Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Breanna Hawkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Breanna, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I didn’t have a big “aha” moment when I started my makeup journey. It was more of a quiet nudge—something inside me saying it was time to lean into something I’d always loved.

Before stepping fully into makeup artistry, I spent five years in direct sales for a cosmetics and skincare brand. I genuinely enjoyed helping women feel more confident in their own skin, but as the company shifted, I realized I was changing too. The one thing that never changed? My love for makeup. That spark was always there.

People around me kept saying it—friends, family, even people online: “You should be doing this professionally.” And eventually, I started to believe it. Our kids were finally all in school, and for the first time in a while, I had room to think about me—what I wanted, what lit me up, and how I could turn this passion into something real.

In 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic, I took a leap and enrolled in a professional makeup academy. It was a mix of hands-on practice and coursework, and honestly, I couldn’t get enough of it. But what no one really prepares you for? The business side—finding clients, putting yourself out there, and starting from scratch. That part was scary.

Thankfully, I had my biggest supporters cheering me on—my family. They tagged me, shared my work, and helped me get seen. Soon, photographers started reaching out, which led to my first major gig: a marathon photoshoot where I served as the lead artist, helping create each model’s look from scratch. When I saw the final group photo, it hit me: this is real. This isn’t just a hobby anymore—it’s a career.

Since then, I’ve traveled for weddings, built lasting client relationships, and watched my business grow every single year. But what still gives me the most joy? That moment when a client looks in the mirror and sees the best version of themselves staring back. Helping someone feel radiant, confident, and truly seen—that’s what keeps me coming back.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve grown my business from the ground up—booking weddings, photoshoots, special events, and even teaching others how to master their own makeup through hands-on masterclasses. I specialize in soft glam and natural makeup that enhances your features, not hides them. If you’re looking for bold contour, bright concealer and sharp liner, I might not be your girl—but if you want to look effortlessly radiant and like you, just elevated? Think soft contour, blended eyes and skin like finish, That’s where I shine.

My services include:
• Bridal & Intimate Wedding Party Makeup – customized packages that prioritize prep, timing, and long-wear beauty.
• Portrait & Special Occasion Makeup – from high school seniors to headshots and celebrations.
• 1-on-1 Lessons & Group Masterclasses – for everyday women who want to feel more confident doing their own makeup.

What sets me apart isn’t just the makeup itself—it’s the experience. I create a calm, encouraging environment that puts people at ease, even if they’ve never had their makeup professionally done before. I take time to listen, prep the skin properly, and make sure every client walks away feeling like themselves, just glowing a little brighter.

One of the things I’m most proud of is building a business rooted in trust, word-of-mouth, and real relationships. I don’t chase trends or viral gimmicks—I stay focused on people. Helping a bride feel calm and beautiful on her wedding day, or watching a teen see her own beauty in a way she never has before? That never gets old.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work, it’s this: You don’t need a full glam transformation to be worthy of being seen. You already are. I’m just here to enhance what’s already there—with skill, care, and a whole lot of heart.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first started taking paid makeup clients, I had no shortage of nerves—but not for the reasons people think. It wasn’t the blending or the lashes or even the pressure of perfecting a look. I knew how to do the makeup.

The hard part? Believing I deserved to be there.

I’d walk into a room, kit in hand, and smile confidently on the outside… while inside, I’d be thinking, “What if they realize I’m self-taught? What if they ask who I’ve worked with and I don’t have a fancy name to drop? What if I’m not enough?” That’s imposter syndrome. And it doesn’t care how talented you are—it shows up anyway, whispering doubts at every new level you reach.

I remember one of my earliest big gigs—multiple clients, on location, long hours. I almost turned it down. Not because I couldn’t do it… but because I was afraid someone would find out I wasn’t “legit enough.” But I said yes. I showed up. And something amazing happened.

I connected with every person in my chair. I made them feel seen, heard, and beautiful. And by the end of that day, the photographer pulled me aside and said, “You really have a gift—not just with makeup, but with people.” I drove home exhausted, but with a new truth settling in: This is what I’m meant to do. Not because I’m perfect or credentialed to the nines—but because I care deeply, I show up fully, and I pour into every person I work with.

That experience reminded me that resilience isn’t always about pushing through massive obstacles. Sometimes, it’s choosing to believe in yourself a little more each day—especially when your inner voice tells you not to.

Now, when that old imposter syndrome creeps in (and yes, it still does sometimes), I don’t let it lead. I remember who I’ve helped, the way my clients light up, and the fact that no one else has to “validate” what I do. I’ve earned my place—one face, one story, one transformation at a time.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

One of the biggest things we can do as a culture is relearn how to value real artistry—and real people. In a world full of filters, face-smoothing apps, and perfectly edited images, it’s easy to forget what skin actually looks like. Pores, texture, fine lines, hyperpigmentation—these things are normal. But they’re rarely shown, especially online.

As a makeup artist, I see both sides of this. Sometimes it feels like no matter how beautiful, clean, and skin-like I make a look, it still gets compared to a filtered version of reality. And for my clients? So many of them come into my chair already feeling like they’re not measuring up. They’ve seen so many altered images that they’ve forgotten what real, healthy skin looks like. (Spoiler: it has texture. It has pores. It’s normal.)

So what can we do?

We can support the artists who show their work unedited. We can engage with content that feels human, not perfect. We can stop asking creatives to replicate a face that’s only ever existed through a filter. And we can be more intentional about how we speak to ourselves and each other about beauty.

Makeup artistry isn’t just about glam—it’s about connection, care, and skill. It takes time, education, emotional energy, and heart. And in a world full of quick edits and unrealistic standards, choosing to show up with something real is brave—for both the artist and the client.

I’m proud to create looks that feel like you, just enhanced. Not erased. Not airbrushed beyond recognition. And I hope we can continue moving toward a culture that celebrates that—one where creativity, authenticity, and individuality are what truly shine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/breannahawkinsmua/home?authuser=0
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breannahawkinsmua/profilecard/?igsh=YWw0b2FxbzZoNmRl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QYQo39dis/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Tracy Berndt with JD Entertainment