Today we’d like to introduce you to Daja Taylor.
Daja, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a passion for beauty! I remember sneaking into my mom’s makeup drawer as a kid and I started practicing my own makeup as early as middle school. In high I would occasionally do makeup for friends and family. By the time I was in college people would remark at how beautifully applied my makeup always was and people always asked if I did it professionally and that’s when I began to seriously consider becoming a makeup artist.
I got my first job doing makeup at Macy’s. It was a phenomenal experience and I learned so much about products, brands, clientele, and how to make makeup application a fun experience for clients. From there I went on to graduate from the Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics and Massage therapy and obtain my esthetician license. I am now a practicing esthetician and freelance makeup artist!
Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges along the road! Everything from finding my clientele, to financing my own kit, and balancing work with esthetics school. There are also a lot of people who will try to challenge your dream. Becoming a makeup artist has taught me to love challenges and obstacles – they’re essential to my growth as a person and an artist.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Daja Vu Beauty is approaching its first year now. The Daja Vu Beauty philosophy is that beauty is defined by the wearer and makeup is simply a tool to express ones’ beauty in a manner that is unique and personal.
“Makeup… like any other art form, tells a story. These stories are often personal and tell you something about the wearer. For instance, a bold lip might tell you that a person has a daring personality or that they are feeling especially bold that day. After all, we see someone’s face before we even speak to them or know their name so the way they decide to adorn and present their face can say a lot about that person. My goal is not to change the way someone looks, but to assist them in telling their story at a distinct moment in time.” – Daja Vu Beauty
I am a huge believer in autonomy and individuality. I believe I have the ability to empower my clients and embolden who they are, not mask it. To be able to do this I have to be able to read people, to listen to them, get a sense of who they are and in this sense I have to flexible and a chameleon of sorts. I make people feel like the very best versions of themselves and that’s what I am most proud of.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is certainly an interesting place to work as a makeup artist. Many people in this area tend to want something more natural, more demure. Many clients are on the go working or attending school – they want something fast, polished, and professional that they can replicate at home.
Of course, there is a market in Boston for more dramatic and glamorous looks, in my experience, these looks are usually for special nights out or artistic purposes like photo shoots and art shows.
Weddings are the bread and butter for makeup artists pretty much anywhere.
Depending on what you would like to specialize in, Boston is certainly not a bad place to start out as a makeup artist but it isn’t the biggest market either. I would like to see folks in Boston step outside their comfort zone with makeup every so often. We only live once, and hey, if you decide a glitter lip isn’t for you it washes right off!
Contact Info:
- Website: dajavubeauty.com
- Email: dajavubeauty@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dajavubeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DajaVuBeautyxo/
Image Credit:
Anna Krasnova, Elle Spurr, Constance Smith, Rowan Mcvey, Terencia Michael and Olivia Ciarfella
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
