Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryn Brown.
Darryn, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first began exploring makeup when I stumble upon the store “Blue Mercury” in Montclair, NJ. I had my first job just down the street from there. One day I walked in and decided to splurge a bit on two of their products. I only bought a foundation and a highlighter. Unlike a lot of people, I started with the high end products. I didn’t understand the price points for makeup so I thought nothing of the $80 I spent that day. It became a new form of art for me. I had no idea what I was doing but I just had so much fun playing with it that I didn’t care. Eventually, I bought a cheap contour and blush palette and had a classmate in high school give me a few pointers on how to use it. I was by no means understanding what to do really but I kept trying. Eventually, I investing a ton of more products and made an Instagram dedicated to my makeup. That’s where I became known as “Darrynmua”. After moving to Florida I grew so much and my skills with makeup flourished. And thankfully thought word of mouth I was able to get gigs at different events and have my social media continue to grow.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest struggle would be family. I grew up in a very conservative family. Even to this day, I don’t mention my career to my family much since they aren’t very accepting of my choices. Granted they are still family and I love them. I think the real struggle was separating the feelings o have for this passion and the love I have for them.
Tell us more about your work.
I am a freelance makeup artist. I am also self taught. I am so proud of myself for growing out of my shell and making opportunities for myself. I was never the outgoing kid growing up so that was a 180. I’m so proud of the buzz that I get on different social media platforms. I think what does set me apart from others is the fact that I do live tutorials where I interact with people online giving my fans and viewers a closer inside look of who I am.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have had a lot of bad luck when it comes to social media. I’ve been said to be promoting white supremacy because I do makeup a certain way on myself, that I’m not truly in the black community because I’m a gay man doing makeup, or even that I am wrong for don’t makeup at all. I’ve had a lot of hate thrown my way over the years. However, I learned to realize that the good does out way the bad. At the end of the day, I’m lucky enough to still have fans and be earning a paycheck.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9735731621
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/darrynmua?igshid=1rggtvxk2geld
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