Brooklyn Makeup Artist Aims to Empower Students
Alani Thompson wants to bring a touch of glamour to urban students.
This Brooklyn-based makeup artist, who graduated from Midwood High School, is now the official vendor for the city’s Department of Education. She refers to herself as a “beauty service partner” with the DOE.
At 26, Thompson expressed her frustration recently on her Instagram, showcasing her work with the DOE logo in her post. She aims to provide makeup services directly in schools, helping students look and feel their best during special events.
Many followers have started to suggest various New York middle and high schools that might benefit from her makeup expertise, especially when it comes to bold eyeshadow and lipstick.
“I want to help girls build confidence, particularly when it comes to prom,” she shared.
A DOE spokesperson confirmed that Thompson holds a vendor identification number, which is necessary to work with NYC public schools, but cautioned that this doesn’t guarantee contracts.
Despite that, her announcement has led to various requests for her services. Social workers at a Brooklyn school reached out for a makeup workshop around prom time, while a teacher from Gotham Collaboration High in the Bronx invited her to engage with students in a beauty course. An after-school program at Pugsley Preparatory Academy is also hoping for her help in teaching middle school students about makeup.
Thompson began her journey by doing makeup for classmates during high school talent shows and theatrical performances. She also worked at Macy’s cosmetics department while studying biology at a Staten Island university.
Eventually, she decided to leave her medical aspirations behind and focus on her business, “Beat by Lani.” Now, she specializes in makeup for weddings, graduations, and proms, primarily serving black clients.
“I want to inspire girls to attend prom and feel beautiful,” she noted, recognizing the positive impact it can have on their self-esteem.
Thompson often sees clients arriving with their mothers, as they work to boost the girls’ confidence. “They’re usually nervous and shy, but once the makeup is done, they can’t help but take photos and videos,” she added.
Through her work, she hopes to open doors for students interested in pursuing beauty as a career. “There are so many opportunities in beauty,” she mentioned.
Her rates for school services range from $75 to $150 per hour, depending on the number of students. For workshops, a half-day costs between $250 and $500, while a full day can be between $600 and $1,000, including materials for practical demonstrations.
However, it’s worth noting that Thompson isn’t a licensed aesthetician, which is a requirement for those who charge for makeup application at events or teach techniques. Achieving this license involves completing a 600-hour approved course and passing both written and practical exams.
Thompson plans to enroll in a local beauty school this fall to specialize in makeup. Her mother, who works as a school safety agent in Brooklyn, has been instrumental in helping her secure her vendor ID.
Donalda Chaney, a former Manhattan superintendent, emphasized the potential benefits of such services for students with disabilities, especially during pivotal events like prom and graduation. She added that principals need to ensure educational value in these programs and that all adults involved should be properly licensed.
The DOE mentioned that some schools might invite professional stylists to provide career opportunities for students, but noted that Thompson doesn’t have authorization to affiliate with or seek approval from public schools.
