who’s going to keep it real every step of the way…then I’m your girl. Let’s create some magic together!

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is my impact—how I make others feel and the difference I can make in their lives. Sure, being an “influencer” that puts you on to the latest trends is part of it, but it goes deeper than that. It’s about the little things: What did I do today to make someone smile? How did I brighten someone’s day or bring a bit of joy into their life? You never know what someone’s going through, so if I can be a light in their life, even just for a moment, that’s what really matters to me. My goal is to leave a positive impact, whether it’s through my work, my words, or just by being kind. That’s what drives me every day.

Pricing:

• – High School Special $60 (for high school students only)
• – Glam or Natural Glam Makeup $75+
• – Dramatic Glam Makeup $95+ (Festival. Halloween etc)
• – Bridal Glam $300+ (includes consultation)
• – Photoshoot Glam $90 hourly rate

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/mika2fancy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mika2fancy
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mikatoofancy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mika2fancyy