Celebrity makeup artist Danielle Henry turned a devastating job loss into a life-changing opportunity. After being let go from a prominent Manhattan hospital, Henry discovered her true calling in the beauty industry. Today, she’s a sought-after MUA with an A-list clientele that includes stars like Missy Elliot’s dancers and actress Aisha Hinds.
“My journey as a makeup artist was born out of necessity,” Henry exclusively told HelloBeautiful. “I had recently lost my job at a prominent private hospital in Manhattan and was trying to figure out the next steps.”
Finding Beauty Through Adversity
Henry’s career transformation perfectly illustrates the saying “pressure makes diamonds.” Rather than panicking after losing her healthcare position, she explored various creative outlets. Her artistic background as a vocal music major at Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music, Art, and the Performing Arts provided a foundation for her eventual beauty career.
The Brooklyn native initially pursued singing, recording background vocals for indie artists. She also ventured into fashion, starting “Danielle’s Brooch Boutique” and partnering with a friend who owned a vintage clothing pop-up store.
The Transformative Moment That Changed Everything
Henry’s beauty epiphany came while working as the lead hair and makeup artist for a fashion show she organized with her business partner. The experience revealed her true calling.
“As each young lady got out of my chair, I could see that she was more confident than when she had sat down,” Henry explained. “I saw how I could affect change in real-time, and I knew I wanted to keep doing that for as long as possible. I had finally found my passion.”
From YouTube Tutorials to A-List Clients
After discovering her passion, Henry immediately took action. She educated herself through what she playfully calls “YouTube University” and attended webinars hosted by established makeup artists.
Within two years of dedicated practice, Henry’s network expanded significantly. Her talent landed her impressive gigs, including creating looks for Missy Elliot’s dancers and working with Latoia Rondo on her Italian wedding. These opportunities boosted her confidence both personally and professionally.
Beauty Empowerment: Uplifting Black Women
As a makeup artist who works predominantly with Black women, Henry carefully selects products that enhance their natural beauty. Her kit essentials include MAC Cosmetics Chestnut Lip Liner, which she describes as “the perfect transitional shade for any color.”
“I predominantly work with black women, and I want to be sure that I can make any lip color they choose work for them,” Henry noted about her product choices.
Inside Her Professional Makeup Kit
Beyond the MAC lip liner, Henry relies on two other must-haves. Embryolisse’s Lait Creme Concentre Moisturizer serves double duty as both moisturizer and primer, working effectively across all skin types and textures.
She also swears by Inglot Gel Liner #77, preferring gel over liquid liners for better control. These carefully selected products help Henry create stunning looks that enhance her clients’ natural beauty.
Beauty Defined: More Than Skin Deep
Henry’s philosophy about beauty extends far beyond cosmetics. She believes true beauty comes from within and manifests through kindness and character.
“Truthfully, beauty is kindness. Beauty is sincerity, empathy, and generosity,” she shared. “To me, beauty comes from within. It’s easier to enhance the beauty of someone who is lit from within.”
Early Beauty Influences
Henry’s fascination with makeup began in childhood, inspired by her aunt Michelle’s bright lipstick. This early influence sparked what would later become her career.
“When she’d come over, I loved greeting her with a big kiss on the lips so that her lipstick would rub off on mine,” Henry recalled fondly. “That is when my love for makeup began to bud.”
Self-Care in a Demanding Industry
Working closely with clients requires significant emotional energy. As an introvert, Henry prioritizes alone time to recharge before spending time with loved ones.
“In this field, you spend a lot of time tending to others very intimately,” Henry explained. “I prioritize self-care by spending a lot of time alone. It recharges me, gives me plenty of time to think, and always helps me to be both introspective and retrospective.”
Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists
With over a decade of industry experience, Henry offers valuable advice to those hoping to follow in her footsteps. She emphasizes the importance of skill development and authentic motivation.
“Perfect your craft and find your reason why,” Henry advised. “Perfecting your craft will get you noticed. Finding your reason why will keep you going when you realize that things aren’t always as glamorous as they may seem from the outside looking in.”
Henry continues to build her impressive career spanning bridal, editorial, lifestyle, and red carpet makeup. Her journey from job loss to beauty industry success serves as an inspiration to creatives everywhere.
