From Brooklyn to Beauty Mogul: Camara AUnique Helps’ Faith-Driven Journey in Makeup & Philanthropy

A Self-Taught Visionary’s Rise in the Beauty Industry

Camara AUnique Helps isn’t just a makeup artist—she’s a testament to what happens when raw talent meets unshakable faith. Her 14-year journey from a curious retail worker at Macy’s in NYC to a celebrated beauty entrepreneur and philanthropist is as much about artistry as it is about empowering women of color in an industry that hasn’t always seen them.

It all began between two MAC cosmetics counters, where Camara found herself mesmerized by the confidence of the artists—though their coldness toward her questions stung. “That rejection lit a fire in me,” she recalls. “I decided if no one would teach me, I’d teach myself.” What started as a personal challenge blossomed into a mission: to become the mentor she once needed. Today, she pays it forward by nurturing emerging artists, ensuring they step into their calling “unapologetically, but with grace.”

—

Behind the Scenes with Icons: Angela Bassett, Ava DuVernay & More

Camara’s client list reads like a roll call of Black excellence—Angela Bassett, Ava DuVernay, Yvette Nicole Brown—but her most cherished moments aren’t about glamour. They’re about genuine connection.

Yvette Nicole Brown: “Our first meeting, she picked me up in LA and drove me to her home herself. Eight years later, we’re still collaborating—that’s the kind of loyalty that defines my career.”
Angela Bassett: “During the pandemic, when I was new to LA and work dried up, Mrs. Angie—yes, I call her that—split jobs with her longtime LA artist just so I could pay my bills. That’s not just a client; that’s family.”

For Camara, these relationships are divine alignments. “I’m blessed to work with people who see me as I see them,” she says. “That reciprocity? That’s God’s handiwork.”

—

Faith, Faux Mink Lashes, and a Beauty Brand with Purpose

When Camara’s handcrafted faux mink lashes won Essence Magazine’s 2020 Best in Black Beauty Award (and later, the 2023 Hello Beautiful Melanin Beauty Award), it wasn’t just a business milestone—it was a spiritual one. Her brand, AUnique Beauty, was born from a revelation: “I’d never seen a beauty line that merged faith and glamour. The Bible’s women—Esther, Ruth, Mary—their stories are our stories. Struggle, resilience, triumph.”

What sets her brand apart? “It’s not about me. It’s about helping women see their beauty through God’s eyes—not the industry’s. When you wear my lashes or use my products, I want you to remember: you’re fearfully and wonderfully made.”

—

Ministry in the Makeup Chair: Balancing Faith and Artistry

Camara doesn’t separate her faith from her work—she integrates it. “My clients know I’m a woman of God. The balance comes from discernment: knowing when to speak, when to listen, and when to just be.”

Early in her career, she admits, she “blurted” her beliefs without finesse. “Maturity taught me compassion. Now, I let the Holy Spirit lead. If a client needs encouragement, I offer it. If they need silence, I provide that too. It’s about serving, not preaching.”

—

Brooklyn Roots, Caribbean Pride, and a Legacy of Giving Back

Raised in Flatbush by a single mother, with Trinidadian and Tobagonian heritage, Camara’s upbringing was a masterclass in resilience. “My mother, my grandmother, my aunts—they showed me what it means to show up,” she says. “But I also saw how systemic gaps hold people back.”

That awareness fuels her philanthropy:

Prom Dress Drives: “I remember working at 15 just to afford things other kids had. Now, I ensure teens experience the joy of prom—no financial barriers.”
Support for Domestic Violence Thrivers: “I call them ‘thrivers’ because survival isn’t enough. We rise from pain. My own struggles taught me that every wound prepares you for your purpose.”

“Philanthropy isn’t performative for me,” she asserts. “It’s who I am. With a last name like Helps, how could it not be?”

—

The Unspoken Crisis: Why Makeup for Women of Color Still Falls Short

Camara’s advocacy extends beyond her chair. She recalls a backstage incident where a non-Black makeup artist, hired via an app, broke down in tears after realizing she lacked products for a Black actress. “Instead of shaming her, I guided her through it,” Camara says. “But here’s the problem: brands and agencies must do better. They can’t keep sending artists into spaces unprepared to serve women of color, then expect us to fix it.”

Her solution? “Teachable moments—not cancel culture. And mandatory training. If you’re afraid to ask how to match deeper skin tones, the industry has failed you. We need safe spaces to learn, not just performative diversity.”

—

Her Blueprint for Aspiring Artists: Mentorship, Faith, and Grit

Camara’s advice to newcomers, especially those from underrepresented communities:

Find a mentor who embodies the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). “Not just skill—character. Someone who’ll steward your gifts without ego.”
Turn pain into purpose. “Every ‘no’ I got made me hungrier. Your struggles are your superpower.”
Serve before you shine. “The industry needs more leaders who lift others. Be that person.”

—

Unshakable Faith in a Fickle Industry: How She Stays Grounded

In an industry obsessed with trends and burnout, Camara’s secret weapon is self-awareness. “I check my motives daily. Is this decision rooted in fear or faith? Ego or integrity?”

Her non-negotiables:

Honesty: “Even when it costs me a client.”
Presence: “God and the client deserve my full attention.”
Joy: “If it’s not fun, I’m doing it wrong.”

“Challenges? They’re just God’s way of asking, ‘Do you trust me?’ And every time, I choose yes.”

—

Key Takeaways:

Camara’s journey proves that faith and hustle aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re synergistic.
Her brand fills a critical gap: beauty products that affirm spiritual identity.
True philanthropy starts with seeing the person behind the need—not the headline.
The beauty industry’s diversity problem won’t fix itself. It demands accountability, training, and grace.