After a long day installing shingles on a construction site, Tameka came home tired. Her daughter KiJana had a surprise. She and her grandmother won a makeup kit in a pink toolbox at her school’s silent auction. This was the sign Tameka was looking for. She had been praying for purpose in her life, fueled by a sense of unfulfillment. So when she saw the makeup kit, she was reminded of her love for the art of makeup. She wondered if she could turn that love into a career.

Born and raised in the Rondo neighborhood near Saint Paul College (SPC), Tameka called admissions and learned there was no makeup program, but the esthetics program included makeup. Tameka was sold, so with her last $25, she walked down to SPC, filled out an application, and paid the $20 application fee.

Creating a Life She Loves

From day one, SPC felt like home for Tameka. The faculty pushed and challenged her. She made lifelong friends, who she believes helped her get through the hardest season of her life.  Tameka also found comfort and joy in creating bonds with the staff and students in the culinary arts program. In her family, food was always made with love, and she saw that in the culinary students.

You can be yourself, eat great food, have tough conversations, and learn new skills.

Tameka graduated in 2003 with a certification in esthetics and worked as a freelance makeup artist for L’Oréal and MAC Cosmetics. Eventually, Tameka managed Estee Lauder, Fashion Fair, and MAC.  At a Herberger’s fashion show, Tameka noticed the insecurities many of the models voiced while in her makeup chair, which inspired her to create more meaning in her life.

A Pivot to Empowerment

She returned to SPC to earn an Associate of Arts/ Transfer Degree in 2012, then earned a bachelor’s degree in youth development and business management at Metro State University in 2014.

With her degree in hand, she developed a self-esteem program called L.A.D.Y. that she facilitated in middle and high schools throughout the Twin Cities. It helped students build healthy self-esteem and cope with negative feedback, both internal and external. Tameka takes pride in knowing that one of her L.A.D.Y. participants has now created a youth group called Pathways, which is held at the YWCA near SPC.

Then the whole world went into lockdown due to COVID-19 in 2020. Tameka was furloughed after 20 years as a makeup artist. Now she has to pivot again. Where does she go now?

She started a business. Lip Esteem launched its first lip products on July 14, 2020. The goal of the business is to help women and gender-expansive individuals express their authentic selves at every shade of beauty.

Tameka expressed how wonderful yet challenging the journey has been. Lip Esteem is rewarding and such an amazing experience.

I did not have a blueprint for how to create a lipstick line- but I was figuring it out, step by step. From day one, I wanted Lip Esteem to speak life into people.

Tameka’s Life Today

Lip Esteem is growing and is the lipstick provider for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Vikings’ cheerleaders. Lip Esteem Products are currently sold online, at Mississippi Markets, and in the Grandstand on the 1^st floor at the Minnesota State Fair. Tameka and Lip Esteem were featured on Small Business Revolution.