We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deanna Boyd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Deanna, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Growing up, my dad was my personal cheerleader, a constant source of confidence with his empowering words. Imagine this: in Junior High, I wanted to fix the gap in my front teeth, but he insisted, “You’re unique and different—save those decisions for when you’re 18!” Well, guess what? I still proudly sport that gap! Who wants to be like everyone else anyway?
Navigating the challenges of being a biracial kid in the 70s & 80s amidst minimal representation of brown people, my dad steadfastly reminded me of my uniqueness. He envisioned a future with even more diverse hues and increased representation of people of color. Even though he’s no longer with us, his voice continues to champion me, reminding me that I’m more than enough by being my authentic self—fully embraced and accepted, most importantly, by me.
After five decades of navigating the twists and turns of confidence, I’ve learned to embrace individuality. It’s not just about self-love; it’s a celebration of the quirks that define us. That’s why I’m on a mission to spread the message of self-acceptance and self-love, especially among women and young girls, as we continuously evolve. Let’s embrace the distinct qualities that define us because conforming to society’s usual standards is vastly overrated!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a clean beauty makeup artist + advocate, portrait photographer, and newly established color analyst. After seventeen years in Dallas, I’ve recently relocated to the incredibly stunning Fort Collins, Colorado. The allure of its weather, the warmth of its people, the breathtaking views, and the overall ambiance have captivated my family and me, making it our new home.
The allure of makeup has been my lifelong love, with childhood memories of exploring my mother’s makeup drawer experimenting with Coty red lipstick, Cornsilk powder, and rosy blushes. As a Navy brat, my journey traversed the vast landscapes of the United States before finding a haven in the picturesque Northwest. Theatrical experiences in college kindled the flames of my passion for makeup, an art form where I reveled in manipulating light, depth, and facial contours.
Venturing into the entertainment industry, Los Angeles beckoned, intertwining my acting pursuits with a parallel love for makeup artistry cultivated at retail counters, film/commercial sets, and assisting photographers. During this period in Los Angeles, I enriched my craft, exposing me to diverse skin types, features, and beautiful shades of human — a daily canvas for innovation. A move to Dallas, prompted by love and opportunity, marked the beginning of a new chapter, professionally and personally.
In pursuit of new opportunities, my boyfriend—now my husband—received a job offer in Dallas. So, we bid farewell to the beaches, mountains, and the predictably pleasant California weather, creating a beautiful life for ourselves in the heart of Dallas. 2011, our world became even brighter as we welcomed our precious boy.
Upon landing in Dallas, I thought, why not blend my two passions—makeup artistry and photography? So, I snagged a camera and dove into the world of capturing beauty in every frame. Luckily for me, it turned into more than just a gig—I built a fabulous and loyal client base for makeup application/lessons/tutorials, and my photography business took off, specializing in stunning beauty portraits and headshots. It’s been an absolute joy creating and freezing those unforgettable moments for the incredible people I’ve crossed paths with on this journey.
Nine years ago, facing personal health challenges, including three major surgeries and the impact of neurodivergence on my family, I began exploring the influence of environmental factors, starting with personal care products. My journey into understanding what I applied to my skin mattered and prompted a quest for better choices. As someone passionate about beauty products and always in search of high-performing options, I transitioned to clean beauty. The discovery of Beautycounter fueled my mission to advocate for safer products, leading me to collaborate with them and other like-minded brands.
Recently, I added color analysis — the process of determining the colors that best suit an individual’s natural coloring, to my repertoire, leveraging 30+ years of makeup artistry experience to guide clients in discovering their best colors. My ultimate mission is to empower women through the transformative experiences of makeup enhancement, clean beauty, portrait photography, and personalized color analysis.
Today, I find myself living my dream, dedicated to helping individuals not just look but truly feel their best. I’m on a mission to foster self-love and self-acceptance through the harmonious union of these transformative experiences. Grateful for my healthy family and the opportunity to pursue my passion, I’m here to celebrate the beauty in every person.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Cultivating an “of-service-to-others” attitude has been a game-changer for me. Proactively understanding your client’s needs, anticipating their questions, and offering solutions before they ask can set you apart. Remember, you’re the expert – share your knowledge in your unique voice, as people often appreciate your talent and perspective more than you think.
- Embracing continuous learning is non-negotiable. As my favorite quote goes, “You won’t learn if you think you already know everything.” Stay teachable, stay open to ongoing education in your field, keep up with technology and trends, and be ready to adapt. It’s the key to sustaining your business and maintaining momentum. So, teach yourself new things and stay ahead of the curve.
- Inclusivity is like throwing a welcoming party where everyone feels at home. It’s not just about saying the right things but also doing them. Use words that make everyone feel included, ensure diverse representation, and take action that shows you’re all about unity in diversity. So, whether you’re in a meeting or crafting content, sprinkle that inclusivity magic – it goes a long way in making your journey a shared celebration!
Advice for those starting out: infuse your work with a genuine desire to serve others and never settle – always stay eager for knowledge and growth. Your unique approach and commitment to learning will pave the way for success.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that truly ignited my passion for makeup artistry and photography is Kevyn Aucoin’s ‘The Art of Makeup.’ It resonated with me in the ’90s, as Aucoin’s creative control over makeup and photography inspired me to follow my artistic path. His quote, ‘I never went wrong by being myself,’ is not just a mantra I have up in my home studio, but a philosophy I share with my son regularly. Aucoin’s perspective on makeup as a personal choice rather than strict rules has shaped how I approach each client, focusing on how they want to feel and what empowers them.
Beyond makeup, books like ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Viktor Frankl, ‘Emergence’ by Derek Rydall, and ‘How to Be a No-Limit Person’ by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer have also left a profound impact on me. These reads have contributed to my personal and professional growth, enriching my understanding of purpose, self-actualization, and limitless possibilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deannaboyd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredandevolvingbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannaboydmuaphotographer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannaboyd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnfilteredandEvolvingBeauty
Image Credits
All makeup and photography by Deanna Boyd.
