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

0:00 Opening: I Declined Celebrity Clients0:44 Introduction: DeyThaMUA & Shine by Dey1:53 Growing Up: Always Into Art2:08 Drawing on Her Shirt at Age 42:39 Creating Shine by Dey Cosmetics4:00 Chi Arts: Chicago High School for the Arts6:33 Imposter Syndrome Still Exists8:39 Discovering Makeup Through YouTube10:58 Charging the First Client11:41 Starting Makeup in Her Dorm Room12:42 When I First Started, I Would Cry15:30 Building a Client Base18:00 Service-Based to Product-Based Business22:00 Art as a Collage25:00 Working with Elite Clientele27:42 My Heart Has to Be In It30:25 Your Prom Girl Matters Just as Much35:00 Boundaries & Non-Negotiables40:00 The Importance of Community42:28 Going to DePaul University45:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs49:34 Rapid Five Q&ADeja 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 lineWhether 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