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

Halle , appreciate you joining us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

Focus on Your Wins

I’ve learned to focus on my wins, not my losses because what’s meant for you will always be meant for you.

In this journey, especially in the beauty industry, you’ll face more rejections than blessings. But when those blessings come, be grateful. Be appreciative. Those are miracles from spirit.

Everyone moves differently. Some move boldly only extra large. Some move quietly and alone. Others move somewhere in between. Every move is different, and every one move must be made wisely whether it’s through professional relationships, clientele, or connecting with artists who’ve mastered their craft for years.

To anyone reading this: remember, your purpose isn’t a movie with a perfect ending. It’s not fast it’s slow. It’s a TV series. Every episode counts. Make it worth watching.

People are watching you survive. They see your mistakes, your failures, your successes, and your growth. Be okay with making mistakes they’re not failures. They’re lessons that make your story richer and your spirit stronger.

Whether you’re a creative, an artist, or someone chasing your dreams, understand this: you are in control of your story.

I studied at Tint Makeup School and Cosmetology in Seattle, WA, where I spent almost a year in the “Master of Makeup Artistry” program. There, I learned that every skill is a level-up. You begin to see your strengths, your weaknesses, and the ways you can truly understand yourself and your gifts.

The Beauty and Hollywood industries aren’t easy they can be dark places.

As someone diagnosed with autism at a young age, I had to learn to navigate spaces that weren’t always built for people like me or to create new spaces where I belonged. It wasn’t normalized to include neurodivergent voices or minds that think and see differently.

Being neurodivergent gives me perspective, depth, and a rhythm that connects me to the universe in extraordinary ways. I see beauty differently. I create differently. I move through the world with a vision that can’t be replicated.

You’ll walk with people who are solid with you and that’s enough. You’re not meant to have the whole world in your inner circle, just the ones who are right for it.

At the end of the day, remember this: God always makes a way for your dreams to happen. He often sends you into the unknown because that’s where miracles unfold.

Halle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Let me introduce myself Halle Banks, but I go by Halle Bee. I am a professional makeup artist “Neurodivergent make up artist” based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in editorial, runway, red carpet, and fashion work. Beyond my client projects, I often take on roles as both makeup artist creative director and for my own personal projects. These are spaces where I explore creativity on my own terms building the concepts, stories, and visuals that reflect the world as I see it I love working with people who bring something genuine to the table. Diversity and storytelling inspire me deeply connecting with individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures allows me to create art that truly represents humanity in all its forms as artists we put our clients needs before ourselves its a industry that keeps on giving. With time, you learn the importance of balance taking care of yourself just as much as you take care of your clients. That’s where true self-love begins. When you nurture both sides, you show up as your best self, and that’s the greatest gift you can give to yourself and to the people you serve.

I strive to help people see the beauty within themselves, even when they may not recognize it themselves. My goal is to create art that feels alive to make people feel something real or channeling a certain feeling, whether it’s through emotion, energy, or vibration. I break down each look stroke by stroke color by color, shape by shape, vision by vision, always honoring the story and the spirit behind it. My journey into the makeup industry began when I was eight years old. Even back then, I knew I was destined to go to infinity and beyond everything aligned perfectly in time. After graduating high school in 2019, I joined a master makeup artistry program that ran from September to the following September. During that time even through COVID and virtual learning and starting out in person training

I stayed focused and completed my training in person first when It was normal until covid hit then we were all online. It was a special experience, especially being able to graduate virtually in front of friends and classmates from my family since I do have family that don’t live in Seattle. Throughout my studies, I trained across all areas of makeup artistry from editorial, runway, and red carpet to airbrush, SPX, and bridal etc lead by makeup legends such as Sable Desiree , Stacie Thomas , Julia Whitley, Tim Peirson , Daniella Rosaline , Abby Hartung to name a few. I had another mentor aside from school, who taught me more in depth of the business of being in the industry her name is Crystal Wright I took her Win Now mentorship program in September of 2023

As someone who is neurodivergent, this part of me adds immense value to my artistry. It allows me to see and create differently, and to share that process openly with others showing not just the final result, but the way I see and feel art. My work is about creating something real, emotional, and meaningful pieces that move people and tell stories worth remembering. Being a makeup artist is like being in a relationship one you dedicate your whole life to. It grows with you, evolves with you, and becomes a part of who you are. Over time, you start to merge with it, to understand its rhythm and flow. It’s like an element something that lives within you, moves through you, and shapes the world around you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is transformation witnessing how something intangible, like emotion or vision, becomes real through your hands.

It’s that moment when an idea that lived quietly in your mind finally takes shape in color, texture, sound, or form and it moves someone else. You realize that your inner world, your thoughts, your healing, your imagination, can reach others and make them feel and seek to understand.

It’s also the connection the silent understanding between creator and observer. When someone looks at your work and says, “I feel that,” without needing to explain why. That shared emotion, that energy exchange, is pure magic.

And beneath it all, there’s growth. Every creative act is a mirror showing you who you are, what you’ve learned, and how much you’ve evolved.

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

Yeah, absolutely. There was a time in my journey when I lost all faith in myself when the reflection staring back at me felt like a stranger. I wasn’t that girl anymore; I was a shadow of her, fading piece by piece. Doubt crept in, stealing the light I used to move with. But sometimes you have to break in the dark to remember how powerful your own fire really is. I had always been that “love and light” person positive, grounded, moving with good energy on the outside but on the inside I was struggling this industry can pull you in directions that don’t serve your spirit. I started making moves that didn’t feel like me anymore, and I stopped speaking up about the things that were bothering me. I just got quiet, and for a while, I felt stuck in that space.

But I learned something important through all of it light and dark don’t mix. I realized I had to shift my energy and start protecting my peace again. I actually started a blog around that time, just to share what I was going through and to help other artists learn how to move wisely and keep their hearts protected in this business.
Then came the turning point I had the incredible opportunity to assist Sheika Daley, Lancôme’s Global Makeup Artist, for LaQuan Smith’s SS25 show at New York Fashion Week. It felt like a light breaking through after so much darkness a beacon of hope, endless support, and genuine love. I remember the happy tears, the feeling of finally being seen, and realizing that there are rare souls out there who truly want to see you win.

When Sheika called me back the next season for LaQuan Smith SS26, it was nothing short of magic. The show was a huge success, and I couldn’t have asked for a more inspiring artist to lead us with such love and light. Thank you, Sheika, for having me on your team again you are a true blessing in my life. You’re my light, my inspiration, and I can’t wait to keep growing with you in this industry.

Things feel right when you find someone who genuinely wants to see you win who sends out love, cherishes you in the moment, and cheers you on with every step, saying “You got this! I’m proud of you.” Sheika’s aura is powerful and radiant you can feel it. She’s loving, inspirational, and one of a kind.

I love you bunches, Sheika! I can’t wait for all the amazing moments ahead.
Love always, oxox your Bumble Bee, Butterfly, aka Halle Bee.

It was truly a cloud-nine moment my heart was overflowing with gratitude and joy. Being on the spectrum means I feel things more deeply the excitement, the love, the connection it all vibrates through me stronger than words can express. And in that moment, I felt everything: blessed, grounded, and seen.
That, to me, is resilience. It’s about holding on even when you feel lost, showing up for yourself in the dark, and trusting that the right people and opportunities will always find you when you’re ready for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hallewoodartistry.com
• Instagram: hallewood_artistryllc

Image Credits
Photographers for Photo Vogue Runway for Laquan Smith from SS25 & SS26 unknown