Meet Yanique (YaYa) Downer of YaYaBeatsFace in Druid Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanique (YaYa) Downer.

Yanique, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started makeup almost ten years ago. I did it in the dorm rooms at Mercer University as a hobby. It was only when I really needed a job that paid well, that I decided to do it professionally. I got hired on the spot at Mac cosmetics in Southlake Mall in 2011. I was a freelance artist while simultaneously working at MAC, but the two schedules would soon clash. MAC forced me to make a decision and with the help and backing of C Clark Photography and other loyal clients, I was able to leave the stability of a job and do freelance full time. Scariest decision I’ve ever made but I would do it all over again if given another chance. CJ put me in a position to win, not only financially but also made me the #1 Makeup choice when shooting with him. I feel like that move, as well as quality work, and word of mouth propelled me into the solid career I have today!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m going to say, Yes it has been a smooth road for me! And it is ONLY by the grace of God! I honestly felt like if I was meant to do it, and my steps were already ordered, so all I had to do was WALK. God laid my path for me. He is the only person I can credit with my journey. He put me in the right rooms with the right people and led me to ask the right things. I had been granted what I asked for (makeup wise) because that was my path. I never had to ask twice, nor did I ever have to beg. Your success is in His timing and His will for your life. Trust in Him and he won’t ever lead you astray. Looking back at the things I tried to do instead of makeup, none of it stood a chance. It wasn’t my calling. Moreover, everything that I’ve done thus far are all connected to my bigger purpose.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the YaYaBeatsFace story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a professional makeup artist who specializes in glam makeup (which is different from editorial or special FX). What sets me apart is I custom make every clients foundation, and have been for the last six years. I also have a knack for chocolate skin. I feel like that has pushed me into a special place in Makeup as that is a harder skill to grasp. Chocolate skin is harder to master than doing more available OTC skin tones. I have to dig a little deeper for dark complexion foundations and concealers which affords me the upper hand in handling my chocolate customers. I pride myself on that. I started a hashtag for my deep complexion ladies called #KeepThemChocolate. It’s so fun to cruise the hashtag every so often and see the incredible movement it is today!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The bad luck of not being able to afford my private university education any longer forced me into makeup. I wanted to be an anesthesiologist. I had my mind and heart set on it since I was 12. Although I had scholarships and grants, they weren’t enough to pay for Mercer’s tuition costs and it forced me to look for a job that could pay (what I thought to be) enough to cover school fees that I was short. What I didn’t know is this symbolic train I was boarding wouldn’t stop and would continue full speed ahead for many years and many more years to come. I am eight years in doing makeup and although I see myself venturing into new businesses in the near future, this one won’t be slowing down at all! The best part is I am making my anesthesiology money WITHOUT the outrageous education debt I would be in if I continued.

Pricing:

• Full Face with Mink Lashes start at $125
• Bridal Makeup packages start at $1000
• Day rates start at $800

Contact Info:

• Address: 2295 Parklake Dr NE
  Suite 556 Atlanta GA 30345
• Website: www.yayabeatsface.com
• Phone: 404-345-1505
• Email: info@yayabeatsface.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/yayabeatsface
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/yayabeatsface
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/yayabeatsface

Image Credit:
Sterling Images; Allure Magazine

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