Today we’d like to introduce you to Coretta Talbert.
Hi Coretta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for art and creativity started about 15 years ago. I always enjoyed art class in middle and high school—not realizing that those early experiences would plant the seed for my love of makeup and hair.
On my 21st birthday, my sister took me to MAC to get my makeup done, and I left with several products. That moment sparked something in me. I started experimenting with makeup—even though I barely wore any at first, I really thought I was doing something! Over the next few years, I improved so much. I would spend hours watching tutorials from the GOATs, Jackie Aina and Makeupshayla. I watched so many videos that eventually, I could do my makeup from memory—without even thinking about it.
Hair was a different kind of journey. I started experimenting in college—trying pixie cuts, and playing with different variations of blonde. Then, I started pushing the limits – trying colors like blue and red on my relaxed short haircuts. After damaging my hair from all of the changes, I had no choice but to cut it all off. I was bald—and I loved it. It became another canvas. I started bleaching and coloring my hair myself while trying different haircuts. I realized that hair, like makeup, became a form of art for me.
My sense of fashion has grown alongside my hair and makeup journey. As I became more confident, I got more adventurous with trying different styles and pieces. I just love creating an entire look—hair, makeup, clothes—and watching it all come together. That’s art to me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, in my early years—like middle school and even parts of high school—I didn’t necessarily have low self-confidence, but it definitely wasn’t where it is now. Back then, I was okay with how I looked, but now? My confidence has skyrocketed to a place I never imagined. I have dreams and ambitions I didn’t even think I’d have back then.
I think a big part of that growth came from being creative and learning how to express myself through hair, makeup, and fashion. It really helped me come into my own. One of my biggest struggles was just getting over the fear of, “Is this hairstyle gonna look right on me?” or “Can I wear this?” But over time, I realized—hair grows back, makeup wipes off, and clothes can be switched up. It’s all trial and error, and that freedom to experiment has made me more confident in every area of my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
During the day, I’m a speech-language pathologist. I work with children, and I truly love what I do. Helping my kids learn how to communicate and watching them grow—it’s incredibly rewarding. But after work? There’s a whole other side of me. I love getting dressed up, doing my makeup, putting together outfits, doing my hair, and making content that showcases it all. I’m really into anything aesthetically pleasing—my nails, my hair, my style. I also enjoy painting and creative projects. I just bought a bike, repainted, and customized it. I’m definitely a girly girl, but with layers. I have fun expressing myself in different ways.
One thing I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. Grad school wasn’t easy, but I pushed through and made it. And honestly, just seeing the confidence I have now compared to where I was years ago—it means everything. When I get dressed and look in the mirror, I love what I see.
I also aspire to expand my creative passions beyond just makeup, hair, and fashion. I want to become a print, makeup, and hair model. I love the idea of using my unique looks and versatility to bring a vision to life—whether it’s for a photoshoot or a hair campaign. It’s something that excites me, and I’m looking forward to exploring these opportunities more as I continue to grow in my creative career.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just a speech-language pathologist—I’m a pretty dope one. I don’t really fit the mold. One day I might be bald, the next day I’ve got long hair. My nails are always changing, and my outfits are an extension of my personality. I bring my full self into everything I do, and I think that balance of professionalism and self-expression really makes me stand out in my field.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
To be honest, I don’t really have a mentor right now. But when it comes to networking, what I’ve learned is that you just have to put yourself out there—even when it feels uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone, so sometimes you have to be willing to push past that initial awkwardness and open yourself up to new connections.
When I was younger, I was definitely more shy. But now, I’m much more sociable—I can hold a conversation with just about anyone. That said, I’m still an introvert at heart, so I don’t always want to talk to people, but I know how important it is when it comes to building relationships and growing in your career or creative space.
My advice? Don’t wait until you “feel” ready. Take small steps: go to events, introduce yourself, comment on someone’s work you admire, start conversations. It gets easier the more you do it, and the right people will gravitate toward you when you show up as your authentic self.
Contact Info:
- TikTok: @corettamichelle
- Instagram: @coretta_michelle
Image Credits
Professional pictures shot by @koolwill (Instagram)
