DIVA sat down with the creator of the hottest inclusive makeup and beauty brand on the market
BY ELLA GAUCI
Trans activist, influencer and entrepreneur Courtnei Lee found empowerment in the world of beauty. At the age of 25, having spent her whole life trapped in a body that she didn’t see herself in, she decided to finally embrace the woman she was and transition.
As part of her journey, Courtnei wanted to experiment with makeup to truly express herself. The catch? She felt like she didn’t know where to start. One day she decided to go to Sephora to ask for advice – a trip that would change her life. The kindness and compassion of the Sephora employee helped give Courtnei the confidence she needed and showed her the power of makeup.
Soon enough, OYT Cosmetics was born. Courtnei’s makeup and beauty brand sells far more than just products. It has become a place to champion inclusivity, diversity, and education. Courtnei wants to make sure everyone can express themselves through makeup and wants to provide a safe space for people of all identities to see themselves represented.
We spoke to the dazzling entrepreneur about her business journey ahead of the launch of her new podcast The Braveyard which launches on 1 February.
Could you tell us a bit about the journey you took to become the business entrepreneur that you are today?
In some ways it was universal, and in other ways it was me and my business partner Kas working our asses off! The market was really thirsty for an authentic brand at that time. We were just coming off the back of COVID-19, and I had lost my job in a restaurant due to the pandemic. It gave me the inspiration to do something on my own.
I wasn’t seeing any representation of trans people in the beauty industry. I wasn’t seeing any beauty products made with trans people in mind. At the time the business idea seemed so far-fetched – I was broke and basically about to be homeless.
So I just took one step at a time. The brand was received really well when we launched. I started getting emails from local radio stations and beauty bloggers who wanted to help promote the products. It was like a snowball from there.
Your brand has such a powerful message and backstory. How has makeup helped you?
As a trans woman, makeup quickly became my armour. Makeup gave me the courage to leave my house and go up against adversity. Makeup made me feel like whatever people said wouldn’t get through to me in my soul. It was my shield.
My relationship with makeup has changed so many times. I realised that because I used makeup as a shield for so long, I was using it as a crutch. I realised that I didn’t feel beautiful without makeup. I had to change the narrative I had with makeup in my head. I had to find my divine feminine without it.
I realised that I needed to start practising what my brand OYTC preaches, which is that beauty comes from within. Makeup is a tool for self-expression.
Why is having inclusivity in the makeup industry so important?
It’s more important now than ever. Representation allows people to know that other people exist. Representation allows other people to not feel isolated or alone. The media has pushed a white, cis, heteronormative narrative for so long. That’s not real life. That isn’t what we see when we step outside of our homes. Inclusivity is about being able to share human existence.
There’s a real problem at the moment with trans youth not being able to imagine themselves as adults in the current climate. What would you say to them?
First of all, stay safe. If you feel unsafe in your neighbourhood or at school, do anything you can to stay in safe situations. Try to utilise people who are safe in your life. Try to be patient and kind to yourself.
The world is a bit of a shit-show right now. There are so many incredible people working towards the same goal of compassion and love for other human beings, but we’re not there yet. Do what you need to do to keep going. LGBTQIA youth need to be told it’s okay to take it one day at a time.
What have been some of your proudest moments since OYTC started?
Standing in Times Square and seeing myself on this huge billboard. It was an exciting moment. It was my first time in New York as well – what a wild first time!
What’s in store for the future?
Me and Kas are launching a podcast called The Braveyard which will launch on 1 February. It’s a podcast focused on brave individuals to help bring inspiration to the queer community. We’ve got some incredible guests that I take inspiration from.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Young entrepreneurs need to be thirsty for education. You have to be thirsty to learn. Every day I do something new that I didn’t know how to do before.
You need to be a boss and be mentally healthy. Never underestimate the power of showing up mentally healthy at work. Never take anybody who works with you or for you for granted – make sure they all feel respected and loved.
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