I Declined Celebrity Clients to Keep My Word | Deja Blackwell, Makeup Artist & Cosmetics Founder

0:00 Opening: I Declined Celebrity Clients 0:44 Introduction: DeyThaMUA & Shine by Dey 1:53 Growing Up: Always Into Art 2:08 Drawing on Her Shirt at Age 4 2:39 Creating Shine by Dey Cosmetics 4:00 Chi Arts: Chicago High School for the Arts 6:33 Imposter Syndrome Still Exists 8:39 Discovering Makeup Through YouTube 10:58 Charging the First Client 11:41 Starting Makeup in Her Dorm Room 12:42 When I First Started, I Would Cry 15:30 Building a Client Base 18:00 Service-Based to Product-Based Business 22:00 Art as a Collage 25:00 Working with Elite Clientele 27:42 My Heart Has to Be In It 30:25 Your Prom Girl Matters Just as Much 35:00 Boundaries & Non-Negotiables 40:00 The Importance of Community 42:28 Going to DePaul University 45:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 49:34 Rapid Five Q&A Deja Blackwell started doing makeup in her college dorm room, crying about who would pay her. Now she's the Founder and CEO of DeyThaMUA and Shine by Dey Cosmetics—working with elite clients while staying true to her values. When celebrity requests started coming in, she did something most artists wouldn't: she said no. In this episode, Deja shares: ✨ Why she declined celebrity clients who wanted her to cancel on regular clients ✨ Starting her business crying in her dorm room, wondering who would pay her ✨ The imposter syndrome that persists even after achieving your dreams ✨ How she went from service-based (makeup artistry) to product-based (cosmetics line) ✨ Learning your non-negotiables and staying true to your values ✨ Why your prom girl and wedding client matter just as much as any celebrity ✨ Building a business where your heart is always in it ✨ The moment she realized she needed to create her own cosmetics line Whether you're in beauty, service-based business, or building a brand, Deja's story will remind you that integrity and authenticity matter more than any opportunity. About Deja Blackwell: Deja Blackwell is the Founder and CEO of DeyThaMUA, a makeup artistry business, and Shine by Dey Cosmetics. From her Chicago roots and Chi Arts High School training to working with elite clientele, Deja has built a business grounded in art, integrity, and keeping her word. 💄 Learn more at https://www.deythamua.com/ The growth engine for women who mean business. http://f5collective.com