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Life & Work with Justin Douglas of Clarkston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Douglas.

Hi Justin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Justin Douglas, originally from Hollywood, Florida. My journey into makeup started with a deep love for creativity, storytelling, and helping people feel powerful in their skin. I didn’t come into this industry just to do glam—I came in to leave a mark.

After moving to Atlanta, I dove into the beauty scene and spent eight years with MAC Cosmetics, which taught me so much about craft, client connection, and professionalism. But I knew I had more to offer; my own voice, my own style. That’s when I really started leaning into my signature: soft glam with a pop. It’s clean, elevated, but always with a little unexpected energy and that’s me in a nutshell.

From there, things started to take off. I worked with reality TV stars, red carpet clients, and landed on sets like Love & Hip Hop Atlanta and The Braxtons. There were highs and lows; especially parting ways with the Braxton family at one point; but I stayed grounded, focused, and kept showing up. And the fact that they came back and asked me to return? That let me know I was doing something right.

Now, I’ve been in the game for 10 years, and I’m still growing. I launched Motivational Mondays to share my voice and inspire other artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to keep going; even when the industry gets heavy. For me, it’s not just about beauty; it’s about purpose, power, and perseverance.

Based in Clarkston, GA (East Atlanta, if you know you know), I’m here to inspire, lead, and show what’s possible when talent meets discipline. This is just the beginning.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road; far from it. If anything, the bumps, detours, and heartbreaks helped shape the artist and man I am today.

There were seasons where I felt overlooked, underpaid, and like I was giving my all without getting the same energy back. I’ve had clients who didn’t value my time, opportunities I had to fight to be in the room for, and moments where I was doing the work of ten people with little recognition. I’ve been fired, rehired, and had to navigate tense situations in silence just to protect my brand.

One of the biggest struggles was learning how to protect my peace in the middle of chaos. In this industry, especially in reality TV and entertainment, things move fast and people don’t always show up with integrity. I had to learn how to keep my standards high without losing myself or dimming my light to make others comfortable.

Being HIV-positive since 2012 also came with emotional layers. While I don’t center it in my work, it’s a part of my journey that taught me resilience, self-love, and the power of choosing joy even in the face of judgment.

But every challenge sharpened me. It made me more intentional. It taught me discipline, boundaries, and the value of knowing your worth. That’s part of why I started Motivational Mondays—because I know how hard it is to keep going when it feels like nobody sees you, but you still show up anyway.

This road wasn’t smooth, but it was necessary; and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional makeup artist with 10 years in the game, and I specialize in soft glam with a pop; that elevated, camera-ready beauty that enhances without overpowering. My clients range from reality TV stars to red carpet talent, editorial models, and everyday women who just want to feel powerful in their own skin.

I’ve worked on major shows like Love & Hip Hop Atlanta and The Braxtons, and what I’m most proud of is not just the resume; but the trust I’ve earned along the way. I’m known for being a calming, professional presence on set. People book me for the glam, but they rebook me for the experience.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend artistry with authenticity. I don’t just “beat faces” I bring energy, intention, and storytelling to every look. I care about how my clients feel, not just how they look. That’s why my glam always reflects the moment they’re walking into; whether it’s a high-pressure TV scene or the biggest night of their life.

I’m also deeply proud of my Motivational Mondays series, where I get to use my voice to uplift other creatives. It’s my way of pouring back into the community and reminding people that beauty isn’t just surface; it’s strength, it’s survival, and it’s personal.

At the end of the day, I’m not chasing trends; I’m building legacy. And every client I work with becomes part of that story.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising? Honestly, most people see the finished product; the glam, the confidence, the wins; but what they don’t always know is how deeply spiritual and intentional I am behind the scenes. I move with a lot of faith, intuition, and alignment. Every decision I make, from the clients I take to the content I post, is rooted in a bigger vision.

Also, a lot of folks don’t realize that I’m doing everything myself; production, filming, editing, posting, scheduling, creating my brand from the ground up. There’s no big team behind me yet. It’s just me, a dream, and a crazy amount of discipline.

And on a lighter note; most people don’t know I’m a huge Brandy fan! She’s my all-time favorite artist and has been the soundtrack to some of my biggest personal and professional moments.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
I took all photos myself credits to Justin Douglas

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