We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zaiya Fulmore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zaiya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In high school, I began struggling with anxiety and depression, and I was in search of an escape—a creative outlet to help me cope. That’s when I turned to makeup. Initially, I never imagined it would be something I’d excel at, especially since I hadn’t been interested in it before. But as I experimented with it, I found an unexpected sense of peace, and I knew this was my true calling. Soon, I began taking clients, and I realized that makeup was not only therapeutic for me, but also for others. It became a way for me to uplift and pour positivity into those I worked with.

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

Hi, I’m Zaiya, and I found my passion for makeup during a personal journey with anxiety and depression in high school. What began as a therapeutic outlet quickly transformed into a career when I realized how much joy and peace it brought me—and eventually, my clients. Now, I work as a professional makeup artist, offering services ranging from everyday beauty looks to full glam transformations for special events.

What sets me apart is my belief in makeup as a form of healing. For many of my clients, makeup isn’t just about enhancing their appearance—it’s about boosting their confidence and allowing them to feel empowered. I create personalized experiences where I connect with each person, ensuring they not only look amazing but feel great too.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built and the trust my clients place in me. My brand is all about authenticity, creativity, and the idea that beauty comes from within—it’s my job to bring that inner beauty to the surface. For anyone considering my services, I want them to know that I’m committed to making them feel seen, valued, and beautiful in their own unique way.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time when I became burned out and lost my motivation for makeup. For an entire year, I couldn’t understand why my passion had faded. I’ve always relied heavily on my faith, so I kept praying and asking God to restore it. Then, one day, it all became clear. I realized that I had strayed from the path God had originally placed me on. I became so focused on making money that I forgot the true purpose of my gift—to minister to others and, more importantly, to myself. I had to rediscover my love for makeup in order to reignite that passion.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

At one point, I was working two jobs just to fund my business. I had no idea what business credit was back then, so I saved every penny I could to purchase lipstick, lip gloss, and eyelash inventory. I started out in my mother’s two-bedroom apartment, and my room was packed with so much inventory that I still don’t know how I managed—but I made it work.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zaiya.fulmore?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zaiya1996?si=xNAe1g0saZu-t1Fd

Image Credits

ANPOV- Amanda Worthy