Michelle Boyan converted a talent into a full-time job
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit these shores, several people discovered opportunities which they never knew existed. In some instances, people explored their natural talents and converted such ventures into jobs.
Such is the case of Michelle Teya Boyan, a make-up artist and resident of Wakapao, a Pomeroon riverine community in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), who ‘discovered herself’ during the latter part of 2020.
“I enjoyed designing things with my hands, especially in art, so I would say I’m artistic and imaginative,” Boyan told Guyana Times.
Michelle Boyan advertises her work using her social media platform. Here, she poses in her own work as a Disney princess
Boyan, a married mother of one, explained that ever since high school, “I’ve always been shaving and doing my friends’ brows, braiding and cutting hair; so, it’s always like that.” She said that her friends and others would always seek her out to get their hair or makeup done. “It’s always my thing,” she said.
Start of the pandemic
During the pandemic, the country was at a standstill, the number of COVID-19 cases was climbing to alarming rates, the country’s economy took a beating, but people were discovering their talents.
“That was when I realized I could start showcasing my work. So, I created a page, and (that) is when people started recognizing my work and would hire me now and then for different occasions,” she said. “But officially, I am now two years into the business.”
Boyan said her clientele is located mainly in the West Demerara area, where she has been living for the past four years, and in the Pomeroon area. The young mother said that when her clients cannot find her, she finds them. She said that most of her customers are brides and their bridal parties, although she did not really specialise in that area initially. “Even though I do not specialize in bridal make-up, people do request my services,” she said.
Theological calling
She said she previously studied theology at a missionary training college for three and a half years prior to her new venture. “After graduating in 2019, I got pregnant and had my son in March 2020, when the pandemic hit. So that’s when it was a perfect timing to start something for myself, and I used every bit of opportunity to work towards it,” she explained.
A portrait done by Michelle Boyan in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead
Boyan has said she would explore her creative talent to the fullest, and noted that she plans to utilise her financial gains from the venture and place them towards her academic feat. For now, she continues to build her business venture and focus on her family life.
Boyan’s work can be found on her social media accounts, all of which she created to enhance her business. Her work can be found @TeyaGlam_palette on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
