to full-time work at DeSoto ISD, becoming a
really rewarding when I can say, ‘This is my
Site Coordinator at Woodbridge Elementary
line of makeup.’”
to provide additional after-school program
And whether a person buys something,
support and left Sephora to begin side work
Whitney educates prospective buyers
as a solo makeup artist.
about ways they and their friends can get
As she began to really fall into her stride
her products: on AdrenalineBeauty.com
and improve as an artist, Whitney pondered
as well as at the pop-up vendor shows
what it would be like to build her own
she frequents.
brand. Ultimately, what she landed on was
Looking forward, Whitney hopes to grow
the name Adrenaline Beauty, a concept that
Adrenaline Beauty to be able to have its own
she’s had for the last 5-6 years but only
warehouse facility and employ like-minded
just officially put into motion last year. It
individuals. And even further beyond –
was the unfortunate passing of her mother,
“One step at a time!” she chimes – selling
DeSoto ISD champion Dr. Tracy Tolbert,
wholesale to salons and businesses.
two years ago that served as the impetus to
To her students, Whitney
initiate the process.
emphasizes perseverance.
“Before my mom passed away, I made a promise to her that I would start a makeup line,” says Whitney. “It was really important to me to keep my word, and it’s been really gratifying to keep going because I know she would be proud.”
glitz and glamor, but nothing
“Everything outside looking in is comes easy. Everything is a journey. You don’t realize how close you are sometimes, and if you give up, you might have just fallen short of the breaking point that could push you to the next level,” she says. But ultimately, it’s about doing After completing her year-long research on sourcing, materials, bottling, and more, Whitney’s first official leap under the
what you love. “I’m an artist first,” she smiles.
Adrenaline Beauty name was a line of products just in time for prom season: glitter palettes. Then came mom lashes and liquid lipsticks. Since officially launching, Whitney has harnessed the power of her network to expand her brand. One friend of hers, who has a YouTube following of over 40,000 subscribers, gave her an official shout-out on air and generated lots of buzz for Adrenaline Beauty. And beyond word of mouth, Whitney is her own brand ambassador. “It’s as easy as wearing my own products,” she says. “It’s a great segue way to talking about my brand, and it’s
Spring / Summer 2019 • DeSoto ISD •
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