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

Hi LaBrianna, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
For me, the answer revealed itself through my journey. I did an interview back in 2021, and looking at where I am now in 2025, the growth has been remarkable. Life has a funny way of testing you; especially when you’re working in your true craft.

With makeup, I realized I can’t quit, no matter what I’m going through. It’s what keeps me grounded. It’s my therapy. So when people ask how to know whether to keep going or to give up, I think the answer is simple: if life tries to pull you away from it and you still find yourself coming back, it’s yours. When something is truly for you, it becomes a part of who you are.

If you catch yourself saying, “This is my last year doing this,” that’s a sign to reevaluate the path you’re on because passion doesn’t expire. Yes, life will throw curveballs. It’s supposed to. But perseverance is where the growth happens.

At the end of the day, faith without work is dead. If you love it, you fight for it. And if it’s meant for you, you’ll never be able to walk away from it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been different. Creativity has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. In my last interview, I talked about how becoming a makeup artist helped me understand beauty on a deeper level. Back then, I was still figuring out who I was and where I fit in the beauty community. I had maybe five thousand followers at the time, and I knew I had the potential to be a major influence. I just hadn’t stepped into it yet.

Today, I can humbly and proudly say I’ve grown into the artist I always envisioned. I’m now approaching 100K followers, and I’m becoming a recognizable figure for dark-skin women in SFX and creative artistry. What sets my art apart is that I don’t just see makeup as body paint, it’s storytelling, emotion, identity, and healing. It’s the ability to see beyond what’s in front of you and create an entire world out of color, texture, and imagination.

Getting here was not easy. Anyone who has followed me from the beginning knows my work life balance has been a roller coaster. I’ve faced challenges that made me question everything. There were nights when I thought, “Maybe I’m not good enough.” But every time that thought came, it was followed by prayer, devotion, and a reminder that if I don’t believe I’m “that girl,” then who will? Success starts in the mind. That’s why they say mind over matter. Spiritually, I learned that sometimes you have to let the old version of yourself die so you can step into who you’re meant to be. I didn’t understand that until I went through my personal transformation back in 2023. With God at the center of everything, I’m finally ready to fly wherever He wants me to go.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that your journey isn’t for anyone else, not social media, not your peers, not outside opinions. It’s for you. Never be embarrassed about what you go through. Never hide your struggle to look stronger. Live in your truth. I did, and when I finally shared the darkest part of my story, I touched countless women, and men, who connected with it. What makes you “you” is not the pretty moments; it’s the battles you fought and the victories you earned.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: I never gave up on myself. And I hope my story shows others that they shouldn’t either. Every setback, every doubt, and every season of waiting shaped me into the artist I am today. My art is my purpose, and my purpose is to inspire.

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.
This question made me laugh because I reread my answer from 2021, and let’s just say…I’m not doing half of what I used to do back then! I would never say I’m getting“old”, because I’m not! Clock it! I’m only 29 knocking on 30! We are just maturing and gaining wisdom. My idea of a perfect week has definitely evolved. These days, I’m all about rest, good vibes, and a little wine to set the mood. If you know, you know, I can hardly do a live without a glass somewhere in the mix! Who knows, maybe one day I’ll even own my own vineyard. Let’s pray on that! I always suggest wine tasting!

It’s honestly become one of my favorite things to do. Dallas has some amazing Black-owned wine experiences, and one of my favorites is Pur Noire. I loved their wine tasting! They really put intention and flavor into everything they create. They even have a location in Houston if you’re ever in that area.

The one I’m most excited to try next is Chapelton Vineyards. I’ve heard great things about the atmosphere, the scenery, and of course, the wine. It’s definitely at the top of my list for my next weekend adventure.

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?
First and foremost KG1: Keep God first. He’s been at the center of every step I’ve taken. In the beauty community, I learned very early on that the industry can be ruthless. Not everyone is your friend, and you can’t share your every move with everyone. Making genuine connections is rare, and you really have to read between the lines.

That’s why I’m so grateful that I was able to make one real friend in this space. Her name is Queenea, though I call her Queen. She’s an incredible artist in her own right. We’ve been friends for almost two years now, and we bonded instantly after going through similar experiences with different collab groups. We share the same values, the same drive, and we’ve been creative sisters ever since. I truly hope you all get the chance to interview her one day.

On a brighter note, I want to thank my sponsor, Ms. Autum. She invested in my future by paying for my certifications so I could further my beauty career. That moment was a major turning point for me! That was proof that the grind and the faith go hand in hand.

And of course, my family and my bestfriend! They keep me uplifted, grounded, and supported through it all.

There’s so much to be grateful for. Never let anyone dim your light.

Website: https://book.heygoldie.com/Issabriiibeat

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labrianna__?igsh=YWxpazJxc3F6Nmwx&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQYjKmtXQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@labrianna__?_r=1&_t=ZP-917tIFFvcTv

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