Conversations with Shirah Yates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirah Yates.

Shirah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Yes! Well, I’m not sure what first ignited my love for makeup, skincare, and beauty but I remember when YouTube was at the cusps of the “ Influencer Takeover.” I would practice beauty routines and makeup looks. I remember Nikki Tutorial when she was in her bedroom probably around 19-20 was one influencer, I watched regularly.

I would go to work and have my female coworkers complimenting me and my makeup and even start filling in eyebrows (with the halo concealer look lol) and applying lashes (with hair glue) at a desk or in the bathroom.

From then I would see what the hottest celebrity ( Nicki, Rihanna, Kerry, etc.) makeup was and replicate it to the best of my ability.

One Halloween 2014, I believe my cousin dressed as Wonder Woman and had tried to make up her face. She couldn’t get it just right, so I came over and made her a real-life action figure lol! It was pretty dope. Afterward, I started freelancing on a small scale a couple of weddings and friends/family faces for going out, photoshoots, etc.

However finances and life wouldn’t let me do this as a career (more a hobbit), so I started focusing on work and school.

Some years had passed and I really started missing makeup and beauty. A co-worker of mine would see my face made up and say she couldn’t believe I wasn’t doing it full-time. I had felt like I missed the wave of being in that industry and wasn’t sure if it was my passion anymore. She told me, I was crazy and asked me had I ever considered a lash business. She was “the plug” on high-quality beautiful lashes and knew someone with my background in makeup could possibly profit and build a brand from lashes.

I hesitated for almost two years then the pandemic hit and I was pregnant with my daughter! I thought I was done having kids but the Covid babies don’t care lol. The scariest thing I thought was starting a business and failing but having a new baby made that fear seem foolish. I called my coworker up and placed my order! I was ready to start ASAP.

There are some parts of this story I may share at a later time but I made some bad investments and bad partnerships. Yet my coworker was there to help guide me back to get it right!

So this summer I had a soft launch of ShirahLynn.com! It was exhilarating seeing my dream start to form. I started networking and did my first vendor even where I met the greatest group of ladies. I’ve been connected with them since.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So since, I held back my gifts, for fear of failure, I specialize in a few things that I’ve always loved. I have my first business ShirahLynn with is a lash line but I’ll soon be adding my freelance makeup services soon.

Secondly, I’m an aspiring copywriter, editor, and author! I have a strong background in creative writing. A few months ago a black-owned stationary company reached out to me. They had read a caption I posted and were moved by my message. Their business focused on uplifting positive genuine noncliché messages and they hired me for the job! I got paid to do what I did for free and for me. The feedback was outstanding and I knew this was something I had to pursue too!

What sets me apart in makeup is my style I really focus on natural enhancements. Soft glam is my fave. I also take time to give a few pointers on skincare. Plus, I have some bomb lashes. But because of my personality, I’m personable and if I feel called my services to come with some encouragement, words of wisdom or just uplifting another woman. Inner and outer beauty experience.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes, I have taken courses with my favorite local makeup artist. To network, learn, and become more skilled and CONSISTENT in my craft and application.

It’s important to have some you can have as a mentor. Sometimes our ideas seem far-fetched or unrealistic but mentors help you push past that because they already have and you are no different from where they once were.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: ShirahLynn.com (under construction).