What do Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Natalie Cole, Paula Patton, Garcelle Beauvais, Gabrielle Union, Kelly Carlson, Meagan Good and Angela Bassett have in common?

D'Andre Michael.

A native of Peoria, Illinois, into the beauty industry began with his apprenticeship under the esteemed Paul Mitchell Stylist Carol Morrow and celebrity makeup artist Gwynnis Mosby in Atlanta. However, his true inspiration came in the form of a friendship with the legendary Kevyn Aucoin, who advised him to forge his own identity in the industry. This invaluable advice continues to influence D’Andre’s career to this day.

Determined to turn his dreams into reality, D’Andre set his sights on New York City, where his reputation as an artist quickly earned him the admiration of some of the most famous personalities in entertainment. He was soon in high demand from prestigious fashion and beauty magazines, such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and InStyle Magazine, as well as countless music videos, album covers, commercials, and fashion campaigns. His collaborations with renowned directors and photographers like Patrick Demarchelier, Albert Watson, Annie Leibowitz, Odette Sugarman, Mike Ruiz, Lionel Deluy, and Klinko & Indrani further cemented his status as a sought-after talent.

His remarkable success has made him a dream come true for aspiring stars, as he has been featured on It Factor, Access Hollywood, E-Television, BET, MTV, and various behind-the-scenes clips and features. D’Andre’s talent extends beyond makeup and hair artistry, as he is also a gifted writer and guest contributor to some of today’s top magazines.

In his quest for self-discovery and growth, D’Andre launched his own brand, by d’andremichael, which features a luxury line of candles sold in high-end resorts and spas all over the country. He also founded U.G.L.Y. Girl Cosmetics

(Undeniably Gorgeous Lovely and Young), which seeks to redefine the meaning of “ugly” by empowering girls and women to appreciate their true beauty beyond societal standards.

As a self-taught photographer, D’Andre’s work has captured the attention of A-list clientele, magazines, product companies, and more. With several album and magazine covers, feature spreads, and advertisements under his belt, he is now working on three beauty books that aim to inform and visually stun readers. Furthermore, he has partnered with three highly successful celebrity makeup artists to launch a revolutionary high-end global cosmetics line.

D’Andre’s works exemplify that true beauty radiates from within, and he remains committed to exploring the depths of his craft and expanding his artistry. Despite his remarkable success, he remains humble and forever strives for excellence in all his works, knowing that there is always more to be learned and more to be done. (SIXK.LA)

Ebony “Star” Parson is a celebrity makeup artist, creative visionary, and emerging industry educator whose professional journey reflects nearly two decades of artistry, resilience, and dedication to excellence. With a career encompassing more than 50 television and film productions, Ebony has built a reputation through her work with major entertainment productions, prominent talent, and respected creative teams. Her credits include serving as personal makeup artist to Queen Latifah on the television series Star, along with Makeup Department Head responsibilities for Young Dylan and Caught Up.

Her experience working in fast-paced production environments has equipped her with an understanding of the technical, creative, and professional standards required for success in the entertainment industry. But for Ebony, artistry has always represented something greater than the application of makeup. It is an opportunity to educate, inspire, empower, and transform.

With a foundation in professional dance, performing arts education, and beauty, Ebony brings a multidimensional perspective to her teaching. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that technical skills create opportunity, but preparation, professionalism, and purpose sustain a career.

As founder of Star Connection Institute, Ebony is developing a comprehensive educational platform dedicated to preparing aspiring and emerging makeup professionals for careers in television, film, fashion, and commercial beauty. Through hands-on education, industry mentorship, and professional development, she seeks to equip artists with the technical knowledge, business understanding, and confidence necessary to navigate an evolving beauty industry.

Her educational interests include, camera-ready complexion techniques, production etiquette, male grooming, professional artistry, and the transition from traditional beauty services to entertainment production.

In 2026, Ebony takes another significant step in her professional journey with her debut as a featured educator at the Gwynniss Mosby Professional Makeup Artist Conference.

Her signature message, “Changing Lives Stroke by Stroke,” reflects her commitment to using artistry as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and lasting impact. Whether behind the camera, in the classroom, or on stage, Ebony's mission remains consistent: To elevate artistry, develop professionals, and create a legacy that extends beyond the makeup chair.

With nearly three decades of experience, Melanie Steele has established herself as a leading figure in the world of theatrical hair and makeup design. A graduate of Western Carolina University, Melanie began her career with a prestigious appointment at the internationally renowned Santa Fe Opera, launching what would become a vibrant and far-reaching journey in the performing arts. ​

Melanie’s career highlights include touring the United States and Mexico with the Broadway production of, and contributing to the world premiere of Elton John’s as a member of the original beauty crew. Her artistry has been featured in productions across nearly every major opera company in the country, with notable, long-term engagements at the Atlanta Opera and the Austin Lyric Opera in Texas.

