We had the good fortune of connecting with Vee Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vee, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always had a interest in the arts, tv, media &film, I remember watching some of my favorite female talk show hosts, like when Tyra Banks had her own show, and then we she came out with Americas Next Top model, I too had done some modeling in highschool and college and I was very intrigued by beauty and women using their looks to pay them as a career and I quickly learned through studying the industry, that hair and makeup and good lighting was behind all the magic that we see “front and center.” to help these women personality come alive and shine through!

Makeup artistry was something that I did not initially set out to do, but I started to gain a love for the practice of it through youtube and movies just for myself. I would often recreate looks of other black female celebrities and at one time I was working with brands like Maybelline, Good Molecules and Black Opal, just to name a few. I really look at makeup as an art form, with the clients face being my canvas. It allows me to express thru art and also connect with women and we exchange our stories through our own journey with beauty whether, a positive or negative experience, theres no judgment, I like to create a safe space for my clients to share and it allows me to better understand each persons journey to Self-care thru the power of makeup.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started out doing makeup for weddings, I was placing ads on Fb and Craigslist at the time lol humble beginnings, but I also connected with Other vendors in the area and asked to meet for lunch or even drop some business cards off so that I could potentially be added to their “preferred vendors list” This process has helped me make some amazing connections and life long partnerships, word of mouth is an under-used practice to get more awareness around what you do! & who you do it for and lets not forget referrals from taking care of your customer the first time around.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Yes one of my favorite lunch spots has to be dames chicken and waffles! in Cary, I believe they also have a location in durham as well.

Its not a huge restaurant but there is a sufficient amount of seating inside and out, and they offer to-go ordering as well.

I love the toppings that they curate on the menu to go with your waffle, they offer a few different flavors of waffles like, the classic, sweet potato, the gingerbread and the oatmeal-vegan, and did i mention they serve mimosas and their sides are delicious too!

I am more of a nature girl, so if you want to get out and just talk i recommend some of our lovely walking trails like “Lake Johnson, Shelley Lake, or even Cary Parkway, they have some very nice scenery and its a rejuvenating way to stay active and take in earths beauty.

And if you like to laugh we have Raleigh Improv in Cary,NC- some of the greats like Dave chapell, Tracy morgan, Affion Crockett, and Micheal Blackson have visited our city to share laughter and spread joy, Raleigh is full of hidden treasures if you really want to get out.

we have nice art scene as well as jazz nights at (The Venue Raleigh) www.thevenueraleigh.com off West Davie Street, Suite 102 in Raleigh NC.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I appreciate my mentors who have helped me with guidance and advice along the way, the women who have come before me, yet always have a word of wisdom to share ,Thank you to Elizabeth Ashley & Co. my brand photographer, and creative mentor in my head lol, shes always down to share my business or share how much my skillset has made her job as not only a photographer but an editor.

Thank you love!

Website: www.NaturalBeautiebyVee.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/NaturalBeautiesbyVee

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NaturalBeautiesbyVee.com

Image Credits
Images are taken by me: @naturalbeautiebyvee

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.