Seeing The Face Of Beauty

It began in the 90s when Soraya’s lifelong trajectory into beauty began.

 

At 17 she modeled for Page Parkes, but early on realized that being in front the camera wasn’t her passion.

Shortly thereafter while attending college, in her early 20s, she landed at Glamour Shots as a telemarketer where she was unexpectantly thrusted into the role of a makeup artist. Unexperienced, she taught herself how to apply makeup. For a while, she juggled college (studying journalism and economics) and fast-paced world of Glamour Shots.

 

Her fates seemed inevitable. So, she made a life changing decision.

 

Soraya decided to forego her initial plans of a traditional college education to earn an esthetician license. The choice proved to be a wise one. From there, she entered into a multi-billion-dollar industry lending her talents to many of the top cosmetic giants. Lancôme, Kevyn Aucoin, Trish McEvoy, Shiseido, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics – in markets including Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Saks Fifth Avenue. By the way, her favorite beauty product (staying true to her old school roots) in the $2.99 Maybelline Expert brow and eye pencil. Ironically, makeup wasn’t allowed growing up or even in the house according to the oldest of three brothers.

 

Amassing a clientele in the public sector, the 48 year old wife and mother of three (one girl, two boys) made the leap into the private sector contributing her artistic talents to videos, fashion, editorials, film and music performance. The self-described “old school” makeup artist’s roster of clients includes Tina and Solange Knowles, Houston’s Powerhouse Cheryl Creuzot, Anita Baker, Holly Robinson Peete, Renée Elise Goldberry (Tony Award Winner) and Chloe & Halle.. Just to name a few.

 

Along with 25-plus years in the cosmetics industry, Soraya launched her eponymous beauty line. Soraya Whitten Beauty.

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Written by: Sheryl E. Taylor