Community Highlights: Meet Mackenzie Joyner of The Glam Trap Beauty Lounge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Joyner.

Hi Mackenzie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
My story started when I was about 6 or 7; I used to watch my aunt & cousin put on my makeup and always begged them to let me put some on. Whether it was only lipstick or eyeliner, I had to have it. As I grew older, I really didn’t wear any until I got in high school because I began to hate my freckles that seemed to cover my face. I’d do my makeup every morning before school causing myself to be late numerous times. I started falling behind in school to the point where I ended up dropping out my senior year second semester. The next year of 2018, my brother passed away, and it played a major part of where I am today. I was depressed and devastated for a long, long time. I prayed and prayed to pull myself out the depression. It was extremely hard, but I began to find something I’d love to do, and that was makeup. I spent hours and hours in the bathroom practicing looks and posting them. I was surprised people actually wanted to come and get theirs done in 2020. I always wondered what was for me, but as I go on, I know this is for me, and I owned it. As time went on, I tried to be the best artist I could be by improving my skills each client that came to me. I became so interested in the beauty world that I chose to go back to school, get my GED, and then go to esthetics school. My first 2 test I failed, and you can only fail 3, or you’ll get kicked out. I was already thinking the worst, but my support system motivated me to not give up. I began to pass every test after that and knew it was for me. I finished school with a 4.0 GPA & that made me so proud. I was still doing makeup as I was in school, and I started off in an extra room we no longer used. I had to come up with a business name, and the only thing that seemed to click with me was “The Glam Trap Beauty Lounge.” I wanted to put my brother first in anything I do because he taught me how to hustle. I came up with the name because I want to offer a one-stop glam shop. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I take pride in the struggle. The bumps along the way have taught me so much. I failed several times, but I got back up each time like it was nothing. When I finished school, I transitioned over to our indoor car garage/Den to turn that into my beauty lounge. I wanted it done in a hurry, and rushing caused me to fail tremendously. I lost a lot of money from hiring people who didn’t do their best on my room. The process took way longer than expected, which pushed my money back, so I couldn’t take any clients. I spent so much time off from doing makeup I actually lost clientele so to have to restart all over was HARD. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about The Glam Trap Beauty Lounge LLC?
My business is a “One Stop Glam Shop.” 

I’m a 24-year-old self-taught makeup artist/Licensed Esthetician. 

I offer Makeup, 1-on-1 Makeup Classes, Facials, Mannequin Makeup, Waxing, and soon-to-be Nails. 

I specialize in Full glam/Freestyles and cater to all skin tones. 

I think what sets me apart from others is my passion and creativeness. I always go the extra mile for my clients and give them an experience they’ll never forget. I truly care about my clients and, most honestly, leave as friends. I take what I do serious and my passion for what I do is why I always try to do my best each face I do. I still haven’t reached my full potential, but each day, I grow a little more. 

I’m most proud of my makeup because that’s what got me where I am today. If I never picked up that brush, I never would’ve went back to school or even go to esthetics school. I’m also most proud of my makeup because I amaze myself each face I slay. I tell myself every day I’m so talented, and I just know one day when the right person sees my work, I’m going to be MAJOR. Until then, I’ll remain the hidden gem in my small town. 

My space is a judgement free zone I allow you to be your truest self so no holding back. I do offer a private setting so you can relax. I offer complimentary drinks & snacks. I do plan to expand in the near future. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think your passion is the most important because that’s what drives you to be successful. If I wasn’t passionate about what I did I would’ve never succeeded. 

Pricing:

• Makeup: $100-$120
• Mannequins: $150-$220
• Facials: $70-$150
• Waxing: $20-$65

Contact Info:

• Website: http://theglamtrapbl.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglamtrapbl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.joyner
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theglamtrapbl
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theglamtrapbl

Image Credits
Willie Williams Jr.