Mindy McKenzie

I was born in 1978 in Rocky Mount, NC and named after my mother’s best friend, Mindy, which means love.  

My mother tells me I was a good kid but was very bossy towards my older brother. My mom told me I had very good eyesight and could find a needle in a haystack. I was a daddy’s girl and would often wrap my legs around my father’s ankle to ensure he didn’t leave the house without me. 

I grew up with a religious foundation and governed my life based on spiritual encounters and lessons taught during church. I learned to be true to myself which is sometimes hard when you have so many people to please. This phase of my life I understand the importance of being true to self and following my dreams. 

I married in 2009. I was given the miraculous assignment of being the mother to my son, Zachary in 2012. I worked in the education field for 11 years because I wanted to be an elementary school teacher.  I then decided that I wanted to change lives within my community which is why I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. 

Hair, makeup and fashion have always been a part of my daily life because I wanted to look presentable. I began wearing makeup at the age of 19, even though my father told me I couldn’t wear makeup until I was 35 years old, yes I said 35. My makeup consisted of; brown lip pencil, Vaseline, Loreal mascara and blue eye pencil, it was a “thing” then. I began to wear Mary Kay makeup and eventually friends began to ask me to do their makeup.  This sparked an interest in becoming a makeup artist. 

In 2014, I started my business as a freelance makeup artist. I wasn’t always satisfied with my work and at times I lacked confidence. I thought taking a course in makeup would boost my confidence so I enrolled in Parisian Beauty Academy Makeup Artistry Program in 2018. 

 In 2020, chose to study cosmetology as I saw it as a way to merge my occupation and vocational skills by becoming a licensed cosmetologist. It would also allow me to run my own business as a well rounded and knowledgeable artist.

Excitement emerges as I think about the ways I have changed lives with the stroke of a makeup brush or a turn of a curling iron barrel. The thought of me changing lives through beauty is thrilling. 

I am passionate about my career in beauty and the possibilities that await me. I ask that you see me as a part of your team. I am ready to work, travel, learn, experience and give my all.