Meet Trailblazer Aliyah Wilkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliyah Wilkins.

Aliyah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got my start in this beauty industry at a very young age. In my early years, I was involved in various beauty pageants, fashion shows, and photoshoots within my community. However, that’s not the reason I picked up a makeup brush. As I got older, as a teenager, I developed serious acne that made me insecure about my appearance at times. In order to cover my flaws, I began wearing a pound of makeup on my face to school almost every day. Although I was no good at makeup at the time, insecurity of mine turned into a hobby. As I got older into college and my skin began to get better, I learned to use makeup to enhance the beauty of my face rather than mask insecurities. Today, my goal as a makeup artist is to teach beauty and self-love to a woman and young girls within my community.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it seems. When I first started doing makeup, I would get discouraged to branch out because there are already so many makeup artists in this world so why would someone choose to book with me? What makes me different? To this day, I learn new things about myself and my craft that sets me apart from the rest. If I could give advice to a young woman who is just starting there journey in this industry, I would advise them to find their special something that makes them stand out from the rest and capitalize on it. That one thing that people see in you is gonna be the reason they book with you and keep coming back each time.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance makeup artist in the metro Atlanta area with a goal to provide makeup and beauty services to women and young girls, encourage self-love and enhance not mask. I am still developing my brand and organization so I wouldn’t say I am known for anything specifically but I plan to make my stamp on this world one way or another. Furthermore, I think what sets me apart from the rest is that at the end of the day, my goal is to not just do beautiful makeup but to create art, a masterpiece if you will, and you make someone feel beautiful.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Absolutely! Specifically in Atlanta, it’s like a mini Hollywood. The beauty industry is booming here from hair to makeup to fashion. Women are breaking molds and barriers every day by stepping out of their comfort zone and following their dreams. I don’t see that stopping any time soon.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styleseat.com/aliyahwilkins?utm_campaign=vanity
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/liyahdvsh

Image Credit:
Instagram @pablofilmz_

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