Beauty Files #2 : A Coversation with Kaylee White

Kaylee White is a beauty influencer, professional makeup artist, and licensed esthetician. Her mission is to empower all fellow Black Women to be full in color and be fearless. This pink makeup look adored by flowers is inspired by faires. Brown Orchid welcomes Kaylee White to the garden.

Interview also featured in Vol 2. of Brown Orchid Magazine. Read HERE.

Watch our video interview on YouTube HERE and stream our interview on Spotify HERE

Interview done by Arianna Freels, on February 3r,d 2025

Kaylee is an 24-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri. She is a “black unicorn” living through life. Her makeup is colorful and vibrant, just like herself. She sets her apart from her peers in the beauty game. She is currently in esthetics school to pursue a long career of makeup artistry. Her future plans is to eventually create a makeup brand that represents dark skin black women authentically. I plan to use my license to travel and spread my Unicorn Makeup style. Kaylee is an inspiration to all black women and black little girls.. Kaylee has gone through difficult personal experiences, but makeup is her passion and therapy.

Arianna Freels: How did you get started in makeup? 

Kaylee White: I started makeup once Fenty Beauty launched in 2017. My mother went with my to purchase my first product before heading to college. My favorite first product was and still is Trophy Wife Killawatt Highlighter.

AF:What is the story behind the "Glammed Unicorn"? 

KW: The Glammed Unicorn began because of my passion for staying true to being unique in my community. I am rare, my style is rare, and when I glam someone it isn’t about just makeup. It is about the experience and the love I give my clients.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

AF: I have been following your TikTok since early 2023, Let me tell you, your makeup, your style , YOU!  In the age of beauty influncers. This is the most captivating face ive seen! How did you find your signature style? 

KW: I found my signature style through inspirations like Rihanna, Bratz, Raven Baxter, and life being a black woman. I have always been obsessed with maximilism. I’ve curated this style by investing and pouring into things I love. A lot of times we wait for people to be brave before we practice bravery ourselves. I’ve grown to be brave and bold on my own. I’ve spent a lot of my life shrinking and feeling like I had nothing important to say, when all along I’m a black unicorn.

AF:The artistry of how you work with colors is amazing. How did it influence your style of makeup?

KW: I started utilizing colors because I was afraid of them. I wanted to start doing things that scared me more. I believed darker black women didn’t look good in colors, but that is such a huge lie. I started playing with colors, and now my face is truly a palette.

AF: Describe the highs and lows of social media fame. What has it taught you? 

KW: The lows of social media fame has taught me to truly stay grounded in who I am and what I love. My following, my support, looks so much different than other creators. I’m not a creator that produces a lot of buying power, but I do show others what true and unique expression is. I give people something different. The highs of social media has consistently taught me that my voice matters. No matter who you are people want to hear you. You’re never alone.

AF: What has been your favorite look you have done?

KW:My favorite look has been my Halloween fairy look. I really tapped into a love for whimsical and magical things I’ve had since a little girl. I felt so alive and beautiful.

AF:What is the best advice you have ever recvived?

KW:The best advice I have ever received is to “do it scared.” A lot of things scare me, but it can’t stop me. I have to do the things that scare me because I am stronger than my fears. If I can’t fight my battles, no one will. If I don’t overcome, I will drown. I deserve a beautiful life above water.

AF: If you can paint anyone in the world who would you paint?

KW: If I could paint anyone in the world I would paint Rihanna. She is truly such a creative and beautiful woman. Her aura screams confidence and security in herself.

Follow Kaylee on these Social Platforms Click the links below

Instagram: kayleetheblackunicorn

TikTok: theblackunicorn23

Lemon8:theblackunicorn23

Read our Latest Issue of Brown Orchid feauring Kaylee HERE

Watch our Interview or stream our podcast

WATCH:

PODCAST

Our Princesses Need More Care. How Disney has failed women of color. Analyzing the Black & Women of Color featured in Disney’s Live Action Remakes.

Our Princesses Need More Care

How Disney has failed women of color. Analyzing the Black & Women of Color featured in Disney’s Live Action Remakes. 

March 27th, 2025

Rachel Zegler stars in the latest Disney live-action adaptation, Snow White (2025). Premiering later this month. The movie is met with much dismay.  It is another (* unneeded*)  remake of a Disney classic. It joins the club of reboots and live-action adaptations. This remake sparked negative press before the movie came out this year. Years in the making, since pre-production in early 2022. The casting is another color blind casting choice. Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent. She proudly embraces her Hispanic/Latin culture. There was a side of the internet that did not believe it was an accurate portrayal of the Princess to have Zegler play. The r@$!t side of the internet and the incels did not let this go. Criticism over not having an actress who looks like Snow White and the fairy tale quote “ Her skin as white as snow” . 

I think you all get where I’m going with this.. This was the first instance of hate towards Zegler. In addition, throughout the filming, more negative stories came out. With the Seven Dwarfs being reimagined and not featuring people with dwarism.I really think they should have included more people with dwarism. It really would have given the actors with the condition major film work. Where to even begin with Gal Gadot. Not fit for the role and allegedly disliked by her co-star Zegler. 

