Danessa Myricks—makeup artist, entrepreneur, and innovator—went from doing makeup in her living room to creating one of the most inclusive, boundary-pushing beauty brands in the industry. On the Second Life podcast, she shares her journey, the challenges of building a business, and her vision for the future of beauty.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. The Humble Beginnings
Danessa started as a self-taught makeup artist, practicing on friends and family.
✔ No Formal Training: Learned through experimentation and passion.
✔ Early Hustle: Built her clientele by offering free makeovers to build a portfolio.
✔ Turning Point: Realized the lack of inclusive products for deeper skin tones and textures.
2. Building the Brand
Danessa Myricks Beauty launched with a focus on versatility, creativity, and inclusivity.
✔ First Product: Vision Cream Cover (a multi-use foundation/concealer).
✔ Philosophy: Makeup should be fun, flexible, and for everyone.
✔ Game-Changers:
- Colorfix (24-hour eye/lip/cheek pigment)
- Balms (hydrating, multi-purpose formulas)
- Lightwork Palette (holographic highlighter magic)
3. Challenges & Breakthroughs
✔ Self-Funded: Bootstrapped her brand before getting investors.
✔ Industry Barriers: Faced skepticism as a Black woman in beauty.
✔ Big Win: Getting stocked at Sephora—a major milestone.
4. Pro Tips for Aspiring Beauty Entrepreneurs
✔ Start Small: Test ideas before scaling.
✔ Listen to Your Community: Customer feedback shapes great products.
✔ Stay True to Your Vision: Don’t chase trends—set them.
Danessa’s Must-Have Products
✔ Colorfix Foils – Metallic pigments that last all day.
✔ Blurring Balm Powder – Sets makeup without dryness.
✔ Dew Wet Balm – Glossy, hydrating highlight.
Final Thought: The Future of Beauty
Danessa’s mission? More innovation, more representation, and more fun in makeup. Her story proves that with passion and persistence, you can redefine an industry.
