The Ultimate 15-Minute Personal Brand Audit Checklist

FREE DOWNLOAD

Discover What’s Holding You Back from Being Seen as an Authority

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

LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE

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

Blog

infuse your vision with a fresh breath of  creativity and vitality

BOOK A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT

GET THE DETAILS

GET THE DETAILS

infuse your vision with a fresh breath of  creativity and vitality

PODCAST

BRAND INTELLIGENCE

CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE

LIFE INTELLIGENCE

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.

Take the Fit Check

Be seen at the level you’re stepping into.

Hey! I'm Nick.

PHOTOGRAPHER
BRAND ALCHEMIST
TEACHER

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia.

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.

Take the Fit Check

Start Here

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

Quiet. Precise. Highly Selective.

read the latest

Nick Onken portrait, Life Intelligence essay on martial arts as a daily practice

A month of kung fu training in Wudang, China taught me that the body learns at the speed of honesty rather than the speed of ambition. Here is what martial arts taught me about practice.

Nick Onken portrait illustrating creative coherence between identity and image

Creative coherence is when who you are and how you’re seen are the same thing. A short, clear definition of the term, its four layers, and why it makes a brand magnetic.

Nick Onken studio self portrait, magnetic through-line

A magnetic through-line is the one or two word idea your whole brand becomes associated with. What it is, why it matters, and how to find yours.

Nick Onken, creative coherence, brand portrait

Creative coherence is the state where who you are and how you’re seen are the same thing. Why it matters more than frequency, and how to build it.

Nick Onken portrait, identity alchemy phases

Identity Alchemy runs in five phases: Deconstruct, Curate, Architect, Become, Express. A walkthrough of what happens inside each, and where people get stuck.

Nick Onken, brand photographer and creative director, portrait

Identity Alchemy is a five-phase method for rebuilding who you are and how you’re seen so the two finally match. Here is the full process.

Elevated Realism environmental portrait of an author and authority, representing a coherent personal brand built on a Brand Brain.

A Brand Brain is one authored source that holds your identity, voice, and frameworks so every AI tool writes like you. Here is what it is and why you need one.

Elevated Realism portrait of a composed expert, representing the coherent authority on the far side of the expertise-to-income gap.

Being great at what you do doesn’t automatically turn into income. Here is the expertise-to-income gap, why it exists, and how to start closing it.

Elevated Realism portrait of a polished personal brand, the kind of presence a full brand team is hired to build.

A real brand team runs $30,000 to $70,000 a year. Here is the full breakdown of what each role costs, and the engine I built to replace it for $997.

Elevated Realism portrait of a confident founder, illustrating a brand voice that sounds like a real person rather than generic AI.

Your AI sounds generic because it reads the whole internet and returns the average. Here is how to make AI write in your actual voice instead.

Elevated Realism portrait of a recognized personal brand, the kind of coherent identity behind the Brand Intelligence Engine.

For two decades I made other people’s brands coherent while my own waited. Here is the Brand Intelligence Engine I built to finally close that gap.

Elevated Realism brand portrait demonstrating the visual authority that results from building a complete brand through the Brand Intelligence Engine's three-phase AI system

The Brand Intelligence Engine is an AI personal brand system that builds the complete infrastructure of a premium brand in three phases. Here’s exactly what happens inside, what it produces, and who it’s built for.

Elevated Realism portrait of a personal brand client whose content strategy works because identity and visual translation are built underneath it

Your content strategy is not working because the problem isn’t content. It’s what’s underneath it. When your brand lacks identity and visual translation, posting more just amplifies incoherence. Here’s the trap and how to escape it.

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