Jennifer Tezeno

Shakayna is more than a makeup artist—she’s a beacon of faith, creativity, and empowerment. Her inspiring journey into makeup artistry began at the age of 18, and what started as a simple hobby has blossomed into a powerful mission to uplift women and girls through beauty and faith.

Growing up, Shakayna was captivated by the artistry of makeup. Watching her sister explore YouTube tutorials, she marveled at the transformations and the confidence radiated by the women on screen. At 18, during a pivotal moment in her life, she turned to makeup as a source of empowerment and self-expression.

“Makeup became a way for me to regain my confidence and feel beautiful, even in tough times,” Shakayna shares. This realization ignited her passion to use her skills to uplift others, helping women feel confident and beautiful no matter their circumstances.

For Shakayna, makeup transcends beauty—it’s a form of therapy and a cornerstone of her healing journey. Struggling with low self-worth and confidence as a child, she found solace in the creative process of makeup application.

“Whenever I felt mentally overwhelmed, I would create a new look while listening to Gospel music,” she recalls. This ritual allowed her to channel her emotions into something uplifting, helping her rediscover inner strength and embrace her true self.

A defining moment came three years ago during a challenging period in her life. The joy and empowerment she felt while doing her makeup inspired her to help others feel the same. Determined to take her passion seriously, she pursued certification as a makeup artist in 2024, completing an 8-hour course that solidified her skills and commitment to her craft.

“What started as a personal journey of healing became a mission to uplift others,” she says. Today, Shakayna is proud to use her artistry to make women feel as beautiful as they truly are.

Shakayna’s faith is at the heart of her work. She believes her talent is a gift from God, and she strives to honor Him through her artistry. “I see each client as God’s creation—fearfully and wonderfully made,” she explains. Her goal is to enhance natural beauty while creating an experience that leaves clients feeling valued, confident, and radiant.

Living by the truth of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Shakayna draws strength from her faith to overcome challenges. Born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, she defied doctors’ predictions that she wouldn’t live past the age of two. Now, at 27, she embraces her God-given purpose with courage and determination.

To Shakayna, “empowerment through beauty” means helping women recognize their inner strength and unique beauty. Her approach goes beyond makeup application; she strives to create a personal and uplifting experience for every client.

“Beauty has the power to transform not just how we look, but how we feel about ourselves,” she says. One of her most memorable moments was when a client told her she felt like a new woman after a session, describing it as a reminder to “fix her crown.”

Through her work, Shakayna hopes to convey a powerful message to women and girls: “You are beautiful exactly the way God created you. Your worth is not defined by societal standards but by the amazing individual you are.”

As a self-taught and certified makeup artist, Shakayna has faced her share of challenges, including self-doubt and difficult clients. But with encouragement from loved ones and a steadfast belief in her calling, she has persevered.

“God has a unique path for each of us,” she advises aspiring makeup artists. “Trust in yourself and your talent, and don’t compare your journey to others. Your purpose is unfolding in its own time.”

Looking ahead, Shakayna envisions her artistry evolving into a platform for deeper impact. She’s working on launching a booking website and plans to host makeup workshops and masterclasses to empower others to embrace their unique beauty.

She also dreams of collaborating with industry trailblazers like Danessa Myricks, whose innovative approach to beauty inspires her. “Collaborating with her would be an incredible opportunity to learn and grow,” she says.

Shakayna’s ultimate goal is to leave a legacy that reflects faith, authenticity, and love. “I want my work to show that beauty is a gift from God and a tool for expressing creativity, joy, and self-love,” she shares.

Through her artistry, she hopes to inspire others to use their talents to uplift and serve, creating a ripple effect of confidence and empowerment. “I want every woman I work with to feel seen, valued, and beautiful—inside and out,” she says.

With her unwavering faith, passion for beauty, and commitment to empowering others, Shakayna is not just transforming faces—she’s transforming lives.

In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories are as inspiring as the journey of Duckie, the founder of Duckie Cosmetics. A story of resilience, faith, and determination, it showcases how one woman turned her challenges into stepping stones toward success. From overcoming self-doubt and depression to launching a beauty brand that celebrates inclusivity, this journey is nothing short of remarkable.

