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There are instances where I am forced to do nothing but soak in the fact that I am friends with amazing people. I mean, inspirational people who walk different walks of life but all so awesome in their own way. This feature in the Women at Work series is a special friend of mine who not only inspires me to push through my entrepreneurial ideas but also encourages me to stay connected to God and remain prayerful.
Myah Newman is a God-fearing wife, sister and aunt, an actual Certified Public Accountant, founder of a non-profit iAm Mom and Pop and she somehow manages to find time to fully service clients as a makeup artist and proprietor of Makeup by Myah. No seriously, I am not making this up, she’s incredible. I am thankful to her for allowing me to pick her brain a bit. Enjoy our conversation below.
How did you know you were doing something ‘right’ in your profession?
Since the makeup industry is based on feedback from others, I knew when I started getting compliments and bookings from clients. I also felt ‘at home’ whenever in the process. I’ve had lots of ups and downs, bad applications starting out lol, but the love always remained.
When it comes to Accounting, I knew I was doing something right through elevation at work, promotions etc. I also always had a natural knack for asking questions and problem solving. I always say ‘accounting chose me’. I was recognized for my good grades in accounting in 12th grade of high school by Deloitte. They then offered me a summer job, which led to part-time work while at COB and subsequently full-time employment after graduating in 2013.
What are you passionate about?
Pleasing God; helping others through encouragement and tangible supplies. I love the feeling of walking in purpose. I’m also passionate about making connections with people and pouring into them in any area I can – love, support, money, encouragement, prayer, food…
What is your typical day like?
Whew – no two days are ever the same. But typically (Mon – Fri) I wake up, shower, find some clothes, moisturize my skin, head to work from 7:30 until, head back home, cook dinner, clean where needed, maybe watch a show with my husband and then hit the hay. My weekends vary. I may have clients, community service, cleaning, work presentations, errands, or events. Church on Sunday, followed by preparing dinner, hopefully some bible study and then bed. I’m hoping to get some workouts in the midst sometime soon.
How are you inspiring other women today?
Today, I try to inspire women by sharing the truths of the gospel on my various social media accounts. I also post makeup looks I apply to my clients on my social media pages. But I think most importantly right now I’m inspiring young women at the Ranfurly home through my non-profit, Lilies of the Valley. It’s a program that seeks to development relationships with the young ladies and in the process teach them about Christ, confidence, love, hygiene and almost anything female related.
What do you believe in, faith wise? How has that impacted your work?
Jesus IS my Lord and savior. I have literally chosen to dedicate my entire life to him, in whatever way he may request. This deeply impacts my work. Jesus gives me strength to endure all of my trials at my accounting job as well as any lulls in my makeup career. In the makeup industry though, it can become tricky because the arts are so liberal, but I try to not ever silence the Jesus in me.
How many business ideas have you come up with so far? What successes and failures have you experienced?
I’ve had successes and failures with makeup. I actually had a situation where a client had a really bad reaction after an application. That almost shattered me. But through Christ I was able to learn, shake it off and get back at it. Now I have a brand, with a website and a following. I’m hoping to build relationships with other MUAs and makeup brands to further expand in the future. Other than makeup, I haven’t come up with any other business ideas, to earn additional money. However, I have come up with non-profit ideas such as my iAm Mom and Pop campaign that seeks to provide free marketing for small business owners. The campaign was very successful, and I hope to continue it.
What scares you the most about your profession/hustle?
Competition. Makeup is becoming a very saturated market. I’m constantly trying to figure out how I can separate myself from the pack. This gets difficult though, especially since I work a full-time job with accounting. But each day I just try to be me and put my service out there.
What needs does your expertise meet?
My accounting expertise meets the needs of companies who desire to have accurate financial information to make sound business decisions. My makeup expertise meets the need for women who desire to put their best face forward for any event, whether it’s their wedding, birthday or any special event. I help them to feel even more confident than before.
Top 3 Beauty Must Haves
What/who inspires you?
Jesus inspires and encourages me. I also draw inspiration from full time makeup artists who achieve so much through their hard work and dedication. I love artists and influencers like Jackie Aina and Jouelzy. Locally, artists like Richeae and Khandise inspire me to reach for the stars.
What was the last book you read?
Currently reading The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. I’m pretty happy that I have an answer to this question ha-ha. I haven’t read in a while.
What is your favorite restaurant in Nassau?
Probably Twisted Lime. Best combination of food and service.
What is your go-to meal to cook?
Baked chicken wings and tossed salad
Junkanoo or Carnival? Why?
Junkanoo. It’s one of the few cultural things the Bahamas has left to set themselves apart from the rest of the world. Though there are some similarities to Carnival, Junkanoo is a Bahamian ‘ting’.
What is the bravest thing you've ever done?
The bravest thing I’ve ever done was hearing the Lord tell me to quit my job on a Thursday afternoon and handing in my resignation on the Monday following. This happened in June of 2016. That was truly a faith-based decision. I didn’t have anything saved up, no safety net, but I decided to trust.
What does your self-care look like?
My self-care incorporates lots of gospel music and laughs. I literally have to choose to be positive and I’m only able to do that through the strength I draw from the Gospel. I’m also sure to spend quality time with my husband, family and friends. Even if it’s a small lunch date here and there. It’s important to make memories and enjoy the bliss of life, always remembering that at any moment, I could be gone. So I might as well drop all of my cares from time to time and enjoy all that life has to offer.