Today we’d like to introduce you to Taniyah Reynolds.
Taniyah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my makeup journey 2017/18 selling lashes & doing glam on my classmates and family members in my junior year of highschool. Once I got so much positive feedback I got inspired to go to beauty school and make it official even though I’m pretty much self-taught. My school had a program where students can obtain their cosmetology license because esthetics wasn’t available 2017-2019 yet, tuition free depending on your area and I qualified! Took advantage not even wanting to do hair but knowing I would be able to perform almost everything else I wanted to do with the license once completed. Taking the leap at a young age I didn’t know going to school would open so many doors for me 6 years later professionally. I’ve worked to be recognized at M.A.C & Sephora as an artist gaining connections with beautiful co-workers, artist and leadership, assisted in teaching makeup, featured in D.C Fashion Week cycle 42, worked with beautiful brides in the Maryland/VA regions and currently a beauty guru for salon centric part time. The opportunity is never ending in this industry even with slow seasons, economic fluctuations etc. that will come about.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, I haven’t had many bumps in terms of clients horror stories I could talk about *knocks on wood*! However as stated slow seasons, economic fluctuations on products and equipment can be challenging to navigate. Ive been passionate about my artistry and talent knowing it’s all part of the process. You can’t take much personal or be super sensitive when dealing with clients and in fast paced environments with so many different personalities and diversity. Working for Sephora and M.A.C has helped me develop a tough skin of discernment professionally while also allowing me ways to grow empathetically. I’ve found that planning accordingly and finding other sources of income helps knowing when your stronger times are and where you need more support other times. I’ve really had to believe in it no matter how crazy it looks or sounds to others !
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional cosmetologist. I specialize in soft & creative style makeup. I also do hair, nail and brow services. As stated I started selling lashes so that really was my way of getting in the door or what I’m known for if you will. I’m most proud of my work featured in fashion week cycles and being selected for D.C & New York, that’s what sealed me being an respectable artist and all the positive feedback I received inspired me to travel and move from my hometown Newport News VA to pursue my makeup career even farther.
What’s next?
I’m preparing to expand Lazayinc the brand to the Maryland area and figuring out ways to combine my new healthcare career addition to my existing beauty . I’m in the process of finalizing graphics & marketing for my cosmetics to be launched next year. I read “just get it started, you can perfect it later” and ever since then I’ve let go the idea of something needing to be perfect before I pursued it, that I would be waiting forever and comparison is the thief of joy so I got started with no team, just my laptop, notebook, and million dollar brain. Eventually I want a shop half makeup school, I want my cosmetic brand in major retail stores with a warehouse, I want my African American bridal team to gain strength and presence. I got big girl dreams! That’s just some ideas, I’m so passionate there’s many restless nights behind what I produce and producing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lazayincbooking.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazayinc/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealtaniyahhh
