Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittani Bouwman.
Hi Brittani, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My grandmother looked at me, squinting at a picture I’d covered in wild hues, and said, “You’re really good with color.” Little did she know that those words would paint my future. Now, as an EU Clean makeup artist and the creator of “Painting Made Easy” classes, I blend confidence, color, and creativity—whether it’s on a face or a canvas. Whether I was sketching tattoos for family at 11 or holding impromptu eyeliner tutorials in school bathrooms, art has always been my language. I took it further by earning my BFA in Graphic Design at Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University. After college I spent 15 years in corporate design, and then managing a paint and sip studio along with entering the world of being a make up artist, my lifelong fascination with makeup and color truly bloomed. And here I am—melding it all together in my multifaceted business.
I managed and worked at a paint-and-sip studio for four years, and it was there that my creativity stretched beyond the canvas. I learned the alchemy of building a business from behind the scenes, while discovering my passion for teaching others. That’s when I realized; whether it’s a paint brush or a makeup brush, guiding others to create their own magic is where I truly shine.
In my twenties, I had a mass awakening: realizing the ingredients hidden in our products—especially beauty—were a puzzle of chemicals. My inner artist didn’t just crave color but also health and wellness. I began swapping every personal care product, makeup and household items —because I’m health-conscious and at 34, I’m incredibly mindful of my hormones. I believe that what I’m applying to my skin shouldn’t compromise my health or the health of others that I share it with. Now, every brushstroke, every product, is a clean masterpiece.
I chose to get Makeup Artist (MUA) certified with SeneGence, because I knew it was another way for me to help women feel confident in their skin. Skincare and makeup that actually works, and you see a visual difference from using the products over time. I was drawn by the high-quality, long-wear magic that stays put all day. But most of all, it was about ingredients—clean beauty, skin-loving, and aligned with my colorful ethos of beauty with care. June 2024 I was selected as MUA of the month and featured in the company’s magazine.
So now, my life is a vivid dance. Married to my high school sweetheart for 12 years and chasing our four-year-old little boy, I weave my art into small pockets of time. I’ve built an online business with loyal clients across the U.S., ordering clean beauty and skincare. I offer makeup services—bridal, editorial, special occasion, and beyond. I teach online makeup tutorials and, right now, I’m painting a new horizon—an online Painting Made Easy portal, so you can pick up a brush anytime and create on your own terms.
✨ Ready to make space for creativity in your life? ✨
My online Painting Made Easy portal is officially in the works, and I cannot wait to open the doors to this colorful creative universe. Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or you’re ready to reconnect with the artist inside you, these step-by-step classes are designed to help you create something beautiful without the pressure of perfection.
Inside the portal, you’ll be able to paint on your own time, at your own pace, from anywhere. Think cozy paint nights in your pajamas, creative escapes after long days, and finally giving yourself permission to make something just for YOU. 🎨💖
Join my email list to be the first to know when the portal launches, get early access to classes, exclusive discounts, behind-the-scenes updates, and special creative goodies along the way.
👉 Visit The Color Bomb Creatrix and get on the list today.
Let’s turn life into your personal canvas. 🌈
Get on the waiting list 🪑🎨 https://www.thecolorbombcreatrix.com/paintings-members-only
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an entrepreneur, I don’t believe there’s ever a completely smooth road. There are always obstacles, challenges, and unexpected detours. The key is learning how to pivot, adapt, and keep growing through them.
One of my biggest challenges was moving to rural Illinois, where I didn’t know a single person. As a military wife, I had already learned how to step outside my comfort zone, build relationships, and create community wherever life took us. Those skills became invaluable when it came to growing my business here.
Last year, I joined Business Networking International (BNI), and it has benefited my business in ways I never could have imagined. I’ve also made it a priority to attend other networking events, meet people throughout the area, and genuinely build connections. When someone says, “I need a makeup artist,” “I’m looking for a painting class,” or even “I need a face painter,” I want my name to come to mind first.
There are many talented makeup artists in this area, so I focus my marketing on what truly sets me apart: my commitment to ingredient safety and clean beauty standards. I don’t compromise on ingredient safety, quality, or performance. Every product in my kit meets strict standards, ensuring my clients receive a luxurious, safe, and flawless experience. I charge what I do because I know the artistry and the integrity of what I provide are worth every penny. I believe women shouldn’t have to choose between beautiful, high-performance makeup and products they feel good about putting on their skin. My clients can have both.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional makeup artist, painting instructor, and creative educator, but at my core, I’m really in the business of building confidence through creativity.
For more than eight years, I’ve taught painting classes to groups ranging from four people to over fifty at a time. One of my greatest strengths is being able to take something that feels intimidating and break it down into simple, approachable steps. Whether it’s a canvas or a makeup look, I can usually anticipate where people will struggle before they even get there. That ability to simplify the process while building confidence is what inspired me to create Painting Made Easy, my upcoming online painting platform designed to help people reconnect with their creativity, get into a state of flow, and create something they’re proud of.
I’m also known for my ability to bring a client’s vision to life. I love working from reference photos because they give me a glimpse into the idea someone is trying to communicate. Whether it’s a bridal makeup look, an editorial concept, or a custom painting, my job is to take what’s in their imagination and translate it into reality. That’s where my creativity shines.
Color has always been my superpower. They don’t call me The Color Bomb Creatrix for nothing. My background in fine art, illustration, and graphic design allows me to see color, composition, balance, and visual storytelling differently. I’m not limited to one style or trend. One day I might be creating an elaborate fantasy or Halloween look, and the next I’m designing a timeless bridal look. I love both equally.
What I’m most proud of is being named MUA of the Month with Senegence in June 2024. It was a complete surprise because the recognition came directly from corporate based on my certification submissions. To have my artistry acknowledged at that level was incredibly meaningful and reaffirmed that the years I’ve spent honing my craft truly matter.
What sets me apart most is the combination of artistry, intuition, and communication. I pay close attention to the person sitting in my chair. If a client lights up when she sees a color, I notice. If something doesn’t feel like her, I notice that too. I believe beauty is collaborative, and my goal is never to create a look that feels trendy for me. My goal is to create something that feels authentically her. By combining technical skill, artistic vision, and a genuine ability to listen, I’m able to create an experience where clients feel seen, understood, and confident long before they ever look in the mirror.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting out, especially if you’re building a business in a new area, is to get out from behind the screen and meet people. Join networking groups, attend local events, volunteer, and put yourself in rooms with people who are motivated, growth-minded, and actively building something. Relationships have opened more doors for me than any advertisement ever could.
For new makeup artists, remember that building a professional kit is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Invest intentionally, focus on quality over quantity, and continuously educate yourself. A great kit is built over time through experience, research, and learning what truly works. Find mentors who have already walked the path you’re on and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It can save you years of trial and error.
For creatives, my advice is simple: keep creating.
So many people get stuck waiting for the perfect idea, the perfect timing, or the confidence to begin. The truth is that confidence comes from doing. Create the painting. Post the video. Write the idea down. Try the thing.
If there’s one thing I wish I had understood earlier, it’s that progress matters more than perfection. The artists, entrepreneurs, and creators who succeed aren’t necessarily the most talented. They’re the ones who keep showing up, learning, adapting, and creating long after everyone else has stopped.
Create more than you consume. The world doesn’t need another spectator. It needs your unique voice, perspective, and creativity.
Pricing:
- visit website for pricing: https://www.thecolorbombcreatrix.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecolorbombcreatrix.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_colorbomb_creatrix
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thecolorbombcreatrix
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authenticbeauty4440
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittanibouwman
