Today, we’d like to introduce you to Bria Janaye . Bria was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Terry Mcdonald.

Bria, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up I always gravitated to all things beauty. I always found myself being front and center, from watching my mom at the nail salon getting her eyebrows done to standing in the mirror watching my grandmother put on her makeup as she would get ready for the day. Later in my adolescence years beauty had later evolved from an interest to then giving me confidence. Growing up as a lower class African American girl in a predominantly upper class Caucasian environment I was always constantly comparing my beauty to the other younger girls. Comparison of body image, hair type, and even wardrobe. In my high school years I would take some of my mom’s products (what little she had) and dress up my eyes with some eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner. This would give me such a great a boost of confidence when walking through the halls.

Now in my adult years makeup has become a tool for peace and purpose. It is an outlet to express my creativity or help me escape from the realities of the world when I would submerge myself in cosmetics. It has also contributed to making other people feel beautiful as well. One of the first things clients have done when they sit in my chair is scrutinize and magnify all of their imperfections but once they leave they feel more beautiful and confident than when they walked in. It brings me so much joy knowing that I was able to change their self conscious beliefs. Makeup and beauty has allowed me to connect with so many amazing people. The communication and collaboration that also comes with this artistry has revealed so many blessings and lessons throughout this journey. I am thankful for this talent and everything that has came with it and I continue to ask and follow Gods guidance.

Please talk to us about your creative work and career. What should we know?
My career started in 2020 during the Covid pandemic. During Covid we were all in our houses bored so throughout this time to keep myself busy ( refraining from falling into a rabbit hole on TikTok) I began to do creative makeup looks on myself. I would have so much fun with it. It pretty much became a whole photoshoot production. In 2021 I enrolled in a makeup certification course with MUD x Rizzeri. I knew that even though I was self taught for the most part there was more I needed to learn and hopefully this path would then open more door for me. Here I learned how to color match clients, proper sanitation, and the business side of the beauty industry. The following year, 2022 I did my first NYFW show ! My makeup instructor Ashley Welden at Rizzeri had connected me with another makeup artist named Story. This show was SFW runway spring 2022. Then from there I was a part of SFW 2022 fall show and Straightwalk Runway “Planted 2022” show (here I connected with Terry McDonald owner and founder of T.McDonald cosmetics). I later became a member of her beauty team. I was the lead makeup artist for NYFW Powersquad Campaign fall 2022 and Spring 2023. More work includes New York Fashion Week- SFW Runway spring 2023 New York Fashion Week- The Dream Fashion Show spring 2023 New York Fashion Week- NYC Live spring 2023. Print and Advertisement: Purple Magazine- Amehl FW22 at The Locker Room, New York spring 2022 NAKID- Amehl FW22 Exclusive shoot and Fashion Week Presentation spring 2022 Ron Dyce Special Publication Shoot 2023 Freelance Bridal Teams: Aleksandra Ambrozy based in Pennsylvania Two Birds Hair CO. based in New Jersey Vibe Salon based in Mount Laurel New Jersey You can follow me on instagram @beauty_goddess__ as well as clicking the links in my bio to see more of my work.

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Terry Mcdonald and T Mcdonald Cosmetics and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with T Mcdonald Cosmetics.
I was divinely guided to Terry. Like I mentioned previously I met Terry at the Straight Walk Runway PLANTED 2022 Spring Fashion show at the Galleria Mall. During this time she was the makeup sponsor for the show. I remember getting to the table to set up my makeup kit and each artist had a TMcDonald gift bag with the Level Up palette, and 3 liquid lip kushions (in the shades Carnival, Naked Truth, and Divine Feminine), and a gloss in the shade clarity with a thoughtful ‘Thank You’ card. She then came around to everyone and introduced herself with a bright warm smile and she shared with everyone the backstory behind her brand. Terry’s products are a reflection of who she is as a person. You can tell how much hard work she has put into building the TMcDonald brand based on the quality of her products. All of the TMcDonald products deposit color beautifully. The pigment in the products make it great for artists and beginners, and all complexions! I love to mix and blend products and pigments and the TMcDonald cosmetics have made that so effortless for me. With the Level Up palette the shades are very creamy and blend able! For a special event or quick applications the Level Up palette can be a “one stop shop” for most having shades that can be utilized as blush and/or highlight. Making this palette super easy, convenient, and enjoyable! Once you explore this brand the sky is the limit with ideas and artistic techniques.
I admire Terry and the brand T.McDonald cosmetics because of what they stand for. One of her motives is to use makeup and beauty as a vehicle to heal and empower women. This message truly embodies Terry’s brand as a whole. Within the brand itself she tells the story of her life, her upbringing, and relates names to something we all may experience. I also admire Terry because she holds many hats and she wears them well. First and foremost she is a believer. Her spiritual connection with God and her journey with Him is something she proudly shares. Terry is also a great mother. She is the mother to Nariah And Jordan who she loves to talk about. Her care, love, and support is not diminished by work or anything that calls for her and her time. She continues to be a great reflection for her children, allowing them to see her outside of solely being “mommy”. Terry is a great friend. She answers and reaches out in times of need. Terry is an amazing entrepreneur and philanthropist. She will graciously dedicate her time to people and projects. Terry is a boss. Being able to manage balancing multiple different roles in this world requires a great deal of discipline and skill. And she does it beautifully. And that is something I admire and inspire to reflect. She loves on her team so hard and has also built it with talents who represent her brand.

Instagram: Beauty_goddess__