Imagine, if you will, a young girl in a dimly lit attic. To this young girl, this particular attic is much more than just a space; it’s a wonderland filled with posters, costumes, jewelry, shoes, wigs, and makeup. All remnants from a curiously transitional period in the history of entertainment – Vaudeville. This young girl rummages through costumes in trunks, pulls out drawers in bureaus, and tries on pearls, all while being enchanted by the oversized red sequin gown, mirroring the stars in her eyes. Now, imagine this same girl growing up to be as glamorous today as she was in the childhood fantasies of her youth.
Enter Bebé Ellison, the owner of Baby Does Make-up and More, a modern renaissance woman whose personal brand of wisdom, strength, and beauty is both inspiring and infectious. She’s not just any makeup artist; she’s the makeup artist to the stars, with names like Wendy Williams, Joan Rivers, and R&B/Pop star Akon on her client list. Her experience goes beyond entertainment, and what sets her apart is her background as a private investigator, where her makeup skills helped her change her look and go incognito. “You know you’re badass when you can stand next to people who have met you and they do not know it is you,” boasts Ellison. Inspired by her early attic experiences, she hasn’t looked back since.
Bebé Ellison takes immense pride in her ability to personify the element of service, and it shows not only in her professional life but also in her personal life. She’s ventured into the nonprofit sector by collaborating with bestbuddies.org, an organization that enhances the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their focus is on programs that create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for the intellectually and developmentally challenged. “One of my love languages is servitude,” explains Ellison. “I use my talent for makeup and styling to assist people with disabilities and show them how to prepare themselves for the world.” Noble work, indeed.
For over 25 years, Bebé Ellison has honed her skills and sharpened her keen and stylish eye. She’s now considered a trailblazer in the world of fashion, beauty, and art. Beyond makeup, she runs a trendy boutique filled with original pieces created by her designer partners, where everything is one-of-three. The boutique carries only three of each item, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Ellison also operates an art gallery with limited edition pieces, making her a versatile artist who can style not only you but potentially your home as well. In essence, when it’s about beauty, it’s about Bebé.
Bebé Ellison has come a long way from the young girl in the attic. She is a testament to hard work, passion, an innovative spirit, and creativity leading to success and the perfection of one’s craft. She continues to be of service through her volunteerism, and she will remain influential in the space in which she operates for years to come.
Contact Bebé Ellison at babydoesmakeup@gmail.com or call 718.440.2210 to experience her exceptional makeup artistry.
