Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Bynes
Hi Toni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was never really a girly girl. When I was a kid, I would play with my grandmother’s makeup, just making a mess, but nothing serious. It wasn’t until I got into college at Kansas State that I picked up the habit of playing with makeup again. I was really into brows! I love a good brow. From there, I started watching YouTube tutorials, and that’s really where I learned most of what I know, along with a lot of practice! My friends would literally allow me to use them as my test subjects, and it just took off from there.
After college, I worked at Macy’s for a while at the Lancôme and Estée Lauder counters. In 2015/2016, I decided to take makeup a little more seriously. I started doing makeup for hairstylists in hair shows, which escalated to fashion shows, and then progressed to more creative looks just for fun.
I decided to get my esthetician license back in 2017, so I’m also a licensed esthetician. I care about the health of my clients’ skin just as much as the final look. I moved to Atlanta in 2020, towards the end of the pandemic, and I’ve been here ever since, slowly but surely building my clientele. I do makeup for weddings, photoshoots, everyday and glam looks, and I’m working towards creating more intricate, character-inspired looks. I really love what I do and the relationships I’ve built while doing something that brings me joy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth journey, I’ve encountered a few challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles was establishing a consistent client base in a new city, particularly since I didn’t have many connections here. Additionally, cultivating strong professional relationships with photographers and models has been a little difficult at times. As an artist, having a variety of faces as canvases is essential for honing my skills, but finding willing participants hasn’t always been easy. Despite these obstacles, I’ve continued to grow in my craft and work with what I have. My family and friends always come through for me!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist, I feel that I excel in bridal and glam makeup while also being known for my creative holiday looks. However, my true pride lies in my ability to accentuate the natural beauty of each client I work with, whether that’s through makeup or a specialized facial treatment. What sets me apart from others is my commitment to constant growth within my craft – I’m always seeking out new knowledge and skills to expand my expertise and provide the best possible experience for my clients.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My view on risk-taking is that it’s an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. While it can be intimidating, I believe that stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for discovering new opportunities and reaching your full potential.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was moving to Atlanta during COVID. I moved away from my core family and my already established clientele and it was a challenge. Despite the risks, this move has allowed me to establish myself in a new city and continue developing my craft in a competitive market.
Even though I consider myself open to taking risks, I do think it’s important to approach them strategically and thoughtfully. By weighing the potential outcomes and trusting my instincts, I’ve found that embracing certain risks has been instrumental in helping me reach my goals and staying true to my passion.
Pricing:
- MakeUp $95
- Hydrating Facial $65
- MakeUp One ON One $225
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @blushedout_bytoni
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/blushedoutbytoni
Image Credits
Leonard “SikLooks” Dawayne, Tj Ward, JonMatis Photography
