Today we’d like to introduce you to Davey Cook.
Hi Davey, 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 backstories with our readers?
Growing up with a family of four sisters and me being the only boy, I learned at an early age what make-up was. I had an interest in beauty in general. There was something about the confidence I saw in my sisters and my mom when they got ready and felt good about themselves. I started coloring and cutting my hair at 5 years old (not in a good way obviously but I still had the interest clearly). I would take their make-up and play Barbies with my sisters and enjoy getting them ready. As I got older, my mom being a single, independent woman doing whatever she could to take care of her children made me appreciate women so much. I saw a lot of abuse towards my mother at a young age and it’s almost emotional for me to say but I found myself always protecting my sisters and friends and steady reminding them how beautiful they are or helping them feel beautiful about themselves on the inside & outside. Fast forward to “coming out the closet” and realizing I was a gay man; it was so hard for me to admit. I would do my friends’ makeup before we went out, but I would tell them not to tell anyone. Everyone always counted on me to do their makeup and help with picking out an outfit and said I had a gift. From the pain of my childhood with domestic abuse, and abandonment, I turned to opioids. For me, it was self-medicating because I was ashamed of who I was and trauma from my childhood. I struggled with my addiction and mental health for almost four years until I finally had come out that I was proudly gay and in a relationship.
From that point on I became free from opioids and around that same time my sister, Michelle, asked me to help her with a boudoir photoshoot for her business (Body Love studio, that is now closed). I told my sister no way I have never done it on a professional level, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. To my disbelief, people raved about it. From that point on, I started getting interest from friends professionally to do makeup. I started working in the wedding industry in 2014 with Weddings by Sage, with a close friend who is a hairstylist/owner. I worked with her on and off on top of managing a full-time dental office but eventually decided to start my own business True Colors Beauty Co in 2016 due to the high demand of bookings. From the time I started doing makeup professionally I have blossomed; it’s made me more confident than I ever have been in my life and filled my life with more joy than my addiction ever could. Something about the connection I have with my clients and the bonds that have been created have turned clients into friends’ long term. Bridesmaids recommended me for their friends’ weddings or wanted me for their own weddings, engagement photos, maternity photos, boudoir photos, etc. I don’t do much marketing and I book out about a year in advance. Some clients ask me for dates I’m available before booking their venue. Throughout my makeup career I have had many great opportunities that lead to accomplishments such as working the presidential inaugurations, Kennedy Awards, working with celebrities and high-end clients, Washingtonian Magazine, feature on Yahoo Finance, amongst many local and state-wide awards, and awards from The Knot as couples’ choice year after year. I’ve been featured on ‘Your Morning Show- HOT 99.5’ due to working with their radio host, Riley Couture, from her boudoir shoots, engagement, maternity photos, and her wedding, and have been on her podcast talking about all things make-up.
I have really built my business from the ground up being a self-taught artist with a natural talent. I started from my bedroom using my mom’s old make-up products, practicing on my sisters and friends to developing my own successful business, and multiplying in clientele. Each year my looks have improved so much with new techniques and products and experience, and I will always continue to grow. My business is not only a business, it’s a reflection of my growth, feminism, LGBTQ+ community, and it’s the fact that I get to meet so many amazing people and be there to build their confidence for such special occasions. That is what drives me to continue this passion and fulfills my dream of being an artist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a pretty smooth road. For me a lot of my challenges were in the beginning, learning different skin types & skincare, color matching, and color correction. But I was able to learn very quickly learning from celebrity artist like Mario Dedivanovic and Jaclyn Hill. Watching videos and looking at their work and practicing it with a professional HD camera working with my sister because it made me learn what the camera catches like blending etc. I also shadowed with some professional artist asking them questions or recommended products.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a free stylist makeup artist that offers a team of onsite hair and makeup artist with my company, True Colors Beauty Co. I specialize in bridal and editorial/ boudoir. I’m known for people loving my eyes but also people love how good the skin looks, in photos it can look full glam/ contour but in person, it’s not heavy and doesn’t look cakey. I really try to keep my makeup natural glam. Bringing out my client’s natural features knowing what the cameras going to catch to make the best photos for my clients. I think what sets me apart from other makeup artist is not just my talent but my passion. I connect with my clients to provide the best experience for them and make it enjoyable not a stressful experience for their wedding day.
Pricing:
- Bridal makeup package $200
- Bridal makeup trial $150
- Bridesmaid makeup $105 ea
- Single makeup booking $105 each
- Makeup lessons $125 per Hour
Contact Info:
- Email: Truecolorsbeautyco@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.truecolorsbeautyco.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/DaveyLee_MUA
- Facebook: facebook.com/Truecolorsbydavey
- Other: tiktok.com/@daveyleemua
Image Credits
Coastalrootsphotography
Body Love studio
Tori Watson
Melissa Arroyo
