I recently had the pleasure to speak with Iyana Tennon, creator and owner of Yana’s Eyes a makeup brush line. Yana’s Eyes brushes are for everyone no matter your level. Tennon’s product line is not exclusive to brushes, but lashes, glitz for the eyes and body care essentials. We chatted via IG video, about her fabulous brush line, life in Florida and what’s next for her.
Tennon says transplanting from Pittsburgh to Florida was a great move for her. This is a new chapter personally and professionally. Her journey in makeup began as a need to look the part. Tennon was being judged on her youthful appearance, a quick glance, you assume she was fresh out of college. In comes YouTube, her makeup application journey begins, and Yana’s Eyes is born. Tennon also has a blog of her thoughts and journey in the makeup industry. Yana’s Eyes is a success with both national and international clients!
I asked Tennon why did she decide to create a line of makeup brushes? “Everyone needs
them. From beginners to working artists. I carefully thought out each brush in the collections. I care about the size, how they are held, their functionality, the softness of the bristles, and the look. My brushes are easy to clean and stylish. Some of the popular sets are, Black Butterfly, Subzero, and Poison Ivy. When you think of brushes, I want you to think Yana’s Eyes.”
Tennon adds that her brushes can go up against the Sigma brushes.
Yana’s Eyes also include eyelashes, and a few of her favorites are, Sweet Dreams, Razzle Dazzle and if you like more drama try Such a Lady. The lashes come in a beautiful compact with a mirror for storage. Also, her brush set packages have been carefully thought out to be universal to be useful after.
Tennon shared that stepping away from teaching gave her the opportunity to step into her creative self- or coming out of her shell as she calls it. Also, Tennon has a beauty community on Facebook called Cutie Community, where she supports all artists and has hosted makeup competitions for prizes.
SLL: Tell us more about your Facebook “Cutie Community.”
IT: Cutie Community was created in April of 2019, a community for all makeup, fashion, and lovers of hair! This is where I share and support their talents and businesses. I also hosted several master challenges and the winners received amazing gifts from sponsors. Through this I have learned a lot about the beauty business.
SLL: You have such great energy in your YouTube videos, how did you get started?
IT: At first I was trying to do the trendy makeup, challenging myself based on the trend. I am learning that I am a glam girl, I don’t know how to paint a mural down the side of my face, lol. That was not for me, I feel, you should be yourself and your tribe will find you.
SLL: You showed me your Planner that helps you keep yourself on track for success, what else has been your inspiration to keep you motivated through these times?
IT: Being creative with makeup. My Monday photo shoots have been great!
SLL: What is your advice for new creatives?
IT: Be yourself. Be original and by keeping yourself accountable and productive by planning.
SLL: Some must have makeup favorites?
IT: Some of my favorites, Yana’s Eyes makeup brushes, Cover Fx Power Play Foundation, Kiss Beauty Bronzer/ Highlighter, Anastasia Broke Pomade, Pharmacy Rose Face Cream, and Black Radiance Powder for contour.
SLL: Favorite makeup look? I see your drawers filled with lipsticks.
IT: Yes, I made these drawers myself, as you see I love, love lipsticks. Also, a favorite make up look is the Wing liner.
SLL: What is on your playlist?
IT: I love music! Music is a mood. I am a lover of hip hop and rap. Meek Mill’s (1942 Flows) is a favorite, Joyner Lucas, Lil Baby is a favorite at the moment. His songs (Something to Prove, The Big Picture) are in rotation on my playlist.
SLL: What does the future hold for Yana’s Eyes?
IT: The future for Yana’s Eyes is custom brush sets and eye shadow palettes. For the palettes, I will be in the lab creating pigments and testing the shades to make sure they are showing up and showing out. If I’m going to be in this makeup game I do not want to be a small business, my end-game is to be a big business that started small.
SLL: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
IT: There is a new brush sheriff in town and her name is Yana’s Brushes. When you purchase your brush set from Yana’s Eyes, remember to tag when posting and leave a review.
You can find Yana’s Eyes on all social media platforms, Facebook, Yana’s Eyes and Cutie Community, Instagram, @YanasEyes and @Cutie_Community and Tik Tok, @YanasEyes. Check out her website at www.Yanaseyes.biz.
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Spring 2021). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
