Meet Trailblazer Brittaney Shanae

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittaney Shanae.

Brittaney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I used to not be a fan of makeup at all. I attended a performing arts high school in Augusta (Davidson Fine Arts) and while there, any time we had performances, we had to wear full CAKE faces of makeup. I’m talking bright red lips and thick foundation. If we didn’t have it on during a performance, we wouldn’t have a face on stage under the lights. So, that’s where my dislike grew from. During my freshman week at college, I entered the freshman talent show (I’m also a singer) and as I was just about to leave the room, my roommate, Iesha caught me and said: “Where are you going with no makeup? Sit and let me do it for you.” She did it in a way that I loved and looked like me and THERE began my love for makeup. I became the campus makeup artist and was able to keep a few dollars in my pocket while being a struggling college student. After graduation, I moved back home to Augusta and founded my business Beauty by Brittaney Shanae’. I worked in a salon and freelanced before moving to Atlanta to pursue an esthetics license (having the skincare knowledge underneath the makeup is vital). I’m currently working as a part-time employee at MAC cosmetics and still freelancing outside of that. I do a lot of weddings and my clientele is consistently building. I’m also building up my in-home spa and will be able to offer services that encompass both makeup and skincare.

Has it been a smooth road?
The year 2016 was the hardest year of my life. It was the year I moved to Atlanta to pursue makeup full time and to pursue my esthetics certification. Being in school was a full-time job, so it made working even harder. I lost my car and had to commute on the bus and train. This was a huge obstacle especially when I booked weddings or gigs when I had to travel. I was carrying about 50 pounds of equipment. I hit rock bottom at a point because I just had NO IDEA how I was going to provide. Thankfully, I had a friend who opened their doors to me and gave me a place to stay while establishing my place in this super competitive industry. Through all of the struggle, my business grew and so did my clientele, so there was a blessing in the struggle. I had to remain faithful during the process.

We’d love to hear more about Beauty by Brittaney Shanae’.
I’m a makeup artist, esthetician (and singer). I offer full makeovers. Whether they are full glam or the most natural. My work has been published in magazines as both a makeup artist and esthetician. As a makeup artist, I believe in enhancing your natural beauty. Total transformations are cool, but I love for my clients to be recognizable at the end of the day.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is vital in any career but especially the beauty business, because sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know. I’ve had a couple of mentors since college and they are part of the reason why I am who I am today. Receiving guidance from someone who is seasoned in your field is essential. Placing myself in environments with like-minded individuals keeps my wheels churning and helps my creative process.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brittaneyshanae.com
• Phone: 706-250-2025
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/beautybybrittaneyshanae
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/beautybybrittaneyshanae

Image Credit:
Mel B Jr., Nathan Pearcy, DeWayne Rogers

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