We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Whitney Genee’ Esthetique a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Whitney Genee’, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I have been doing hair and makeup since middle school. My friends and I would watch music videos (I’m really telling my age here, lol) and would try different looks on each other. Then it progressed as we attended dances, homecoming/proms, and special occasions in high school. It was not until my mid-twenties that I had someone that wanted to pay me for my talents! As I grew in my skills, I learned that I could go around the world doing what I loved, something that came so naturally to me; so that’s exactly what I did! I submitted my portfolio and resume and for every “no” fuel was added to my fire to succeed! I’ve been told “no”, I didn’t care then and I don’t care now because that’s the worst that could happen. I didn’t stop though. Every “yes” I received was an opportunity to show up, show out, grow and gain exposure.
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 started off as a wedding artist but I found that I was “too lively” for weddings. Weddings are a super emotional. I volunteered for a small fashion show and I knew I found my calling within the first five minutes of being backstage. I love the rush, the hustle and bustle of fashion. Things can be so chaotic in the hours and minutes leading up to the show, but it all comes together for the runway. I enjoyed being able to bring designers’ visions to life. For someone to verbally express their feelings and what they want on a human canvas and for me to bring that vision to fruition is amazing! Its very exhilarating!
Other than weddings, fashion/runway, I also do tv/film, editorials and special effects. I have done a little bit of everything. I love the challenge, I love learning new things and techniques.
What sets me apart from others is: I’m ready for anything! My kits are fully loaded to execute any look from the fairest porcelain to the deepest ebony; from an elegant, regal updo to loc extensions. Any color and texture of skin and hair is safe with me.
I am most proud of the relationships I have made in the fashion industry. I am very humble about my work, being published in over twenty countries, various publications such as Elle and Harpers Bazaar; I don’t brag as much as I should. I’m proud of the connections I have made, the up-and-coming artists I have helped along the way, the way I have been able to make other artists see the industry isn’t a bunch of mean girls but rather artists that want to make a positive name for themselves in these fashion streets.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I come from a time when social media was not around. Hell, I had dialup internet in high school and no Google! But I’m still fairly young so I couldn’t let technology pass me by. I still can’t get with X, but I digress. Social media is such a powerful tool for reaching audiences you may not generally touch, but still have things in common. Its so much more than word of mouth (although that is still powerful). I learned early to separate my business and personal pages, but to still remain relatable on your business page. Understanding that people only know what you allow them to know. And lastly, be careful of what you post because once its out there, its there forever. Many people have been ruined by things they have posted years ago. Keep it classy and on track.
If there is a product I enjoy using or company I want to work with, I will slide in a DM so fast! The worst they can say is “no” but I will certainly ask to be added to their PR list, review some products, etc.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is seeing other people in awe of my work when its presented. Like its such a phenomenal, surreal feeling to see how other people admire my artistry on the runway. Like someone thought enough about the hair and makeup I did to put it in their publication. Seeing the models confidence in their look, grooms cry when they see their bride for the first time or someone taking headshots and they can’t believe how beautiful they are. Enhancing others’ beauty means so much to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultra_glam_muva/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/whitneygenee?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=2f7d13b6-bd5c-4fa5-bea3-2d93617a2e08
