Navigating the beauty industry can feel like trying to find a hidden door, especially for emerging artists. But a new live series is here to unlock that gate, making space for Black makeup artists and fostering much-needed transparency. Meet ‘The Beauty Breakdown,’ a platform designed to shine a spotlight on talent and build a sense of belonging.
An Organic Vision for Inclusivity
This inspiring series is the brainchild of three powerhouse Black women: Imary Mezquita, founder of HEVN Studios; Lyric Christian, founder of Mind Candy Beauty; and Nyala “Lala” Chamberlain, a sought-after makeup artist for celebrities like Simone Biles and Lala Anthony. What started as a simple idea for a masterclass quickly blossomed into a larger vision.
Lyric Christian shared that the concept grew organically when Chamberlain and Mezquita approached her. She saw the potential to create more than just a one-off event, working closely with them to develop ‘The Beauty Breakdown’ into a lasting series. Their goal? To create a space that felt both sophisticated and welcoming, offering tangible insights and inspiration.
A Night of Glamour and Growth
The inaugural event, held at the creative HEVN Studios, kicked off with a delightful cocktail hour featuring rosé and treats from a Black-owned bakery. Guests mingled before transitioning to the main event: Nyala Chamberlain’s makeup masterclass. She showcased a soft, romantic glam look perfect for weddings and date nights, emphasizing a ‘luminous, skin-first beauty’ approach.
Chamberlain’s demonstration highlighted her signature style, blending editorial artistry with a touch of ’90s glam. Notably, she incorporated several Black-owned beauty products, including Danessa Myricks’ serum tint and an unreleased gloss from her own upcoming line, Dreamland Beauty. This intentional use of Black-owned brands underscores the series’ commitment to representation.
From Intern to Inspiration
Following the masterclass, Chamberlain, who previously interned with Christian’s Mind Candy Beauty, sat down for an intimate fireside chat. She spoke openly about her journey, sharing the highs and lows of her career. The intimate setting allowed for vulnerability, with Chamberlain expressing how safe she felt to be herself and discuss her path.
My biggest advice is to focus on your craft first… At the same time, don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ to start putting yourself out there. — Nyala Chamberlain
Her advice to the 50 attendees resonated deeply: prioritize honing your craft and developing your unique style, but don’t let the fear of not feeling ‘ready’ hold you back from sharing your work. For Lyric Christian, watching Chamberlain command the room was a full-circle moment, reinforcing the mission of Mind Candy Beauty to uplift emerging Black talent.
Building a Community
‘The Beauty Breakdown’ is more than just a series of events; it’s about cultivating a community where Black women in the beauty industry can connect, learn, and grow. The interactive nature of the sessions, with audience members sharing their own stories, highlights the power of shared experiences and collective support.
What do you think of ‘The Beauty Breakdown’ series? Are there other Black artists or creatives you’d love to see spotlighted? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Leave a Reply