F ive years ago, when I first started blogging, I loved talking about any and all things, makeup! I was the ultimate girlie girl, and off a high from a successful college business venture as a makeup artist … my new hustle appropriately named, “Mak Does My Makeup”. It was truly so much fun! I didn’t even realize that at the age of 20 I had already began to brand myself.
My enthusiasm and momentum was in full throttle after graduating from Hampton University and moving to Hotlanta! The makeup business was still in full swing and I was having more fun than ever writing on my new Tumblr blog. FYI, I probably went through at least ten different blog name ideas like, “Brown Girl In The City” and “Pouty Face Confessions” (terrible, I know lol), before deciding to simply stick with my real name, McKenzie Renae.
I didn’t take my blog so serious in the beginning, because it was merely a hobby that I enjoyed doing in my spare time. A hobby that unexpectedly caught the attention of Seventeen and Allure Magazine. My little Tumblr page, taking off before my very eyes, all because of something that I was passionate about. I earned my first opportunity as a Beauty Editor at Rolling Out Magazine here in Atlanta and was officially an authoritative voice in the beauty industry. I couldn’t get enough of it!
Now, fast forward four years later. After I started taking my brand serious, I had this sudden yearning to shake things up in my life. I was no longer satisfied with solely discussing topics of how to improve your looks, because deep down I knew and felt that I had more to offer this world than vanity.
I’ve now realized that beauty was my gateway into where I’m at in my life right now. I’ve grown not only in my field, but as a woman in general. I’ve grown into a woman with purpose. A woman who knows more and more, of what she wants, what she will and will not tolerate, and best of all…her worth.
My story has lead me into this transitionary point in my life. One of my favorite mottos is “everything happens for a reason”. This beauty blog happened for a reason, the desire to enter into the makeup artistry field happened for a reason. My struggles, defeats, depression, and wins have all happened for a reason! To build, shape, and mold me into the woman I am today. I’ve finally learned to be confident in the gifts that God has given to me, and to use them so that I may be a blessing to others.
You may be in a transition phase in your life right now while God is working to manifest your dreams, and I’m here to tell you that that is OK! Embrace it and most importantly, learn from it. He knows what He’s doing, and I should have been patient and listened a long time ago. I’m nowhere close to perfect and I don’t have everything 100% figured out. But who does? Just keep in mind that you may miss your season of promise by living in a season that has passed. Let your transition happen!
P.S. – If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been experimenting with a few different topics here on McKenzie Renae. If you’re into it, I would love it you could leave a brief comment letting me know or if there’s something in particular that you would like for me to discuss. If my transparency is helping even one person out there gather the guts to move towards their dreams, then this post was worth it!
Love you guys,
McKenzie
LOVE your writing style. Your transparency makes you relatable, and at the end of the day that’s what I need the most. Someone who’s willing to be honest about who they are and where they are because in turn it helps me. Keep up the great work, what you’re doing is amazing! 🙂
Love you Leah!! Xoxoxo
Love this post and your transparency. I’m currently going through a transitional phase also. Very scary but I know God knows what he is doing, so I’m good. Thanks again.
Thanks so much Brandi! Scary but so worth it
Hello Ms. Renae,
You blog post is spot on, as to what I’m going through right now. I am currently transition into a different career field. I spent many years working and do my schooling in Social Work, which was never my passion or something I wanted to fulfill. Let’s say, from me entering into high school (way back lol) something happened where I felt I was never going to fulfill my dream of being in the Arts. So, I tried to search for something that was connected to my life experiences that I felt I could purse and founded myself into Social Work. Through the count less years that have gone by, I’ve always tried to figure how I was going to go after what I really wanted, but never pushed myself enough and feared of not going to make it. I always said to myself “how am I going to convince them that I want this so bad” I searched for opportunities, training, went to networking events. Some helped and some didn’t it, but still felt stuck. After thinking things through and doing a lot of research, I was made the decision to go back school and get the training I need to make this career change. Now, I’m still feeling nervous, excited, and fearful of this journey, because I don’t want to feel like I wasted time again or end up with no career. I don’t want a job, I want a career lol. So reading your brief post on Instagram and following it to your blog, it gave me a hope and sense of comfort to know that something will come out of my journey because I’m not along. I really pull strength from other women, escpically black women who share their personal experiences, their triumphs, successes, and downfalls etc….because it’s gives a sense of connection and great strength. So, thank you for speak up, sharing, and having no apologizes of being who you are. One love girl, Nicollette
Nicollette you are so awesome!! You’re already on your way and whether you realize it or not, you’re already ahead of the game because you’re actively going after that you want to do! Thank you for all your kind words, keep going xoxo
Great post! I read this quote the other day by Maya Angelou ..”when you get, give and when you learn, teach. Thanks for sharing your experiences, I believe we all go through things that others can relate to, or things we can help people get through or maybe even understand their own situation so thanks again for sharing.
Thanks so much Chasity. I agree, we can definitely help each other more often. I love that quote by the way 🙂
Love it! You are definitely becoming the woman God wants you to be. I am so proud of you and thankful to call you a friend. love you! Keep following His plans! 🙂
Love this! It’s amazing and inspiring to see how God has been moving in your life!
Thank you Neesha 🙂
Truly, such an inspiring read! Keep up the good work–we need to catch up next time I’m in the A! Good luck with everything! 😉
Xx
Thank you love! Please hit me up next time you’re here Jackie!
This spoke volumes to me! I am now a college student with a successful makeup business. I’ve just begin to put effort and seriousness until my business, so that after college I can continue to be successful in this industry. I’ve now given it purpose and I’m just so excited to see my future. I want you to know this motivated me in such a great way !! Do you have any advice for me , or tips that would help me keep the ball rolling?
That’s awesome! I’m happy for you that you’re actively pursuing your dreams. Just keep going, keep the momentum up and don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of that. Stay focused on you and your business and don’t get caught up in what others are doing around you, you got it girl 😉
I am such a huge fan of your blog, and your personal story in general. I recently started blogging myself. I wanted to know how you went about building your brand and growing your blog. Your story is such an inspiration. I would love to read about how you created your brand to the successful business that it is now. Also, if you have any tips for new bloggers =)
Thanks for everything. Keep inspiring <3
xoxo. KC
Thank you KC! I am working on something special about this topic so thanks for letting me know you’re interested 🙂
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning! Thank you for this!
Great to hear!
What did you go to school for? What made you want to become a beauty blogger?
I went to school for Broadcast Journalism. I’m working on that post for you guys as we speak on why I started blogging and how to start one yourself!
Love your blog and instagram! It is a positive and classy light compared to the usual foolishness that you see on social media. Thank you for being so inspiring and positive…..and of course FAB!
Thank you Ashley! I really appreciate that, feedback like that keep me going. Thank you xoxo
iLove your blog as well as your style. iAm not always consistent with reading but iAlways stop through & see what’s new on MR. This post is everything today. Thanks!
Thank you Bella! I appreciate you xoxox
Late to the party but wanted to let you know this was just what I needed to read. Thank you for all you do – may you continue to be blessed!
It’s never too late. Thank you babes!
This post is years old, but spoke to me at such a pivotal point in my life. It’s just a reminder that you never truly figure things out in life, you’re constantly growing and learning and evolving to be a better you. Thank you for this even years later. You’re transparency adds to your beauty. You’re human. I appreciate you sharing this.
Wow Jemila, thank you. It truly is a personal journey and more about enjoying it along the way instead of trying to force what’s not meant to be. Wishing the best for you and your future xoxo