Meet Deja “TheMuaDej” Cotton | Miami “Self Taught” Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deja “TheMuaDej” Cotton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deja “TheMuaDej”, what is the most important factor behind your success?
There are a lot of factors behind the success of my brand but I would say staying consistent would be the most important one. A lot of people like to start businesses or brands with just an idea, not knowing it’s so much more that comes with it, like staying consistent and keeping your goal in mind. Having the mindset to push through even on days when you feel the saddest, tired, or just not in the mood, will be the number one factor to separate the idea of owning a business, or creating a brand from actually following through with it and making it happen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In a city where there are so many people doing the exact same thing as you, you have to think of ways to stand out and be creative. Miami is such an intuitive city so when I chose to start my business and create my brand, I immediately started thinking of ways to stand out. It was a challenge but I found that creating dramatic/colorful looks along with using my personality for videos to promote, worked for me.

If I had to pick something that sets me aside from every other makeup artist here, or anywhere, is my eye for detail and the fact that I love to go the extra mile. I love paying attention to small things that no one else would pick up while doing makeup. So along with making sure my clients are flawless, without an eyebrow hair out of place,
my personality and customer service skills that I learned from previous jobs allows me to give them the full “Beauty Experience.”.

It wasn’t easy starting up my business because again, Miami is filled with people that are in the same line of business as me. When I finally chose to not let that factor hinder me anymore and began to build clientele, creating a name for myself on social media, I learned that no matter the fear, the insecurities, the sacrifices, you have to put those things aside and go after what you really want, what you love.

I want everyone to know that my business, my brand wasn’t started with money, I didn’t have all the knowledge that I currently have, I didn’t have the popularity or the big following, all the things they say you have to have to start a business, but I have a love for what I do and I have determination. I mentioned those things because I can rant about what got me here and what I want you to know about me but I’m sure there’s some future entrepreneur reading this, needing inspiration so I’ll rather give that instead. Stick with your dream even with all the “don’t have’s” . So what if it takes a while.

I’m most excited about where my business will be in the next few years. I can only hope that God graces me to see it through this generation and generations after.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Believe it or not, I’m not really an out -type of person, so this one is a little hard to answer. Lol.

If I had to set a trip for someone however, I would definitely start by booking my trip on a Friday just to kick the whole trip off right. Friday-Sunday are always the nights were it’s most alive down here. Even though Miami residents do not sleep.

We’ll do breakfast/brunch at some of my favorite spots like, “Bacon B!tch”, their customer service is unmatched unless of course you like being call the B-Word lol. If you’re a little more chill but still want scenery, great customer service and appetizers that are to die for, we can do Casablanca.

Night time in Miami is definitely not for the weak, people party all night long down here-literally.

We’ll start off with drinks and dinner to pregame at my favorite restaurant Firebirds and end the night at a lit nightclub. Nightclubs are a huge thing here. There are so many, that we’ll be able to do a different club, every single night while on the trip. Some being Club Rolexxx (you haven’t been to Miami for real until you’ve visited), or BoobyTrap on the River, where we can run into some of the hottest celebrities in the industry right now.

Aside from going out though, turning up at kick backs are my favorite thing. Miami people know how to have a good time with little to nothing. When I say everyone, I mean everyone. Ranging from Spanish people to Black People, Haitian People, everyone. All you need is good crowd of “Miamians”, a speaker or DJ and drinks. You’ll have the best time of your life. You’ll just be three days into the trip, and ready to go back home beyond tired yet fully satisfied, ready to plan your next trip back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, thank you God! Also, to every person that helped get me to this point, thank you as well. To every person that doubted me, believed in me, encouraged me, rooted me on and congratulated me on the small wins and picked me up through the hard losses, I appreciate you. With you, I wouldn’t be here.

Mommy, Mason, Nettey, you’re the light in my dark tunnel, I owe everything to you three. To the person that inspired me to go for my dreams when it come to business, I love you forever. You know who you are.

Website: https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25391782

Instagram: THEMUADEJ.LLC

Twitter: Theedoll_dej

Image Credits
Anthony Taylor – IG @__ATPHOTESLLC