Terry McDonald is a talented Make Up Artist and now the proud owner of the brand T McDonald Cosmetics. I met Terry back in May while attending The Makeup Show in New York City. She was such a bright light, and I was instantly drawn to her and her infectious smile. I wanted to know more about her brand and what inspired her to create it. I immediately knew that I wanted to interview her for our Summer issue.

Kia Danielle : When did you fall in love with makeup and knew you wanted to be a MUA?

Terry McDonald : I have always had a love for beauty from the tender age of 7. I would spend hours alone styling my dolls’ hair and nails and even started a nail business at the age of 10. I operated my business on weekends and built lasting connections with my mothers friends. I continued doing nails up until high school, which is when my love for makeup began. I remember walking into Victoria’s Secrets cosmetic department and immediately fell in love. The beauty advisors were beautifully made up, well dressed in all black, the fixtures were sleek and makeup were so vibrant. I was approached by one of the beauty advisors and she assisted me with the purchase of my very first cream to powder foundation. I admired how knowledgeable she was about makeup, her beauty and the fact she was a black woman. I knew at that moment that God’s calling for my life involved beauty.

KD : What inspired you to transition from MUA to starting your own cosmetics brand?

TM : What inspired me to start my own cosmetic line was my personal and professional journey as an artist. Throughout my career working in beauty retail, I have encountered so many people and observed the way makeup altered their mood in a positive way. During my makeup appointments, I would always do my best to create a safe space for my clients. Our makeup sessions would normally result in healing conversations surrounding some of the challenges and other things that were going on in their lives . By the end of the makeup appointment, my clients entire demeanor would change and they would leave looking, feeling, confident and ready to show up for themselves. My clients had no problem letting me know how amazing and liberating their makeup session was. Having these connections with my clients were and still is very healing. Personally, makeup has played a significant role in my healing journey as a black woman, an artist and single mother. Despite the many challenges I faced throughout my journey I was able to push through with prayer, meditation and makeup. I created some of my best work and looked my best during some of the most trying times in my life that no one knew about. That was a pivotal time for me to view makeup from a healing perspective and empowered me to take the necessary steps to align my inner/outer beauty. To cultivate peace, self-love, self-awareness and purpose for myself, which led to the creation of T McDonald Cosmetics. It’s a blessing to be able to share a piece of me with the world in hopes that my brand’s mission will impact consumers globally to view makeup from an emotional, spiritual, physical and mental perspective.

KD : Was the transition easy or difficult?

T M : The transition was definitely not easy. Makeup is my ministry and therefore, I had to do the comfort zone, and view myself the way God sees me. As a professional makeup artist for over 13 years, I was used to being behind the scenes and allowing my work to speak for itself. Now as a brand owner, I am called to be front and center. I had to condition myself to know when it was time to be an artist, when it was time to be a business woman and when to balance both. Establishing a solid prayer life and relationship with God allowed me to move forward with faith and grace.

KD : What are three words you would use to describe your brand? 

TM : Healing, Empowering and Liberating. 

KD : What advice would you give young women who may want to start their own makeup line?

TM : Advice that I would give a young woman who may want to start their own makeup line is to be prepared to do the work! Not just the physical work to create their brand, but also the inner work on themselves so they can clearly move forward with innovative ideas to create a brand that has a purpose. Also, it is extremely important to establish a prayer life and operate from a place of integrity. Having integrity would lead to blessings and opportunities that can take their business to the next level. You can never lose when you run your business with integrity. Lastly, network every chance that you get, collaborate, and nurture your connections. You never know who God has appointed to be your destiny helper. If you are going into the beauty industry with the mind set that you will instantly start making money, you may want to reconsider. Not all opportunities would be monetary, but can assist with your brand in other ways. Discernment is key.

KD : Where do you see your brand in 5 years from now?

TM  : 5 Years from now, I see T McDonald Cosmetics being available globally online and in stores. I see my brand continuing to spread awareness about the importance of using beauty as a vehicle for healing and maintaining one’s mental health and aligning inner/outer beauty. I see my brand partnering with schools, organizations and influencers that are in alignment with my brand’s mission, sharing my story to inspire others to keep hope alive and believing in their dreams. T McDonald Cosmetics will have a positive global impact.

KD : Where can women purchase your cosmetics?

TM  : Women can purchase my products online at www.tmcdonaldcosmetics.com My products are also available for purchase when a makeup appointment is booked with me. T Mcdonald Cosmetics is also available at The Confessional Showroom in NYC/Miami for collaborations. Follow my instagram @tmcdonaldcosmetics to keep up with upcoming events and pop-up Shops

KD : Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your brand?

TM : T Mcdonald Cosmetics is faith based, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, infused with Vitamin E and Coconut Oil for a repair as you wear feel. The names of all my products ties back to a story of my personal journey and to resonate with consumers. I value the importance of giving back to my community and have included an internship program that is offered to highschool and college students who are interested in getting into the fashion/ beauty industry. Interns have the opportunity to work closely with myself and other professionals in the industry. I provide mentorship and resources that will assist students with their education and career. I also have a brand ambassador program that provides a platform for makeup artists/ beauty influencers to receive products,create content to connect with our audience and to VIP invites to NYFW shows I sponsor. My brand has been featured on the cover of Meet the Woman Behind the Business, Vogue, My New York Magazine, Malvie French Magazine, Sheen Magazine,Bold Journey and many other publications. My products have graced the face of Dutchess Nivin El-Gamal, Deputy Sheriff Mayor of NYC, Sheena Wright and singer/song writer Alyson Williams. To inquire about internships/brand ambassador opportunities, email [email protected]