In today’s world where entrepreneurship is often seen as a path for the seasoned, however has defied the odds by launching her own makeup business. Meet 21-year-old Cydnee Cossiah from Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice (Region 6). Cyndee is a recently appointed secondary school teacher and college student. She was born in Grenada to Guyanese parents who emigrated to Guyana when she was 9 years old and they’ve lived here since. She turned her passion for artistry and makeup into a thriving venture. Inspired by her love for creativity and self-expression, she began experimenting with her aunt’s makeup, and what started as a hobby quickly evolved into a business venture.
During Cydnee’s childhood, she was shy and anxious because she was raised not to socialise much and stay indoors. Her elder sister was her companion and role model, and as a young child, she tried to emulate her. Her sister drew very well and in emulating her she also began drawing and she fell in love with drawing, as it brought out her artistic side. She found ease in expressing herself through art, drawing, and doodling everywhere.
Artistic skills
From a tender age, she would receive feedback that her drawing skills were exceptional for her age. For the duration of her nursery, primary, and secondary education she attended 6 schools and was known to be the girl who could draw in every one of them. Regardless of how shy she was, Cossiah found a way of making herself comfortable and also connecting with her peers because people were always drawn to the fact that she was good with her hands.
By religion, she’s a Christian. Cydnee grew up as a Seventh Day Adventist; as such she was super conservative and very big on modesty and humility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cydnee was in her late teens going through changes and dealing with isolation and the effects of the pandemic and began losing interest in most of her hobbies including drawing, so she branched out into painting and craft instead as she didn’t want her artistic abilities to die.
She began spending time with the other women in her family such as her aunts and her older cousin who wore and owned makeup, as she wasn’t exposed to makeup from her mother or older sister for all of her childhood and teenage years. She wasn’t allowed to wear it, maybe just lipgloss at most, however, their eyeshadow palettes piqued her interest. Thoughts of what she could create using the palettes ran through her mind and she became excited to dibble and dabble. She borrowed their makeup and experimented on her teenage self as she tried out the makeup trends she saw on social media like eyeliner styles and highlighters.
”Then it clicked for me that this is just like drawing but the result was better because I’m drawing on my face. I can modify the way I look and then take it off at the end and just be me again. I found that very fascinating, exciting, and more satisfying than doodling on paper or painting on canvas,” Cossiah said.
After practicing, she fell in with makeup and began saving her money to purchase makeup of her own.
Struggle with body image
She added, “I was a young girl working through complex thoughts about my image and how I’m being perceived. So I spent a lot of time trying different things and practicing. Being able to tweak my image any way I wanted really entertained me, so I showed my friends and they were entertained too and they even encouraged me to start sharing it. The first set of makeup looks I posted was very experimental….. I remember doing red eyebrows and red eyeliner, not necessarily “beautifying” or hiding my imperfections, but making something interesting and artful of my face – this allowed me to appreciate myself in a way that I don’t think I would have if I never approached makeup as an art form.“
Recognising her potential, the women in her circle noticed her passion for makeup and gave me the position of being the family makeup artist. In that role, she used their makeup to beat their faces before any event. Her first clients were her aunt, sister, and mother – they allowed her to grow and perfect her craft, by using them as muses. Her best friend and her mom also played a vital role in her journey as they also saw her potential and got Cossiah, her first out-of-family gig, as they referred her to their family members and friends.
“I was nervous because my makeup style is soft and minimal compared to the makeup styles that a lot of people prefer. I wasn’t sure how it would be received but the reaction of my first client was exactly what I needed. When I revealed the look I did on her she said “I feel pretty!!” and she tipped me. That feedback sent me into go mode and reminded me to stay true to my style because my people will find me and appreciate what I have to offer,” the young entrepreneur told this publication.
In her family and friendship circle, she is the first person to venture into this type of business. As such, she lacked mentorship and guidance. When she was in the phase of perfecting her craft, she received some pushback from her family because of her religion, as they were concerned about her vanity and development as a young woman.
“Those are common sexist stereotypes I think people have towards femininity and makeup….They see it as a “mask” or disguise instead of an accessory or artwork. Everything I’ve accomplished and learned so far has been through trial and error and I am mostly self-taught both in makeup and in business management. Day by day with new experiences I update my policies and plans as it’s only been 1 year since I officially branded myself an MUA,” she mentioned.
Currently, she’s at the beginning phase of her entrepreneurship journey, she acknowledges that she doesn’t know everything, as well as she’s not where she wants to be yet, however, she’s still growing.
Some Cydnee Cossiah‘s work
Challenges, family network and support
Cossiah uses social media as a tool to learn, as well as market herself. Since launching her business, she’s built a network of amazingly supportive people who book me, refer me, share my work, and give their well wishes and feedback.
“I believe with time my business will only grow, I’m very blessed and my entrepreneurial journey has brought more than extra income, there is a deeper sense of community and fulfillment that only a service provider could experience and that’s what keeps me going. Sometimes despite being drained and tired, I will take all my strength and brave the weather, the distance, or whatever it is just to get to a client not motivated by the money but because I know I play a vital role in making someone’s birthday, wedding, graduation, etc be as special as it can be,” she stated.
Cossiah’s biggest challenges were her self-doubt and anxiety, finances, lack of guidance, and no fixed business space. She was very anxious to market her services publicly because she didn’t feel as accomplished as she thought she should be.
At that time, she did not have a lot of supplies, and her income was too small to purchase the brands that professional makeup artists would use, neither did she have the training and or business space to operate from. Cossiah suffered from imposter syndrome, as she felt as if she was not ready, but the people from her support system constantly encouraged her to keep pushing and make a start.
‘Never let your passions die or your skills go to waste’
In 2022, she attended a 3-day makeup class and obtained a certificate. She also pursued a business management course. With her savings, she ordered enough supplies to start her business. Her uncle also pitched in and got her some more material and with faith she marketed myself as an MUA that does home services.
Receiving validation, believing in herself having a moral support system, and sacrificing and budgeting to invest in herself have helped her overcome some of her challenges. Her plans include expanding her business.
“Never let your passions die or your skills go to waste; let them evolve with you. Hold yourself to a high standard; do not wait until you are perfect to share what you’ve created. Invest in yourself before you expect anyone else to invest in you; take your lessons gracefully, learn from them, and come back better,” is Cindy’s simple yet powerful advice.
