Every year my mom takes her 5th grade class on an outdoor education trip, and ever since I was born, I came with her. One thing I remember the most was this long, old rickety bridge held by two redwood trees. In order to get to the camp fire, you had to cross it. Each time I went across I made my brother carry me on his shoulders. It freaked me out sooooo much, even a little now when I think about it.

That's what is really cool about this whole new wave of makeup artistry and people on Instagram and YouTube: It's about doing it for yourself and experimenting. People don't wear makeup to impress people or because they'll be seen in public. It's more of a hobby now, just because it's fun.

You have to experiment and that's gonna help your confidence so much when you step out and try things.

My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough.

I wanted individuals who were clearly themselves and I just got to put some clothes on them, but they basically came "done," you know? How they feel comfortable. I just wanted them to walk down the streets of New York and I said, "You know what? Don't even pose, just walk and we'll take pictures."

I use my platform for more than just myself. Art is a reflection of human emotions. To neglect the political is to neglect what essentially is your job of storytelling. I would rather be known for the content of my character than for the project that I did.

The price point and the quality are very rare. I don't want people thinking, "I got the look for less." I want them thinking, "I got the look!"