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

Hi Makayla, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing outsiders are probably unaware of is how much of the beauty industry — especially makeup — is rooted in skincare. You can’t create flawless looks without a healthy canvas. People often think makeup is just about covering things up, but the real artistry starts with taking care of the skin underneath. As someone passionate about skincare, I always emphasize the foundation beneath the foundation — helping clients build confidence through glow, hydration, and genuine care before the glam even begins.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is that I let my art and skills speak for themselves. I don’t chase clout or overhype — I focus on creating quality experiences, and I’m most proud and excited to have built something that draws in genuine clients and energy. It means everything to have people around me who truly want to be here and support what I do.

I got to where I am professionally by being a constant student of the game. I’ve taken on every role possible to understand how each part of a business works. You know that saying, “As a boss, you respect the janitor just as much as the CEO”? That’s how I operate. No task is too small, and every detail matters.

Was it easy? Not even close. Coming up with the concept or idea — that’s the fun part. But actually seeing it through? That takes resilience. I overcame every challenge simply by holding onto the vision. Even when things got overwhelming, I never let go of what I saw in my heart.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? God gives us visions for a reason. And if that vision keeps tugging at your spirit day in and day out, it’s because it’s meant for you to bring it to life. It’s not supposed to die in your head. You have to trust it and walk it out — even when it’s uncomfortable.

What I want the world to know is this:
My brand is RAW. It’s me.
It’s my resilience, my authenticity, and my wisdom that brought me to this moment — and those same things will keep pushing me forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not that big on going out! There are a handful of places that are my go-to and that’s Gloria’s for the food for sure, Miami Vibes, Pappadauex for food, Heroes for a great vibe, COSM if you’re into games, fights, etc. Andretti’s, Klyde Warren Park if you’re an outside/food truck person. Cities that are also great to visit are Bishop Arts area, Frisco, Addison, and downtown of course.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey with Cosmetic Muse and Rawletics has been filled with growth, challenges, and triumphs, but I didn’t get here on my own. I truly believe no one’s success is a solo effort. Along the way, I’ve been blessed with a support system of incredible individuals (and even inspiring ideas) that guided me. I want to dedicate this shoutout to those people and influences who deserve so much credit in my story.

My Mother: Embracing Every Path

My mother has been my biggest cheerleader and guide from day one. She taught me the beauty of embracing different paths in life and encouraged me to explore what’s truly meant for me. Whenever I felt uncertain about which direction to take, she reminded me that it’s okay to try something new or change course if it brings me closer to my passion. Thanks to her unwavering support, I had the courage to step off the beaten path and start Cosmetic Muse and Rawletics. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue the journey that felt authentic to who I am.

My Grandmother: Quiet Strength and Humility

I also owe so much to my grandmother, whose quiet strength has been a guiding light in my life. From her, I learned the power of humility and the value of a quiet yet impactful presence. She is never the loudest person in the room, but everyone around her feels the warmth and wisdom she carries. Watching her taught me that I don’t have to be loud to be heard—consistent kindness and integrity speak louder than words. I carry her lesson with me in business and life: stay humble, work hard, and let the impact of your actions quietly resonate with others.

My Grandfather: Resilience and Determination

Where my grandmother showed me gentle humility, my grandfather instilled in me the grit to never give up. He gave me that sharp edge of resilience, always pushing me to be strong and stay determined, especially when things got hard; even now, whenever I face obstacles or feel like giving up, I can hear his voice telling me, “Keep going—you’ve got this.” His example taught me that setbacks are just setups for a comeback. That never-give-up attitude has seen me through the toughest moments of building my business. Even on the hardest days, I remember his lessons and find the strength to keep moving forward.

Jim Rohn & Myles Munroe: Mindset and Faith

Beyond my family, I found guidance from two inspirational figures: Jim Rohn and Myles Munroe. Jim Rohn taught me about personal growth, discipline, and how to think differently as an entrepreneur. Myles Munroe reinforced the importance of living with purpose and keeping God at the center of everything I do. Though they came from different angles, both emphasized that true success isn’t possible without God at the center. They helped me realize that my journey with Cosmetic Muse and Rawletics isn’t just about business success—it’s part of a higher purpose. I’m grateful for their indirect mentorship that keeps me anchored in my faith and values.

The 12 Week Year: From Procrastination to Productivity

Lastly, I want to recognize a powerful tool that transformed how I work: the book The 12 Week Year. It became my blueprint for beating procrastination and boosting productivity. By adopting its 12-week goal system, I learned to break big goals into focused weekly actions, treating each week with a sense of urgency and purpose instead of waiting for “someday” to make progress. Since applying these principles, I’ve seen a dramatic decrease in procrastination and a surge in my productivity. The 12 Week Year helped me make the most of my time and keep Cosmetic Muse moving forward one ambitious week at a time. 1% better each and every day.

In the end, each of these people and inspirations has contributed to my story in a unique way. I am incredibly thankful for my family’s love, the wisdom of mentors, and even the guidance from a great book. They are the quiet forces behind Cosmetic Muse’s story, and I carry their lessons with me every day. My journey is richer and my success more meaningful because of them, and I hope to make them proud.

Instagram: Cosmetic_muse, raw.letics

Image Credits
Myself, Angelia Long, Dee Porter

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.