“Beauty, Unfiltered” is the brainchild of Mind Candy Beauty founder, Lyric Christian, and beauty expert and brand founder, Billie Gene, born from a conversation the two had about the realest conversations between makeup artists taking place behind closed doors and how valuable it would be to bring that honesty to a bigger group. The pair worked together to create a concept and bring it to life earlier this month in New York City.
Initially, “Beauty, Unfiltered” was set to bring together Billie Gene, Kim Baker, Jaleesa Jaikaran, and Ehlie Luna for an open discussion about navigating the industry’s unwritten rules to evolving beyond artistry into entrepreneurship, content creation, education, and brand building. Unfortunately though, Billie Gene and Kim Baker couldn’t attend due to illness. This meant Christian, who served as organizer and moderator, needed to make some last-minute adjustments for the standing-room-only turnout.
The event took place at WTF Dumbo Studio, a Black woman–owned Brooklyn studio founded by makeup artist Brittany Whitfield. Whitfield also extended a special 40% discount on studio bookings to attendees, giving “Beauty, Unfiltered” attendees another way to connect with and utilize the space beyond the event.
Billie Gene Body and Glamazon Beauty were integral in making “Beauty, Unfiltered” possible, alongside The Pale Rosé, the event’s drink sponsor, and Love London Sweets, the Black-owned Brooklyn bakery that provided the treats. Gift bags also featured products exclusively from Black-owned brands: Billie Gene Body, Glamazon Beauty, The Lip Bar, and Uzo.
Christian tells The Tease, “I want artists to feel celebrated when they enter the room and leave with connections and opportunities that help move their careers forward. Watching the room pour into someone questioning whether she belonged reminded me exactly why we create these spaces.”
Read on for key takeaways.
Takeaways from Beauty, Unfiltered
The Art of the Pivot
- Panelists discussed navigating change and finding a way forward when things don’t go as planned. That theme was especially relevant because Christian was experiencing it in real time as the organizer and moderator. The evening itself became a reminder of what’s possible when you adapt and have a community that shows up for you.
Finding Alignment Rather Than Chasing Every Opportunity
- Jaleesa Jaikaran and Ehlie Luna spoke about trusting your own path and recognizing that an opportunity you want may not ultimately be the right fit.
Community Over Competition
- This discussion opened up a broader conversation about comparison and why another artist’s success doesn’t diminish one’s own possibilities. Supporting one another was a central theme.
Setting Boundaries and Making Room to Breathe
- Jaikaran and Luna emphasized the importance of setting boundaries with yourself and others, giving yourself permission to pause, and checking in on your mental and physical well-being. The pressure to keep working and say yes to every opportunity can lead to burnout, affecting both your creativity and your ability to sustain a career. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your work—a particularly timely reminder ahead of NYFW.
Being Accomplished Doesn’t Make You Immune to Self-Doubt
- During the audience discussion, one attendee became emotional while sharing that she experiences imposter syndrome despite her accomplishments. The room responded with encouragement and affirmation—a powerful example of why safe spaces like “Beauty, Unfiltered” matter.
For events like “Beauty, Unfiltered” and more, including stories that celebrate and elevate Black voices in professional beauty and fashion, be sure to follow @mindcandybeauty on Instagram.
