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The B Side
Traditionally, the B side refers to the flip side of a record.
They pull the references, scour the archives, and paint the picture you see on the big screen.
The celebrity, model, or actor is the single with the most airtime.
But the glam team?
Theyre the producers, conductors, friends, and family members.
For lack of a less ubiquitous phrase, they make it work.
Because the origin of a look is just as important as the look itself.
The backstory deserves its hard-earned glory.
Makeup Artist Rebekah Aladdin
On the inspiration for the beauty looks…
Throughout the shoot, we showcased Thusos beautiful, glowing, melanated skin.
Each look highlighted a single feature.
Look two featured frosted lipstick.
Its a nod to 90s nostalgia, especially paired with bone-straight hair.
Metallics and frosty colors are a cool and interesting way to play with light.
The third and final look was centered around a faux bleached brow.
I paired it with a softly contoured halo eye for an editorial flare.
On working with Thuso…
Working with Thuso over the past two years has been so enjoyable.
Theres a flow and ease to our glam sessions.
She trusts me, and as an artist, that means everything!
Thuso is tiny and shy, but shes a giant in her craft.
I have a lot of respect for her work ethic and drive.
Shes going to leave her mark on this industry, and Im honored to share this journey with her.
On her early years and starting her career in beauty…I am from Pasadena, California.
My growth in the industry had a flow.
I paid my dues by collaborating with peers who were also working toward their come up.
Relationships built on top of one another brought me where I am today.
In my grief, I found the courage to pursue my first love, music.
I was derailed by a vocal injury, and makeup took over.
I grew up listening to Ms. Anita!
I never thought I would meet herlet alone share this special night with her.
We had a lot of fun and even worked together a few more times later that year.
On what beauty means to her and how its empowered her throughout her life…
Beauty is a feeling.
We use makeup as a tool to achieve and express these feelings.
I find empowerment in being able to positively influence how people feel about themselves.
On her advice to aspiring artists in the industry…
Be kind, professional, and fair.
A great reputation is your best friend in this industry.
Everyone loves to work with people they enjoy, and referrals run this business.
Im always a fan of keeping things simple.
I also trimmed any loose ends for a clean finish.
Although Thuso loves her natural hair, shes also a fan of trying new things.
Creativity has no rules; just create what makes you feel good.
Its fun and peaceful.
She trusts me to make her look good, which I love and respect.
She pushes me to have fun and be as creative as possible.
Shes shy but so funny at the same time.
Its so important to me for my clients to feel safe to be themselves around me.
She allows me to beme.
Its been a blessing building this relationship with her.
On starting his career in beauty…
I grew up in Philly.
I always have love for my city.
It taught me about hustle, street smarts, and people skills.
That is so important in this industry.
I believe Ive always had an eye for creation and beauty.
Seeing her smile meant the world to me; it made me feel good.
So I would be like, Mom, can I play with your hair?
I wanted to be a part of the experience of making her feel good.
Fast-forward to my teen years I started experimenting with my friends, and the rest is history.
I did a lot of free work at times to get the experience.
I moved to New York when I was 19.
I would do fashion week, which was fast-paced and chaotic, and it helped me hone my skills.
I worked in high-end salons for about seven years doing styling, cutting, and coloring.
It was a challenge finding my place in the Big City.
But you have to put yourself out there and make yourself available for those experiences and networking.
Ive built many genuine relationships from when I first started with my beauty peers whove become my friends.
On his career highlights…
I never thought I would be blessed with a career like this.
I didnt know where hair would take me.
I have so many highlights!
Later in my career, I was asked to style Taraji P. Hensons hair, and it went viral.
I am grateful and absolutely blessed beyond words.
It was a day of beautiful vibes and magic.
I felt so proud.
A room of Black and Brown creatives, creating!
The photos were stunning!
Beauty is how you love yourself.
Its that thing that makes an individual unique in this life.
As a person with insecurities like everyone else, I find beauty in self-care and a healthy lifestyle.
On his beauty icons and mentors in the business…
These amazing people became my inspiration on a personal, creative, and professional level.
I didnt get where I am in my career by myself.
Im also inspired by new artists like Coree Moreno, Alexander Armand, Mitchell Cantrell, and Fesa Nu.
On his advice to aspiring artists in the industry…
My advice is to hone your craft.
You never stop learning in this business.
Find mentors who are willing to teach you, and be open to receiving knowledge.
Be consistent and never think you know it all.
Be flexible and available when possible.
Creativity has no rules.
Do what makes you feel good.
Let people know who you are and make time for yourself.
This industry can be very demanding.
