Rising Stars: Meet Vanessa Monaé

Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today? 
The Beauty Behind the Lens:

My name is Vanessa Monaé. I am a beauty influencer, digital content creator, and educator. Self-taught, I think everybody is provided with a God-given talent that follows them wherever they go. Not only has God provided me with opportunity, but he showed me early on that I am right where I need to be.

When I was a little girl, I used to watch my mom apply her eyeliner and red lipstick, thinking WOW, I can’t wait to do that someday. Growing up in a house full of girls, being beautiful was a daily part of our routine. We didn’t have much, but my mom was so creative that I learned to find beauty in everything.

It started in middle school when I would sneak the black eyeliner from my mom’s purse and get the sticky lip gloss from the beauty supply to amplify my look. My mom was sick of me going in her purse, so she took me to Walgreens to pick out my own makeup. I remember walking the beauty aisle feeling like I walked right into heaven. From that moment forward, no matter what I did or where I went, the artistry of beauty has been a major part of my life.

When I first got to Tuskegee University, I used to do my friend’s hair and makeup, I’d watch YouTube tutorials to learn tips and tricks here and there, and I would post my work to Instagram like a proud mama. After graduating from Tuskegee University at 22, I moved to Houston, Texas and joined Teach for America, where I taught High School English and Reading Intervention for six years.

Working at an inner-city school, I quickly learned that teaching was more than just reading from a textbook and preparing students for standardized tests. It was about building relationships and helping students realize their potential.

Through the years, I saw students I loved either grow up or lose their lives to the streets, while others went off to lead successful lives. Though I was helping students and their families navigate their path through life, I lost track of what my purpose was and decided that had to change.

In 2016 I started my YouTube channel because though I was passionate about what I was teaching inside the classroom, I knew creatively I could do so much more. So, after leaving work, I would stay up all night, researching how to create content to build my YouTube platform. After the boyfriend I had at the time bought me a MacBook, I remember spending my last on a camera and just decided to go for it. I already had a passion for beauty and once I started, I was able to grow my channel to over 10,000 subscribers. Creating this outlet for me truly changed my life. It reignited a fire in me to learn more, to pour into myself, and rediscover my love for education my way!

To be transparent, my YouTube channel saved my life. I fell into a deep depression after losing my grandmother and aunt to breast cancer. I had also spent years in abusive relationships and a career that was never meant for me in the first place. I didn’t know it then, but I created a safe space on YouTube. I call it Makeup Therapy now because I feel like it helped me to not give up on myself, to find healing in my journey.

As I started to build a career as an online beauty educator, I got a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education from Johns Hopkins University. Once the pandemic hit, I transitioned to virtual teaching and building content for brands that we all know and love. I also began lifestyle and portrait photography, capturing beautiful moments and milestones of my community.

One thing I always preached to my students and beauty community is to always be yourself, to “Let it be beautiful, no matter what you decide.” But I wasn’t living in that truth. For most of my life, I have suffered from alopecia, which is a condition that has caused me to permanently lose my hair. Sometimes, I would look in the mirror and try everything I could to hide my condition and it still affects me to this day.

I woke up one Saturday to record content like I always do, and decided to share my battle with alopecia across my social media pages. I share all the time, so this time was no different. With this, I created a method that helps to cover my bald spots in an inexpensive yet attainable way. With over 10 million views, shares, and comments, I didn’t know the impact it would have on the beauty and hair community, where I got so much support from women who are dealing with the same issue. This solidified my passion for beauty in a way that is authentic and transformative. I now create content for the beauties on a budget who look like me, and I love that for me! I’ve grown my YouTube platform to over 100,000 subscribers who have found a safe space to be beautiful and I can’t wait to share more.

As a first-generation college graduate and the oldest of six, I’m realizing that life is more so a marathon than it is a sprint, and my journey is far from finished. Ever heard of the saying, “If it’s your calling, it will keep calling you?” These words are so true. Even on days when I don’t feel my best, I can always rely on the gifts God gave me. So, when I produce beauty content, do makeup, and take pictures, know that it’s the ups and downs of life that drive my work, and I’m so grateful for it.

My only advice is to use your gifs. That’s it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Educator, YouTuber, and Content Creator for hair and beauty brands. I also have a t-shirt brand called ITGIRLENERGY. I am most proud of my ability to persevere. I am a creative, who loves to try new things too.

What do you like and dislike about the city? 
I come from a small town in Colorado, so Houston is the complete opposite. It’s a diverse city that has a lot to do for everyone. I like that you can be on one side of town and feel like you’re out of town. And if you need to get away, you can drive to the Woodlands or the beach. Now if it’s one thing I don’t like about the city, is the traffic on 45. WHEW!