We recently connected with Deshanay Brinkley and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Deshanay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving the security of my 9-to-5 job to fully commit to building my own business.
I had been working as a teacher—a role I didn’t take lightly, especially because I have a heart for children and believe in the power of guidance and impact. But over time, I found myself emotionally and spiritually drained. On paper, everything seemed fine: a steady paycheck, a respectable role, and a clear daily routine. But internally, there was a war in my heart. I felt unfulfilled and disconnected from the purpose I knew God had placed in me.

I’ve been working since I was 16 years old, and for most of my life, I relied on the security of having a traditional job. While I was grateful for the lessons and stability those experiences provided, I began to realize that I was choosing safety over trust—trust in God, and trust in the vision I had been given. I had a growing, burning desire for something more—more purpose, more creativity, more impact, and more alignment with my God-given potential.
The more exhausted I became from pouring into a position that no longer served me, the more I delayed taking steps toward my dreams. Eventually, I reached a breaking point. I could no longer ignore the calling in my heart. I knew I had to take a leap of faith and leave behind what was familiar in order to step into the unknown and pursue the life and legacy I truly desired.

So, I quit. I chose to trust God’s timing over my own comfort. I chose purpose over a paycheck. And when people ask me how it’s going, the honest answer is: I’m doing it scared—but I’m doing it. Each day, I surrender a little more. I’m learning that it’s okay to walk away from what no longer aligns. It’s okay to trust God even when the path isn’t clear. It’s okay to not be “booked and busy,” as my generation defines success.

When God begins to rebrand you, the process might be slower. It might be lonelier. The milestones may look different. But the peace, clarity, and alignment that comes with walking in obedience are beyond worth it.
Taking this risk has changed everything. It’s not just about starting a business—it’s about becoming the person I was created to be.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not have heard about me or my brand before, I’d love to introduce myself and share the heart behind what I do.

Wandaful Beauty wasn’t just a business idea—it was a calling. I’ve been doing makeup since the 9th grade. Back then, if I wore a shirt with green and white accents, you could bet my eyeshadow would match—green and bold. I’ve always been drawn to expressive creativity and unafraid to experiment with colors and styles that others might shy away from. I loved creating beauty from the inside out, even before I had the language to describe it.

The name Wandaful Beauty is deeply personal. It’s named in honor of my late mother, Wanda. When I looked up the meaning of her name, I initially found it meant “wanderer”—a word that, at first, felt aimless or uncertain. But as I dug deeper, I discovered something beautiful: a wanderer is an adventurer, someone who travels without a set destination, discovering new paths, new people, and new purpose. Even more powerfully, Wanda also means “a seeker of God.” That meaning resonated deeply with me.

I began to envision someone bold, radiant, and full of wonder—someone exploring the world with faith and curiosity. Rainforests, nature, light, and beauty… all of this is reflected in what Wandaful Beauty stands for. My business is not just about makeup or skincare—it’s about ministry through service, self-love, and divine confidence.
When a client sits in my chair, they’re not just receiving a service. They’re being poured into. Whether it’s makeup, waxing, or facials, my mission is to uplift and remind women of their God-given beauty and worth. When I finish a session and see my client glowing with confidence and joy, I know I’ve done more than apply makeup—I’ve touched a life. That’s what I call bringing a little bit of heaven to earth.

God has blessed me with a gift—not just with makeup artistry but also with a voice to teach, love, and encourage others. When He led me to pursue esthetics school, I didn’t fully understand why. But now that I’m nearing licensure, I see the deeper purpose. I’ve gained essential skills in infection control, skin science, professional ethics, and holistic wellness—all of which add layers of excellence to my craft.
I also bring personal experience. I’ve battled acne and self-image struggles since I was young. For a long time, I looked for validation in others, but it wasn’t until I began walking with God that I discovered my true worth. He reminded me I am worth more than rubies—acne or no acne. Through faith and consistent action, I’ve been healing, and now I’m passionate about helping other women do the same.

What sets Wandaful Beauty apart is that this isn’t just a business—it’s my testimony. It’s a reflection of resilience, obedience, and love. Even in seasons of doubt, when I only had one consistent client, I didn’t give up. Because this is bigger than me. I’m building a legacy for the generations to come.
So, what do I want people to know about me and my brand? That I’m committed. That I don’t quit. That this is faith-fueled and purpose-driven. And that when you sit in my chair, you’re not just getting a service—you’re encountering a safe space to grow, glow, and walk boldly in who God called you to be.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that I can only trust myself—that I’m the only one who can protect, provide, or pull me through. Learning to trust God over my own understanding has been a process, and honestly, it’s one He continues to teach me.

Whenever I find myself in a difficult season—whether it’s financial hardship, emotional burnout, or simply feeling stuck—I tend to fall back into the mindset of, “I have to figure this out on my own.” It’s almost like spiritual amnesia… I forget all the times God showed up, made a way out of no way, and provided exactly what I needed when I needed it.
But God, in His grace, keeps bringing me back to that same lesson: Trust Me. Not just when it’s easy. Not just when things are going well. But in the silence, in the struggle, in the moments where I feel like giving up. He reminds me that He’s not just my provider—He’s my Father. And He’s never failed me.
Unlearning self-reliance and leaning fully into divine trust hasn’t been easy. I was so used to carrying everything on my own shoulders, thinking that was strength. But real strength comes when you surrender. It’s saying, “God, I don’t know how, but I know You.” And that knowing changes everything.

So now, when life gets heavy, I try to pause. I reflect on His faithfulness. And even if I still feel afraid, I remind myself: He did it before. He’ll do it again. Trust is no longer just a lesson—it’s becoming my lifestyle.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I used to work in Airbnb arbitrage, and I truly loved it. I enjoyed every part of it—the thrill of closing deals, the creativity in decorating properties, and the strategy behind marketing them. But even in the middle of that success, I often found myself wondering how long it would last. About a year into the business, I felt a strong pull to walk away.
This meant stepping away from a growing, in‑demand business and ending a valuable business partnership. For a while, fear held me back—fear of what others would think, fear of appearing crazy for giving up something so lucrative. But ultimately, I knew I had to be obedient to the call I felt.

So I made the difficult decision to stop everything. I surrendered the comfort, the income, and the security, and chose to pursue what God wanted for me—even if it meant giving up everything I had built. It was one of the hardest but most freeing decisions I’ve ever made, and it taught me that true success isn’t just about growth or money—it’s about alignment with your purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/wandafulministries
• Instagram: @Wandafulbeautyco