With this being said. Does this remind anyone of what happened to Halle Bailey. Yes our Ariel! Back in 2023, Halle starred in the live-action version of The Little Mermaid(2023) as Ariel. 

I remember when it was announced she was casted in the role since it was another color blind casting. Controversy and hate comments gear towards Halle started to float in. Some fans simply did not see her as the Princess. 

First of all mermaids do not exist. Although I am not shocked but I am just taken aback on how people were genuinely wanting her to be recast. The things I have seen against her casting and portrayal were so frustrating and disheartening I have seen disgusting images of mocking her..For us Black women, we know how it feels when this hate is against us. 

As young black girls, we all know the feeling of not being represented in TV and Film. The few pieces of media that showcase black women. 

It was a breath of fresh air to see a character wear her locs/ box braids and beautiful melanin for the world to see. To see toys and other merchandise in the likeness of Halle Bailey’s version of Ariel. It was an absolute joy to see. I could only imagine how little black girls saw a version of themselves in Halle. I know I would have loved gifting my daughter loads of Little Mermaid merchandise. 

With this being said, the 2023 version did fairly well at the box office, with 569.6 million worldwide at the Box Office against a 240 Mil. Budget. The press for The Little Mermaid was adequate, unlike Snow White. Right before the North American release of Snow White. Disney reduced its press and media outlets. 

Halle and Rachel are both women of color. These two have very similar experiences with their time as Disney Princesses. No doubt, Rachel had it much harder. In the heightened political climate we are currently living in, the United States.  Zegler also received backlash for supporting a pro-Palestinian side and strong dislike of Trump. These amazing actresses do not deserve the hate. 

Within the past 5 years there has been tons of hate between the two actresses. Disney has not done enough to combat the strong criticism. Yes, I know these are adults, and they can defend themselves. Disney I am sure have seen everything negative about their lead actresses. I think color blind casting is great. It gives more recognition to under represented Black and women of color actresses.   You can’t control how the public reacts. What Disney can do is give them better press runs. 

Baby it’s Chilly! Cinnamon Brown Beauty haves

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

November= New You

November = A time for Self Care. Here are some helpful tips & tricks for a healthy fall season!

On November 3rd, we officially “fall back” as we enter in Daylight Ends season. In North America, temperatures will soon cool down and our sun will set earlier. It is important to take care of yourself. Mind, Body & Spirit. Around this year most people experience seasonal fatigue & depression. Not to mention Holiday stressors such as Thanksgiving with Family and Christmas Shopping with Financial Stress for shopping

it is important to reduce stress. Stress has such a bad weight on our physical and mental health. As Black women, we often bottle up our stress and anxiety. It’s ok not to take over the world 24/7

Increase your Vitamin D & Iron Supplements

As Adults, we lose more & more bone density. the lack of sunlight in the winter and our melanin skin makes our vitamin D Levels lessen. Also, Vitamin D helps function and regulates our Hormones & Brain functions. so if you are feeling down, Vitamin ( or B12) might be a good option!!

Iron is equally important and essential to our Health. Iron supports Organ Function & Blood Flow. Studies have show Black women are twice as likely to be anemic than white women.Anemia was more common among African American women compared to Caucasian women (39.79% vs 21.41%, p <0.001). Normal HebGLevels are between 12 to 15 For black women it was around 11 to 10.5 5. Black people had the highest prevalence of anemia (46.9%), while Indians/Asians had the lowest (18.2%). .According a 2019 study done based of hospital data in South Africa.

Drink more water sis. Trust me

Ah yes , the Stanley craze of it all. But seriously most people are dehydrated. Simply drinking water is areat way to flush out toxins and keep you feeling better.91 oz of water each day is recommended for women. Although that seems like a water. It is merely just drinking about 4 to 6 glasses of water each day. So about two cups with each meal.

Start a Routine & Stick to it!!

It’s never too late to start a routine! or start over. Start prioritizing a better version of you. Write down what you still have not accomplished for 2024. This will help you achieve your goals!if its financial. Start Budgeting. Start with your income & spending last month. What were your biggest spenders? Try to plan out your holiday shopping and start with a budget.If it is weight try apps like My Fitness Pal or Lose It by tracking down your calories.Create a meal guide based on your weight. Prioritize routine and leafy greens to. Both will help with weight loss ( & Fiber Intake) !!

Walk More

Walking is a great mood booster! Although life does get in the way, especially us girlies with full time jobs. It is important to put aside time for exercise. Studies have shown that the more you walk the better it was your your body as it increasesmore happy hormones for your body! Plus it de stresses you! So find a good song and walk for half an hour!Walking more can also help aide with weight loss. This is low intensity exercise. Especially for women with PCOS, this is a great alternative.

Refresh & Moisturize

Especially on the East Coast. Our Winters get so cold! Lotion & Lip Balms are our best friends! prioritize a good skincare regimene. as time changes , it is also a good practice to sleep earlier. So I know you night owls will be mad but the sooner you get to bed , the better you feel! Plus it does help with our beauty!

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.