For Duckie, being described as "a force" is not just a statement—it’s a testament to her strength and perseverance. Inspired by her grandfather’s words, “You are going to be someone,” this belief became a cornerstone of her mindset. It helped her overcome obstacles of self-doubt and propelled her forward into her purpose. “That stuck with me,” she says, “and has made me become this strong, powerful force.”

While Duckie continues to work in the corporate world, her ultimate goal is to fully transition into working for herself. “The goal is to flourish within my passions and my purpose,” she explains. For her, stepping into entrepreneurship is not just about financial independence but also about aligning her work with her dreams and values.

Duckie’s journey has not been without struggles. Living with Bipolar Disorder and battling depression, she acknowledges the difficulties she has faced. “Without God, I would not be standing here today,” she says. Faith has been her anchor, helping her embrace imperfection and move past procrastination and fear. These challenges have shaped her into the resilient entrepreneur she is today.

April 20, 2023, marked the official launch of Duckie Cosmetics—a date that holds special meaning as it is also Duckie’s oldest son’s birthday. “I told myself, ‘It’s either now or never!’” she recalls. With prayer, faith, and meditation, she mustered the courage to take the leap, despite the fear of imperfection. Nearly two years later, Duckie Cosmetics has become a testament to her determination and vision.

Launching a business in the aftermath of Covid presented its own set of challenges. “People weren’t shopping as much, so starting out, the sales were extremely slow,” Duckie shares. However, through consistency and building a loyal team of “Duckettes,” she gradually increased sales. Her persistence and adaptability paid off, allowing her brand to grow steadily.

For Duckie, living with Bipolar Disorder is both a gift and a curse. On one hand, it fuels her productivity and creativity; on the other, it brings challenges like irritability and impulsivity. To maintain balance, she relies on meditation and prayer, which allow her to make thoughtful decisions and thrive in her business.

One of the most pivotal lessons Duckie has learned is the importance of kindness. Raised to treat others with patience and compassion, this value has significantly impacted both her personal and professional life. “It taught me patience with people,” she says, a quality that has been instrumental in her journey.

Duckie’s strategy for staying motivated is simple yet profound: staying faithful to God and avoiding negativity. “Staying clear of naysayers and negative thinkers” has allowed her to keep her focus on her dreams and goals.

Faith and gratitude are at the heart of Duckie’s entrepreneurial journey. “I put God at the forefront of everything,” she says. For her, success is not just about hard work but also about divine guidance and grace.

Duckie Cosmetics is not just another beauty brand—it’s a brand with a mission. “Our focus on variety and inclusivity sets us apart,” Duckie explains. Her goal has always been to cater to everyone, creating products that celebrate diversity and individuality.

Every sold-out moment is a proud moment for Duckie. “It just blows my mind what having faith and working hard will do,” she says. These milestones serve as a reminder of how far she has come and the potential that lies ahead.

Duckie’s vision for Duckie Cosmetics is ambitious yet grounded in purpose. She dreams of making it a household name, a brand that is recognized as a powerhouse in the beauty industry. “I want to be on someone’s shelf,” she says, envisioning a future where Duckie Cosmetics is synonymous with quality and inclusivity.

To anyone facing self-doubt or fear about pursuing their dreams, Duckie’s advice is clear: “Stop standing in your own way. God would not put something in your heart that is not meant for you. Keep pushing, keep going, and keep thriving.”

If Duckie could go back to August 2020, when she first obtained her LLC, she would tell herself, “Girl… you’ve got this! You are going to be everything your ancestors prayed for.” These words reflect the confidence and resilience that define her journey.

For Duckie, balance comes from setting boundaries. “My personal is my personal, and business is business,” she says. While there are moments when the two merge, she has learned the importance of maintaining a healthy separation.

The story of Duckie and Duckie Cosmetics is one of resilience, faith, and purpose. From overcoming personal challenges to building a brand that celebrates inclusivity, Duckie’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and belief, anything is possible. As she continues to grow her brand and inspire others, her story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Visit www.duckiecosmetics.com