We’re looking forward to introducing you to D. “Carta” Davis. Check out our conversation below.
D. “Carta”, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Cliche’ but I would say going to the gym. Ive found peace in working out and feeling the progress before seeing it. Im easily overwhelmed and/or stressed so working out is painful but calming at the same time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is D. Davis, but most know me as Carta—a beauty industry professional with over 13 years of experience. I started as a freelance makeup artist working with talent like Keke Palmer and Cardi B., and have since transitioned into corporate beauty leadership. I currently serve as Assistant Beauty Department Manager at Nordstrom, now based in Oak Brook, Illinois, following the closure of our St. Louis location.
I’m also the founder of Being Black in Beauty, a platform dedicated to uplifting Black beauty professionals through community, education, and events centered on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. My work is rooted in impact—creating space for real conversations, representation, and lasting change in the industry.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Ive always been myself. I never allowed the world to tell me who I had to be. Ive always been unapologetically black, unapologetically gay and I didnt know how, but Ive always wanted to make a difference.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Give yourself grace. You will make mistakes, you will learn lessons but never take those shortcomings as failures.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I show up as myself in all spaces. I am naturally guarded but still personable. Im kind of private, even to those who know me best. I would say Im more poised in public and clumsy in real life though lol.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Exactly what I have stopped doing in recent months, I stopped drinking. I stopped drinking because it led to me being financially irresponsible, making terrible decisions, and it ultimately put the worst parts of me on display. I wasnt one of those people who could have 1-2 cocktails at dinner and call it a night. I wanted cocktails, which led to shots and probably ordering bottle service somewhere. I had to quit it altogether and now Ive been sober for over 6 months.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kingcarta_
Image Credits
Armani Nicole/ Vincent Webb
