Talking Artistic Awareness w/ Taj

When it comes to building a brand online, every influencer must decide on what will characterize their signature style. Some content creators weave in music or comedy while others bring their personalities to the forefront. Taj Reed finds a way to combine all three elements while amplifying the voices and artistry of other makeup artists. Her style comes from her theatre background while her inspiration comes from dreams and “flashes of ingenuity”. Nothing is planned when it comes to Taj’s content except for when she calls attention to the brands and artists that perpetuate racism with their content. 

Social media accounts have become platforms through which artists, activists and everyone in between communicate their inspirations, the causes that they support and the intentions behind their work. Artivists like Taj equate the opportunity to touch lives through artistry with a responsibility to be authentic. “I speak a lot about racism, colorism and disparities between people who look like me and the actual target audience for commercial makeup, which is white women”, she said. Social media platforms need to know their target audiences to survive which often leads to policing or disregarding anyone who doesn’t fit into that box.  

Taj shared that, in addition to racism and colorism, she’s also passionate about highlighting fatphobia. This particular phenomenon seems to be rampant throughout media particularly in TikTok’s most recent flagging of videos that feature curvy black women. “They’ve admitted to hiding the content of people who are fat and/or Black and Brown and they call it…’protecting these communities from bullying’. This is, excuse my French, bullshit.” Considering that black women are the originators of popular culture and style, this seems to be an interesting way to treat what should definitely be a target audience.   

For over seven years, Taj has made waves as a makeup artist transitioning from servicing clients to doing her own makeup exclusively. Her work now reflects the colorful aspects of her imagination and creativity. She’s a fast learner and stops at nothing to respect and represent her own target audience. The introverted artivist has even gone so far as to provide detailed videos for each of her looks to confirm the authenticity of her talent. Partnerships with brands have allowed her to flourish at-home and continue working during these uncertain times caused by the Coronavirus. “It's my normal everyday routine. I have been trying to stay as busy as possible, though. I've done my makeup almost every single week day the last six weeks.”

Taj’s work ethic and love for her community have contributed to her following of over 80K Instagram users. “I built my platform off of integrity and honesty being the best policy at all times. I always credit my inspirations, ALWAYS.” While mental health disparities, cyberbullying and discrimination continue to plague communities of color, Taj has no plans of slowing down! “I'ma always be Black. I can't erase that and I don't want to either. You gon’ see all of me whether you like it or not!” She’s adamant about not using animal-tested products and plans to continue mixing beauty and social justice through her work. “I try to stay current and up on trends so that my voice is at the forefront and is as loud as possible to reach as many people as possible.” 

Favorite Food: Sushi! or ramen- really into making my own homemade ramen lately. SMACKS.

Favorite Music: Musical Theatre. All of it. New obsession is Mean Girls, but favorite all-time musical is In The Heights followed closely by Legally Blonde and Hamilton (tied for 2nd).

Favorite Music Artist/Band: Michael Jackson forever!

Favorite Color: Right now, it’s purple!

Favorite Makeup Brand: Milani is applying a looooot of pressure with those duo chrome highlighters and their glosses are unbeatable.

Favorite Facial Feature: The bridge of my nose

Favorite Makeup Product: Browvo Conditioning Primer, 24 Hr Brow Setter, and the Precisely My Brow pencil. Benefit Cosmetics has had my brows snatched for the last 4 months. We stan!