We recently connected with Dijonay Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Dijonay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

When it comes to asking friends and family for support, I don’t feel uncomfortable doing it, especially when it’s as simple as reposting or tagging my business. But over time, I’ve learned to approach it differently. When I first started doing makeup, I would often ask my friends and family to model for me or help promote my work. While the support was there, I realized I was relying on it too much, almost out of desperation to be seen.

Asking for support isn’t wrong—who doesn’t want their loved ones cheering them on? The issue is expecting it. Not everyone shares your vision, and they’re not obligated to. I’ve definitely felt hurt when people close to me didn’t show support, especially when I’d see them go all out for others. It made me question myself—was I doing something wrong? But then I realized that strangers often become your biggest supporters because there’s no unspoken competition. It’s taught me to focus less on who’s not supporting me and more on perfecting my craft and building an authentic audience.

A big influence on this mindset has been my dad. He came from very humble beginnings in Jamaica and, at just 18, put himself through flight school. Over time, he worked his way up to becoming a full-time captain, flying internationally without even having a degree. Seeing him rise from such difficult circumstances has inspired me to keep going, no matter what. His journey reminds me that success comes from persistence, not validation from others.

This version keeps the essence of your message, touches on your personal growth, and includes your dad’s story as a motivating example, all in a more streamlined way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an Orlando-based makeup artist who specializes in a range of glam services, from soft, natural looks to full glam and creative makeup. I’ve always loved makeup and the way it can transform not just how someone looks, but how they feel. Helping women feel special and confident by enhancing their natural beauty is the core of why I got into this industry.

What sets me apart is the experience I create for my clients. I’m not just a makeup artist—I’m like your built-in therapist or “homegirl” during the appointment. I take pride in building genuine connections with my clients, making sure they feel comfortable, valued, and heard. While I have strict policies around time and etiquette to keep things professional, I balance that with being approachable and authentic. I never feel the need to change who I am to attract clients—what you see is what you get, and I think that honesty and realness resonate with people.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my work helps women celebrate themselves. Whether it’s for a wedding, a photoshoot, or just because they want to feel glamorous, I’m honored to be part of those moments. I want potential clients to know that my services are more than just about makeup—they’re about creating an experience where they feel empowered and celebrated.

Above all, my brand is built on authenticity and passion. I love what I do, and I genuinely care about making my clients look and feel their absolute best. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle turned into a full-time business, and it’s been a journey of faith and perseverance. When I first started, I made it clear to my friends and family that this was a new chapter for me. I wasn’t sure where it would take me, but I was determined to see it through, whether it worked out or not.

As a college student, balancing school, work, and my business has been challenging, but I’ve stayed consistent. In the beginning, I made a point to post regularly on my business page, even if it wasn’t paid work. I knew I had to put myself out there, so I’d ask people in stores to follow my page, post in local Facebook groups, and use hashtags to target clients in Orlando and surrounding areas. It was all about building momentum.

Some of my key milestones include meeting clients from all over and receiving referrals that helped grow my business. I’ve learned that strangers can be your biggest supporters—they’ve shown more love and trust in my work than I ever expected. That realization pushed me to stay consistent and focus on serving the people who value what I do.

Looking back, starting this business taught me the power of putting yourself out there, staying consistent, and being willing to grow through the process. It’s been rewarding to see how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to see where it continues to take me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was feeling like I needed to accommodate every client, even when it meant bending or breaking my own policies. When I first started, I was so eager to grow my business and make clients happy that I’d let things slide—whether it was late arrivals, last-minute cancellations, or disrespectful behavior. I thought being lenient would show clients I was easy to work with, but all it did was create stress and leave me feeling undervalued.

I reached a breaking point after a few situations where clients blatantly disrespected my time and policies. I realized I wasn’t standing up for myself or treating my business like the professional service it is. That was a huge wake-up call for me. I had to unlearn the idea that being “nice” and accommodating everyone was the key to success.

Now, I enforce my policies confidently because they’re there to protect both me and my clients. I’ve learned that setting boundaries doesn’t push people away—it attracts the kind of clients who respect you and your craft. And honestly, the respect I’ve gained from standing firm on my policies has been worth so much more than the discomfort of having to enforce them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dkartristry.as.me/
• Instagram: DKArtistry_