Meet Vivian Stephens | Professional Makeup artist and Beauty Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Stephens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
As a professional makeup artist and photographer I often have to navigate the ebb and flows of this demanding industry. It’s difficult to not feel like a struggling artist with big dreams, however I have even bigger challenges. Living with scleroderma has been a constant battle, affecting not just my body but my passion for beauty. I remember the nights spent crying, feeling like I was never going to break through the barriers stacked against me. Often times those barriers make me feel like I don’t have access to rooms with opportunities I’ve worked tirelessly to be in.

I fought through rejection and self-doubt, all while desperately trying to make a name for myself in this competitive industry. There were days when I barely had enough to get by, dreaming of the success that seemed so far out of reach. But I’ve continued to cling to my passion, using makeup and photography as my escape and my voice.

Today, I stand before you, still navigating these challenges, but more determined than ever.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The way I approach my work as a makeup artist and photographer is that I want to be able to bring out the beauty in everyone I love being able to capture that spark I see in everyone. The way I express that in my work is through my use of vivid colors, my approach to shape and alluring textures.

What sets me apart from other artists, Is that I want my words, my thoughts and actions to contribute to the happiness I am able to bring people through my gifts.

I got to where I am today professionally chasing a dream that sparked when I was just a little girl watching my mom teach makeup through Mary Kay.. I loved seeing how empowered my mother’s client felt after learning a new way to express themselves. My mom encouraged me a equipped me with every possible video and literature she could possibly find on make application (this was way before youtube) and with years of practice and trial and error I felt confident enough to do makeup for my school theater production and fashion shows. Once I graduated highschool I was doing makeup for feature films, music videos, magazine publications and major commercial campaign for industry giants such as Instagram, Nike, Adidas, Dell, Volkswagen and many others. It WAS NOT EASY I worked very hard for this.

Overcoming the challenges I’ve faced as a makeup artist living with scleroderma has been a journey of resilience, determination, and growth. Here are some key ways I navigated through those tough times, along with the lessons I’ve learned and what I hope the world knows about me and my brand:

Overcoming Challenges:

Embracing My Unique Story: I learned to see my condition not as a hindrance but as part of my identity. Sharing my experiences openly with others helped me connect with clients who appreciated my authenticity.
Building a Support Network: Reaching out for help was crucial. I surrounded myself with supportive friends, fellow artists, and mentors who encouraged me and provided guidance when I felt lost.
Continuous Learning: I dedicated myself to learning and improving my skills. I took online courses, watched tutorials, and practiced as much as I could, which helped me gain confidence and expertise.
Staying Flexible and Creative: Adapting my techniques to accommodate my physical challenges taught me to think outside the box. This flexibility has become a hallmark of my work, allowing me to create unique looks that reflect my personal style.
Self-Care: Prioritizing my mental and physical health became essential. I learned the importance of taking breaks, seeking professional help when needed, and finding joy in small moments, which ultimately fueled my creativity.

Lessons Learned:

Resilience is Key: Every setback can be a setup for a comeback. I learned not to give up and that persistence often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Authenticity Matters: Sharing my journey authentically connects me with my audience. Vulnerability breeds trust, and people resonate with real stories.
Celebrate Small Wins: Each step forward, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated. It keeps motivation alive and helps maintain a positive outlook.

What I Want the World to Know:

My Brand is More Than Makeup: My brand represents self-expression, resilience, and empowerment. It’s a reminder that beauty is not defined by perfection but by authenticity and confidence.
Beauty in Diversity: I want to highlight that everyone has a unique story. Embracing our differences and imperfections can lead to true beauty and connection.
I’m Here to Inspire: My journey, with all its ups and downs, is meant to inspire others facing challenges. I aim to empower them to pursue their passions and embrace their uniqueness, no matter the obstacles.

In sharing my story, I hope to create a community that uplifts and supports one another. I want my brand not just to be a name, but a movement that champions resilience, creativity, and authentic beauty.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first have to make a breakfast run to Counter Cafe or the salty their doughnuts are crazy good.
Mid day lunch spot would have to be the El Coqui this incredible Puerto Rican food truck the fried chicken there is out of this world. or Veracruz Fonda I’m obsessed with there shrimp ceviche and there cocktails are amazing!
Then take a trip to the swim club get a little sun and dance lunch off.
Swing by Fanm Djanm on South Congress to get a beautiful headwraps for my night out
For dinner it would have to be Space Cowboy for a culinary experience or Canje for elevated Caribbean fusion
Stop by Coconut Club and Neon Grotto to dance a bit more take cute pictures
And end the night a busy signal this amazing black owned speakeasy for immaculate vibes and drink

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly believe in the power of community and its ability to empower and lift each other up. I am so grateful any and everyone who has ever taken a chance on me, your faith and confidence in me has allowed me to grow an thrive as an Artist. Special thanks to The Scleroderma Research Foundation, National Scleroderma Foundation, and Scleroderma News, for all they do to raise awareness and raise money to find a cure but also for giving me a platform to share my passion and knowledge of makeup with other scleroderma warriors like me.

Website: https://www.vivistep.com

Instagram: @vivistep and @vivistepstudio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivistepstudio

Facebook: Vivian Stephens

Image Credits
Portraits of me in the red suit and brown dress were taken by Lilly Lilova hair makeup and styling by me

Remaining Images were photographed and retouched by me, I also did the hair and makeup
The models are
Tony Tafares
Rashawna Parks
Sade Coker
Jennifer Ekoki
Shaquera “Red” Sanders