Daily Inspiration: Meet Cayla Ingram

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cayla Ingram.

Hi Cayla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started doing makeup when I was 17. I went to a predominantly white high school and wanted to do makeup for the pep rallies. I remember trying my mom’s Mary Kay palette back in 2011,it only had six eyeshadows! I swiped a green eyeshadow across my eyelids, went to school, and received SO many compliments that I didn’t even know were possible.

I remember sitting there wondering, “Why haven’t I seen more women of color doing fun, creative eyeshadow looks?” Then I realized it was because it wasn’t really being created or shown to me in the area I grew up in. I grew up watching Bretman Rock, NikkieTutorials, James Charles, Patrick Starrr, and so many other artists who were constantly pushing boundaries. They inspired me to look at makeup as more than just makeup, it was art and a way to express yourself.

Honestly, I started realizing that maybe the reason I wasn’t doing as well academically was because my creativity was meant to be poured into something else. I started doing makeup for theater shows and getting involved with the theater department, and I found something that genuinely made me happy. Whenever I did find another person of color doing fun, bold makeup, I paid attention and ran with it. I wanted to become that person in my hometown,the person who showed other women that it wasn’t scary to have fun with makeup, be creative, and showcase your art since I did not really grow up, seeing myself being represented heavily. I realized I wanted to be the next person to create that space for someone else.

Then, at 18, I got booked for my first wedding through a little bit of trial and error and, honestly, the amazing community I found through Young Life. The leaders there really poured into us as young kids and encouraged us to discover what we wanted to do with our lives. My Young Life leader, Katie, asked me if I wanted to do her makeup. She told me she felt like it would be a great opportunity for me to improve and that she was impressed with my skill, especially for being so young. She trusted me to make her feel beautiful on one of the biggest days of her life, and that was truly the moment I decided I wanted to take makeup a little more seriously.

I started asking myself, “What do I need to do to make more women feel beautiful and confident in their own skin?”

So, I practiced. A LOT.

I would screenshot pictures online and recreate them as best as I could to test my skills. I couldn’t always sit through a 45-minute YouTube tutorial, so I worked with what I had and figured things out on my own. In those early years, I couldn’t always afford name-brand products, but that never stopped me from creating. When I was around 24, I started going into Atlanta more, and that opened up a whole new world for me. I realized just how creative everyone was, and it gave me the freedom to really be myself. I started dressing how I wanted, experimenting with my hair and nails, and expressing myself through my makeup.

That creativity started catching people’s attention whenever I went out. And somehow, that turned into being invited to clubs, lounges, rooftop events, music videos and different creative spaces for free. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey because I never set out to simply “do makeup.” I wanted to create, express myself, and show other people that they could do the same.

Now, I’m so grateful to be in a place where I’m known as a creative, where people genuinely want to experience my vision, whether that’s through my makeup or my photography.

And honestly? I’m just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating a town not exactly designed for expressiveness and creativity had its challenges. Finding talented individuals who were eager to explore bold looks, photo shoots, and makeup artistry was another hurdle, as that’s my specialty and passion.

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 do makeup for everything under the sun! weddings, photoshoots, birthdays, just hanging out for Thanksgiving, or even Halloween makeup. My goal is to become someone who specializes in every aspect of makeup that people need for any occasion. What I’m most proud of is how the outside world sees someone who does makeup all the time. For some, it might seem like too much, but for me, it’s just right, and it’s wonderful to be received well by others without any negativity. But instead as an incentive as to how I taught myself and what can they learn

What sets me apart is that I haven’t sold myself for the art; it’s still a very enjoyable experience for me. I make others feel that way too when I do their makeup or plan a photoshoot. I play music, chat with them as if they’re just my friends, and connect with them on a level where they want to use me again as their makeup artist or photographer.!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
For me, it’s all about being passionate and driven about what you love, so it never feels like work. I believe that’s what made me successful.I never seem tired or uninterested. My passion has brought me recognition in so many unexpected areas! In Atlanta, where so many people are creatives, standing out can be tough, but it’s your passion that truly makes the difference.

Pricing:

• $95 for a soft glam look
• $125 for a full glam look
• $85 for mature, older skin, that needs something subtle

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Caylamariah1
• Facebook: Cayla Mariah