Meet Tiffany B

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

Tiffany, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Ive always loved makeup. From a young age, I experimented with colors, blending shadows on my eyelids like painting on a canvas. After years of practicing on myself and friends, I finally launched my freelance makeup business. But every time I showed up for a client or posted a look on Instagram, a voice whispered: “You’re not a real artist. Your work can be better. You don’t belong here.”

That voice grew louder when I got hired to do makeup for a small fashion show. Backstage, surrounded by experienced professionals with high-end kits and years of credentials, my hands shook. I even considered walking out. But one of the models noticed and said softly, “I saw your work online. You’re amazing. I asked for you.”

That moment cracked the wall of doubt. So I stayed. I did the makeup with precision and heart, and afterward, the show’s lead artist told me, “You’ve got an eye. Keep going.”

From then on, I took steps to quiet my imposter syndrome:
I kept a “win journal” — screenshots of client testimonials, photos of looks I am proud of, kind words from peers — to revisit whenever I doubted myself.

I redefined ‘real artist’ — not as someone with a huge following or years of experience, but as someone who creates, learns, and uplifts others.

Now, when imposter syndrome creeps in, I don’t try to silence it. I just remind myself: Doubt doesn’t mean I’m not good enough. It means I’m growing.
And every day, brush in hand, I prove it — not just to the world, but to myself.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Tiffany, and I’m a freelance makeup artist based in the Philadelphia area. I specialize in a wide range of makeup styles, including beauty, runway, editorial, theatre, and special effects. While I’ve always had a deep passion for makeup and art, it was during the pandemic that I truly had the time and space to refine my craft.
Since then, I’ve launched both my freelance business and my own makeup brand. However, building a beauty brand from the ground up proved to be more demanding and costly than I initially anticipated. As a result, I made the strategic decision to focus on freelance artistry while planning to relaunch the brand in the near future.
Right now, my priority is growing my clientele and building a strong, diverse portfolio. I’m proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time and am fully embracing the journey.
One of my current goals is to launch my own mobile makeup studio. My clients love the convenience of on-site services, and having a dedicated mobile studio will be a game-changer — allowing me to elevate the client experience and expand my reach in the industry.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Adaptability (Quality)
Makeup trends evolve quickly, and every client or set comes with unique needs. Being adaptable means staying calm under pressure, adjusting your technique on the fly, and working with a wide range of faces, skin tones, and environments — from beauty shoots to SFX-heavy productions.

2. Precision & Technique (Skill)
Blending, contouring, color correction, and brow shaping — the finer technical details truly elevate your artistry. Clients and photographers notice clean work. Investing in constant refinement of technique keeps you competitive and respected.

3. Product & Skin Knowledge (Knowledge)
Understanding how different products interact with various skin types is crucial. Being able to choose and recommend products based on ingredients, skin needs, and occasion (e.g. long wear vs. editorial finish) builds trust and ensures lasting results.

Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists
1. Focus on Education, Not Just Exposure
Learn from every job, not just the glamorous ones. Take classes, assist senior artists, study lighting and photography basics — they all shape your ability to create camera-ready looks.

2. Build Relationships, Not Just a Portfolio
Networking is key. Be respectful, collaborative, and reliable. Word-of-mouth referrals from happy clients and fellow creatives are more powerful than any ad.

3. Stay True to Your Voice
The industry is full of trends, but your unique style and approach are what make you memorable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your niche. Whether it’s bold editorial looks or natural glam, own it.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I knew I had only a decade left to live, I wouldn’t waste a second.
I’d fill my days with the things that light up my soul — creating art through makeup, singing without holding back, dancing like no one’s watching, and walking through nature just to feel the sun on my skin.
I’d spend more time laughing with family, holding the people I love close, and letting them know just how much they mean to me. I’d be fully present — not just existing, but living with intention.
Most importantly, I’d deepen my faith, spend quiet moments in prayer, and stay connected to God — because peace, purpose, and joy start from within.
If life is short — and it is — then the most beautiful thing we can do is live it fully, love deeply, and leave something meaningful behind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://facesbytiff.booksy.com/a/
• Instagram: @faces_bytiff

Image Credits

Allan Ali