BEHIND THE BRUSH : INTERVIEW WITH TAE RENE’

I first met Tae at a Black Creators Summit in Atlanta. We immediately connected over our shared love for glam and our experiences as mothers, and I was so happy our paths crossed. She’s a true powerhouse—not just for the flawless beats she creates, but for how she balances it all: being a mom, creator, wife, author, business owner, and fitness inspiration.

I was thrilled to do this interview, and now, after speaking with her, I feel even more inspired to stand in my passions and show up fully as myself.

Tae’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From building her artistry behind the scenes to working her way into some of the most iconic glam rooms in entertainment, she’s created signature looks for legends like Kandi Burruss, Jennifer Williams, and Tamika Mallory. Most recently, she’s been giving sultry glams on Real Housewives of Atlanta newcomer Angela Oakley—continuing to leave her mark one face at a time. In this interview, we dive into her evolution as an artist, her passion for beauty, and the discipline it takes to juggle it all with grace.

Here is Mrs. Tae René.

So excited to have you be a part of this interview! Let’s jump right in—what’s your background in beauty, and how did you get started?

I grew up in a beauty salon. My cousin—who’s more like a big sister—is a hairstylist, and I remember being mesmerized by how women would light up after leaving her chair. My grandmother and mom were beauty lovers too, so I was surrounded by glam, confidence, and transformation early on. That energy shaped me.

You’ve created some stunning looks throughout your career—some notably featured on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. How do you come up with the concepts for the confessional glam we see on the show?

Confessional glam is always a collaboration between hair, wardrobe, and the client. Once we understood the vibe she wanted to give, I’d pull from my endless Pinterest boards and social saves to create something fresh—but still timeless.

With everything being in HD, are there any staple products or techniques you always use when doing glam for television specifically?

With HD, layering is everything. You want the skin to look lived-in—not cakey. While it’s not technically marketed as HD, Danessa Myricks’ products perform beautifully on camera. Her Blurring Balm is my go-to.

How would you describe your journey into the beauty industry—from your beginnings to where you are now?

Definitely not linear. I started in hair, but makeup called me louder. Over time, I learned how to pivot, evolve, and make space for every version of myself.

I love how you extend and lift the eye looks on Angela Oakley. It gives such a feline, sculpted look. How do you go about creating that shape, and when do you choose to use it?

Thank you! It starts with lifting the brow—filling upward and outward, never down. I always define her outer corners with deeper shadows, use concealer to cut the crease, and add a sharp wing for that elongated lift.

One thing about you—you kill a winged liner! What are your go-to tips for getting it super black and clean?

Inglot gel liner, period. Then I clean it up with concealer for that crisp edge.

When you’re on set, what’s always in your touch-up bag to keep the glam looking fresh all day?

A great powder is non-negotiable. I rotate between MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, One/Size, and Huda Beauty.

Have you ever had a crazy glam emergency on set? What happened?

Thankfully, nothing wild—but emotions run high during confessionals, so I’ve had to touch up post-tears more than a few times.

I’m big into skin prep. What’s your approach when prepping skin for long days under lights? Any go-to products you love for the perfect base?

A clean, hydrated canvas is everything. I start with a light exfoliant (First Aid Beauty pads), then tone with Fresh’s Rose Toner, and lock it in with Angel Face Cosmetics’ Revitalizing Moisturizer.

What’s one of your all-time favorite looks you’ve created?

That’s tough! I’d say Kandi’s mauve glam from RHOA Season 13, and Angela’s most recent smoky purple confessional look—both just felt like magic.

What are your top 5 Holy Grail products that you always keep in your kit, no matter what?

Benefit Brow Pencil, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, Charlotte Tilbury Fixing Spray, and Neutrogena Makeup Wipes.

What inspires you?

My kids—and the little girl in me who dreamed this all up.

When have you felt the most proud of yourself in your career?

When I launched Beauty Talk with Tae. Seeing my clients and community show up for me—that meant everything.

In your opinion, what’s the key to navigating the beauty industry successfully?

Build your brand beyond the brush. Relationships matter, but your digital footprint is your resume now. Know who you are, even when the bookings slow down.

Was there ever a time in your career when you felt lost or like things weren’t working out? How did you push through and find your way again?

I’m in that space right now, truthfully. I recently had a baby, and rebuilding postpartum while juggling marriage, motherhood, and creativity—it’s not easy. But I’m showing up with faith and documenting it all. That’s part of the becoming.

How do you feel the beauty industry has changed since 2009, when you first started your business?

Whew—night and day. In 2009, YouTube was just taking off. Now, social media has blurred the lines between pros and hobbyists. It’s democratized the space but also changed the expectations around pricing and professionalism.

Is there a client you love working with? What makes that relationship special?

Honestly—me! Practicing on myself keeps me connected to the craft and gives me the freedom to experiment and try new techniques.

You’ve worked with so many icons—Kandi Burruss-Tucker, Yandy Smith, Tamika Mallory. Have you ever felt intimidated or super nervous before arriving on set?

Absolutely. I still get nervous with new clients. I was super anxious before glam’ing Jennifer Williams—I expected diva vibes, but she was so easygoing.

You’ve shared that prenatal/postpartum depression led you to write Show Up For Yourself. How did that experience transform your mindset?

It cracked me open. I had to rediscover the woman beyond the mom role. I’m still learning, but now I lead with grace—for myself and others.

I love how vocal you’ve been about postpartum. I personally experienced it and didn’t even realize that’s what it was. What would you say to someone currently going through it?

Get outside. Breathe deeply. Move your body. Talk to someone. Therapy and fitness have been lifelines for me—postpartum healing is holistic.

You’ve also been sharing your fitness journey and inspiring other moms to prioritize their health. How do you balance it all—being a mom, celebrity MUA, wife, and still making health a priority?

Balance is a myth—something’s always falling short. Right now, it’s my laundry pile. But I’ve shown up for my health like never before. Every day looks different, so I just give what I can.

What’s your personal approach to fitness and getting healthy—especially with such a full schedule?

Movement is non-negotiable. Even if the schedule is tight, working out helps me feel grounded and show up better for my family.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me is waking up reading my Bible, feed the baby. Get my five-year-old to school. Grab a. Review edits for my digital classes. Run errands. Make dinner. Gym when my husband gets home. Family time. Then once the kids are down, I’m back in creative mode—planning content or editing or writing while watching my favorite shows between 10PM and midnight.

What’s next for Tae René?

I’m focused on The Show Up Series, my new podcast that dives deep into transformation, identity, and what it really means to show up for your life. I’m also working on the next season of Beauty Talk with Tae, and honestly? I’m mastering the art of showing up—consistently and authentically—through my content. This chapter is about alignment, storytelling, and elevating the conversations that matter. 

What advice do you have for people who want to become a makeup artist in 2025?

Learn the craft, but also learn how to scale. Know your worth. Build passive income. And never stop building your brand—because that’s what creates longevity.