​Though her portfolio spans film, television, and musical theater, Melanie’s creative heart belongs to opera. Her deep understanding of character, period styling, and storytelling through design continues to bring productions to life with authenticity, elegance, and imagination.

Omar Sfreddo is an Atlanta based Union makeup and special fx artist, body painter and prop builder, with over 20 years experience in the film Industry. After graduating from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Omar moved to California to work in various Fx shops like Steve Johnson’s Edge Fx, Criáis Fx, Film Illusions, and Global effects. During his time at the various Fx shop's mold and prop departments, he had the opportunity to do work for many feature films which include: Chronicles of Riddick, The Last Samurai, Spiderman 2, Blade 2, Sky High, Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Zathura. Between 2007 and 2017 he headed the art department for one of South Florida’s premier event companies, Forte Entertainment. His time at Forte included making large props, scenic facades, body painting, makeup fx and graphic design for special events. His work has been seen at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, El Clasico Miami 2017, and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Omar’s work can also be seen in ads for Sony, RAV4 commercials, and various independent films. Since moving to Atlanta, GA, in August of 2019, He has worked on several productions including Earthgang music video “Up,” Toby Sells Creature Makeup FX Shop for the film The Tomorrow War, Genius : Aretha , Doom Patrol, GQ and Interview Magazine photohoot for Playboi Carti, HBO limited series DMZ, Tyler Perry's A Jazzman's Blues, Mark Wahlberg's Family Plan , Stargirl season 3, Megalopolis and the upcoming The Piano Lesson.

Meet Syvonne! She is a GMMA graduate and professional makeup artist hailing from the beautiful United States Virgin Islands. For over a decade, she has been mesmerizing viewers with her incredible talent. From numerous photoshoots to captivating commercials and being a key artist at fashion shows, Syvonne's journey began in her early years while working at MAC Cosmetics, a local makeup store in St. Thomas, USVI. In 2014, Syvonne made a life-changing decision to relocate to Georgia, driven by her passion for film and television. Her exceptional work has graced the screens of popular TV shows including the iconic 'The Wonder Years' reboot and the beloved Netflix favorite, 'Black Lightning.' Additionally, she has made her mark in independent horror films and collaborated with some of Atlanta's top photographers, including the renowned Kevon Richardson, Will Sterling, and Jeffrey Moustache, among others. Beyond her ability to take creative risks and push conceptual boundaries, Syvonne is deeply committed to making women feel beautiful. Her artistry not only aims to shock and captivate but also to empower and uplift. Whether it's creating that ultimate scare or enhancing natural beauty, Syvonne's passion shines through in every project she undertakes. To delve further into Syvonne's captivating work, you can explore her Instagram page, @precious__artistry, and discover more about her career on her online IMBd profile.

Alex Breijak is a freelance artist, specializing in make-up and effects for commercial and private projects. He has worked hard to provide quality craftsmanship in everything from concept designs to screen-ready artistry. Whether fantasy, horror, beauty, or other genre, Alex dedicates himself to bringing your vision to life.

Alex is a freelance makeup Effects artist born and raised in Atlanta. After graduating from Full Sail University in Orlando Florida he attended Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles a few years later and has never looked back. He spent 6 seasons working at Six Flag Over Georgia in the mold shop preparing prosthetics for the annual Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park events. In addition he has worked on several horror and dramatic films over the years that have been seen across various formats such as Lifetime Movie Network, Amazon Video, and Redbox. He has worked on multiple award winning films such as "Dead By Midnight (11 PM CENTRAL)," "Dark Roads 79," and "Girls Against Humanity."

Through his hard and exceptional work, Keitric Starks has propelled himself as an independent entity in the makeup industry for over 15 years. His extensive list of clientele include Anika Noni- Rose, LisaRaye McCoy, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Stacey Dash, Lauren London, and Oprah Winfrey just to name a few. His distinguishing work can be seen in film on Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls, Anchorman 2 , and the anticipated upcoming sequel to the Hunger Games: Catching Fire . Keitric has worked on popular television shows such as Single Ladies on VH1, and the OWN Network’s For Better or Worse , and The Haves and The Have Nots. His work has been showcased on numerous televised commercials and on magazine covers. Always learning and evolving, Keitric shows no sign of slowing down and continues to strategize building his brand into a full beauty enterprise.

Master graphic artist fine artist illustrator makeup artist and cartoonist whose Special FX makeup and costume design can be seen with UniverSoul Circus, Dragoncon, Comic-Con, and Netherworld.

Theatrical and Special FX MUA, Set/Costume Designer, Murals/Scenic Painter, Educator and Art Director View more of his work here: https://www.instagram.com/robertosartwork