Patra Stallworth of Tuscaloosa on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Patra Stallworth shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Patra, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that brings me true joy is my family. My close family, which includes my boyfriend, two year old son, and six year old dog is apart of my strong drive. Spending time with them, creating memories and growing with them are at the top of my goal list.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Patra Stallworth. A 28 year old Tuscaloosa, Alabama native with a passion for helping others in many different capacities. After graduating and becoming an alumni of The University of Alabama in 2019, I was still young and learning to navigate in the world. Covid in 2020 allowed me to start on a journey that I would have never imagined. I turned a hustle during my time as an undergrad into a career. In June 2020, I stepped out on faith, and allowed God to direct me towards being a full time business owner as a freelance makeup artist. This June of 2025 I celebrated five years of being full time. Within those five years, I lost one of the strongest person in my life: my grandmother. However, I also became a mother. Both life changing events have increased my passion, drive and strength. I can say that I am proud of the woman I am becoming for myself, my family, my clients, and my community.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
This question allows for a powerful time of reflection. As a child, I was always timid, easy-going, and believed everyone is innocent. I rarely spoke up for myself, and was always kind to others. I have grown to be more vocal about the things I believe in and represent. I remain respectful and kind to others, especially to those who deserve it. However, I have learned that speaking up for yourself and others is a powerful tool.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to remain humble in all situations. A person can suffer in many ways in life; financially, emotionally, mentally, physically, etc. Looking back at situations that I have experienced, I have learned that remaining humble is the key. You experience low moments to excel during the high ones. I always remember how the suffering times are actually times of preparation for what’s on the other side.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Being in one of the most dominant industries in our society, beauty and cosmetics, you will experience many different people and situations. One of the biggest lies that this industry tells itself is that everyone in this industry are business owners. I like to make sure to distinguish the difference between being a “service provider” and a “business owner”. Many people in this industry are just “service providers” because they have a talent that they can charge for. However, having terrible customer service, unprofessionalism, and lack of knowledge of their service are traits that I consider what distinguishes the two. Business owners know how to remain humble, yet prideful in their service. It reflects in the way that they handle their business. I classify myself as a proud, young business owner. I don’t just provide a service for my clients, I provide an experience. An experience that leaves my client happy, beautiful, confident, and ready to take on the world.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story that my legacy leaves behind is that of a woman who was strong, resilient, honest and intelligent. I hope that I am an inspiration for any woman of color. I pray that people will miss my kindness and silliness. I hope to continue to put a smile on peoples faces.

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTPS://makeupbypatra.as.me
• Instagram: @makeupbypatra, @princesspatraa

Image Credits
Tanesha Childs, Zombie Fame Photography