We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Breanna Duncan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Breanna below.

Breanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

There was a time when I was determined to work at MAC Cosmetics. I attended a one-on-one interview, answering various questions to the best of my ability. I even presented my makeup portfolio, but the interviewer didn’t seem impressed. She told me I wasn’t ready and suggested I return in a year. I left feeling defeated, questioning my abilities and wondering if this path was truly for me.

A few weeks later, I was invited by my friend, Meeko, a hairstylist in Dallas, TX, to do makeup at her pop-up shop for a customer appreciation event. Although I was still feeling discouraged from the MAC interview, I decided to attend. That day turned out to be a turning point in my life. I met the legendary DJ Spinderella from the iconic Salt-N-Pepa group. She approached me and asked me to do her makeup, and from that moment on, I became her makeup artist.

Spinderella believed in me and opened doors I never thought possible. While I didn’t succeed at the MAC interview, I realized that my purpose was greater than that opportunity. Working with her allowed me to collaborate with many talented artists and be in spaces I could have only dreamed of. That experience taught me that sometimes, what we perceive as a setback is actually a stepping stone to something far bigger than we imagined.

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?

My journey into the beauty industry began with a passion for artistry and a desire to help people feel confident and empowered. Early on, I found that makeup was not just a tool for enhancing beauty, but a medium for creative expression. I began honing my skills by working with local clients and expanding my portfolio, but it was a pivotal encounter that truly shaped my career. After a discouraging interview experience with MAC Cosmetics, I was offered an unexpected opportunity to work with DJ Spinderella of the iconic group Salt-N-Pepa. That moment shifted everything for me, opening doors to opportunities I had never imagined.

Today, I specialize in providing high-end makeup services for a diverse range of clients, from everyday individuals seeking a polished look for special events, to celebrities and artists looking for standout, on-stage presence. My work goes beyond just applying makeup – it’s about listening to my clients’ needs and creating looks that reflect their personality, style, and the message they want to convey. Whether it’s a natural, fresh-faced look or bold, dramatic glam, I strive to ensure that each client feels their best, both inside and out.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail and the relationships I build with my clients. I believe that makeup is deeply personal, and my goal is always to enhance each person’s unique features in a way that feels authentic to them. I’m proud of my ability to adapt and create looks that are not only beautiful but also make my clients feel seen and understood.

One of the things I am most proud of is the diversity of people I have had the opportunity to work with. From high-profile artists to everyday women preparing for life’s most important moments, each experience has been fulfilling in its own way. I’ve been able to step into spaces I never dreamed of, from fashion shows to red carpets, while staying grounded in my mission to uplift others through my craft.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my brand is about more than just makeup – it’s about creating a space where people feel empowered, confident, and unapologetically themselves. My work is always evolving, but the core of what I do remains the same: making people feel their best in their own skin.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of building strong relationships, delivering consistent results, and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. In the beauty industry, trust and reputation are everything. By consistently delivering high-quality work and tailoring my services to each client’s unique needs, I’ve been able to create loyal, long-term relationships that naturally lead to referrals.

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

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is that perfection equals success. Early in my career, I believed that every makeup look had to be flawless in order to prove my skills and worth. I was constantly chasing perfection, which not only added unnecessary pressure but also limited my creativity. I’d get caught up in small details, worrying if every stroke or blend was absolutely perfect, which often left me second-guessing my work and slowing down my progress.

The turning point came when I was working on a high-profile client under a tight time constraint. I realized that perfection wasn’t the goal—delivering a look that aligned with the client’s vision and made them feel confident was far more important. The client loved the final result, even though I could still see areas where I thought it could be improved. That experience taught me that beauty is subjective, and sometimes what I view as “imperfection” may actually add character or personality to the look.

I had to unlearn the idea that success meant being perfect in every single detail. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace flexibility and trust my instincts. Now, I focus on creating looks that capture the essence of my client’s personality and preferences, rather than obsessing over flawless execution. That mindset shift has allowed me to work more freely and confidently, which has made me a better artist and business owner.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Brebeautified

Image Credits

Knox Photography
@knox_is_shooting