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8/04/14

Lynette Cenée

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

Grid

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CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION

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

Grid

8/04/14

Lynette Cenée

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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

Grid

8/04/14

Lynette Cenée

When you need a trusted creative partner in the room.

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Build authority from the inside out.

Emanate is a creative-direction-led photography experience for entrepreneurs, speakers, and thought leaders in a moment of expansion. This isn’t about better photos. It’s about aligning how you’re seen with who you’ve become. For seasons of rebrand, visibility, and next-level leadership.

Magnetic Authority is a self-guided container for people who feel visible, but not fully anchored.

If your message keeps shifting, your brand feels inconsistent, or your presence doesn’t match your capability yet. This is where you build the foundation before you scale.

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For founders, creatives, and leaders who want a trusted long-term partner. This isn’t coaching or traditional consulting.

It’s an ongoing creative partnership focused on bringing your personal brand identity to life.

Your brand. Your website. Your visuals.
All shaped as a direct extension of who you are. The work also includes a bespoke process of identifying and aligning the right experts when needed, so nothing gets built out of sync with your core.

Explore the Partnership

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read the latest

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This personal brand audit takes two minutes and reveals exactly where your brand is broken. Four questions, one for each layer of brand intelligence. Most people fail at least two. Here’s the diagnostic.

Elevated Realism portrait demonstrating how personal brand identity is a deliberate translation of the person rather than an unfiltered copy

Your personal brand identity is not you. It’s a translation of you. When you confuse the two, you either freeze up or perform. Neither builds authority. Here’s the distinction that changes how you show up online.

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The biggest personal brand photography investment mistake isn’t underspending on photos. It’s investing $50,000 in coaching, ads, and masterminds while spending $500 on visual identity. Here’s what that costs you and how to fix the order.

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I spent 20 years photographing personal brands. I watched brilliant people stay invisible because they skipped the layers nobody talks about. So I built the Brand Intelligence Engine to fix it. Here’s the full story.

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Your AI content sounds generic because the AI doesn’t know who you are. It’s not a tool problem. It’s an input problem. Without your identity, voice, and brand intelligence loaded, every AI produces the same bland output. Here’s how to fix it.

Elevated Realism portrait capturing the moment where creative direction becomes self-construction and a personal brand client meets their next identity

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Elevated Realism portrait of a personal brand client whose visual presence and authority fully match their depth of expertise

The personal brand identity gap is the distance between your expertise and your visibility. When who you are doesn’t match how you’re seen online, it’s not a marketing problem. It’s a coherence problem. Here’s how to close it.

Elevated Realism portrait demonstrating visual translation where a personal brand client's identity is fully expressed through intentional photography direction

Most personal brands skip visual translation entirely. They jump from identity straight to content. But brand identity before website, before content, before the sales page is the order that actually works. Here’s the layer you’re missing.

Elevated Realism portrait of a personal brand client embodying visual authority and brand coherence

Most personal brand strategy frameworks skip the foundation. Brand intelligence is built in four layers: Identity, Visual Translation, Content, and Business. Here’s why starting at layer three is the reason your brand feels off.

Personal brand client photographed by Nick Onken demonstrating complete brand coherence where styling, environment, and presence are intentionally aligned

Your personal brand feels off but you can’t explain why. It’s not your logo or colors. It’s a coherence problem, a structural gap between who you are and how you’re seen. Here’s what to do.

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Authority isn’t binary. You’re not either an authority or not an authority. Authority exists in levels, stages, and progressions. Each level has distinct characteristics, distinct positioning, distinct challenges, and distinct requirements for advancement. Most people get stuck at Level One. They’re visible, active, creating content, showing up regularly. But they’re not building actual authority. They’re […]

Embodied authority showing installation through repetition and practice not insight or understanding

You had the insight. The breakthrough moment, the realization, the epiphany, the profound understanding. Deep knowing about who you are, what you offer, and how you’re different. Life-changing clarity about your positioning, your value, and your authority. Then what changed? Actually changed? Behaviorally, practically, visibly? In how you show up, how you speak, how you […]

Authority upgrade system showing comprehensive alignment between established expertise and brand presence

You are established. Actually established. Years in business, real results created, genuine expertise developed, actual clients served, tangible transformations delivered, proven value demonstrated. You’ve built real authority through real work over real time with real outcomes. But you don’t look established. Your brand doesn’t show it, your presence doesn’t reflect it, your positioning doesn’t communicate […]

About the Blogger

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

NICK'S STORY