Lynette is a good friend of mine that I met when she did makeup on my shoot with Tori Kelly (Check out the photos from that shoot here). Lynette is beautiful and is becoming well known in the youtube space for her nail art. She’s creating her own nail art products and building her youtube following. If you want to get your beauty on, check her instructional videos out on her channel here.

What is your story in the beauty realm? What all do you do, have you done, and what are you known for?

I actually grew up watching my mom as a cosmetologist, she had an in-home salon that she worked out of and my dad was a professional touring magician. They travelled all over the world and performed together, she was his assistant. I remember learning the importance of stage makeup at a really early age. I loved watching the whole process and often times would sneak a little red lipstick from the dressing room. Eventually it carried over to me and I was able to assist him and be a part of the show as well.

Those memories and experiences were the roots of my ever-growing passion for the beauty industry I believe.  Through out the years, I was the go-to friend for prom makeup, weddings, photo shoots etc. After high school I kind of toyed with the idea of getting my degree in Graphic Design till push came to shove and I dropped out to enroll myself into Cosmetology School which made so much more sense. I think I just felt a certain pressure to go with a more traditional career for some reason, this pressure didn’t come from my parents at all though which is such a blessing that I think a lot of people aren’t able to relate to.

After getting my license in Cosmetology I worked as a hairdresser for a really hip salon for a few years, then with some of the most well known cosmetic brands as a makeup artist, had a little nail art troop that did pop up events, and continued to build my portfolio by doing hundreds of photo shoots or whatever work in Arizona I could get my hands on.

It hit a point where I was ready to make the move to a bigger city to expand and stretch myself, so in 2012 I moved to Los Angeles and was hired on as an airbrush makeup instructor and worked in their studio helping produce video shoots etc. They used me a few times to do some makeup tutorials on camera and I really loved it because I had typically been behind the scenes doing the hair/makeup for the talent etc.

Fast forward to the present and I have been the go-to artist for celebrities, every major award show (Grammy’s, Oscars etc), photo shoots, fashion shows, tv/film/webseries and more. Aside from doing freelance hair/makeup I found time to work with a production company to launch a youtube channel that has gained almost 1 million and a half views.

When did you get into the YouTube world?

My dive into the Youtube platform was very unique and quite different than most. The industry is changing and evolving so much as the years have passed. I had actually come across a casting in search of “Professional hairdressers, makeup/nail artists” that a production company wanted to produce content with. I was immediately intrigued, went to audition and was fortunate enough to be 1 of 4 chosen out of about 500 applicants.  We launched “Nailswithlynette” in January 2013.  I am now signed with Maker Studios and produce most of my content myself.

What was a defining moment in your life?

I truly think its been this past year in coming to the realization that I have been gifted with a global voice that is continuing to grow each day.  That is a huge responsibility that I am fully aware of, as my audience consists of mainly young girls. Its both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

What’s your vision for your career?

My dream is to be a light to people all over the world that are just out there like the rest of us trying to make sense of things. Whether it be through fun little nail art DIY’s that offer an artistic outlet, a makeup/hair tutorial that allows someone to feel beautiful, vlogging in my bedroom about random thoughts or ideas, and collabing with other amazing people like you, Nick, to show people out there that with some hard work and determination you can take your dreams and create a new reality. Long term, I see myself wandering around the world like a little vagabond (Its in my DNA to crave travel because of my parents, thanks mom and dad.) curating content and connecting with these individuals in person rather than just through a computer screen.

What inspires you?

The idea of living out my maximum potential and posing this concept for others to want to embark on the same journey alongside me.

What’s your favorite art medium?

As of lately it has definitely been nail design.  I have such a blast painting artwork on these 10 miniature canvases.

What song do you have on repeat right now?

“Glow” by Corey Ferrugia

Where can we find you online?

Youtube
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook