Today we’d like to introduce you to DEBORAH JOHNSON.
Hi DEBORAH, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a creative at heart since high school, when I would turn my mother’s Mary Kay makeup bag into my very first beauty kit, glamming up friends before events and watching their confidence bloom in real time. What started as teenage fun quickly revealed itself as something deeper — a calling rooted in transformation, connection, and purpose. Seeing those reactions in the mirror lit something in me that never went away. Years later, that same passion has come full circle. Today, I honor my mother’s legacy through my Survivor Series campaign, using beauty not just as art, but as empowerment — proving that what begins as a spark can evolve into purpose-driven impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I have struggled with being in control, procrastination, self-doubt and at times shrinking myself. There were seasons where I didn’t confidently acknowledge how gifted I truly was. I would sometimes settle for less than what I was capable of.
But makeup has always been my passion. It’s the one thing I could do for hours and completely loose track of time. Whether I was providing services or simply playing in makeup, it never felt like work, it felt like purpose.
I’ve always been someone who progresses in the background, quietly growing and sharpening my craft. But I realized there comes a time when you can’t stay behind the scenes anymore. Now is my time to shine. And in order to fully step into that, I had to overcome the obstacles, doubt and hesitation.
Growth required me to own my gift out loud. I grew quietly, but I was never meant to stay hidden. This season, I shine on purpose.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the CEO and Master Makeup Artist of Visions D’Vine LLC. This business is used to combine my passion with my purpose to transform clients from the inside out. A graduate from Von Lee International School of Aesthetics in Pikesville, MD under the Makeup Artistry Program, I received my Maryland State License in Makeup Artistry in 2008. I further studied and became certified in Eyebrow Threading, advanced my skills by attending various seminars and symposiums to include but not limited to Sam Fine, Celebrity Makeup Artist – Fine Beauty Tour; MAC Pro Classes; Mini Bridal Workshop taught by Celebrity Makeup Artist Candace Corey; Eye Makeup Class sponsored by Last Looks Makeup Academy taught by Jennifer Lombardo and a Just Eyes Workshop led by Grammy Award winning Makeup Artist Thom Supernaut.
My work has graced the pages of Black Sophisticate’s Hair Magazine and Essere Magazine. I’ve provided makeup services for guest speakers on Success Filled Living Television Network and had the privilege of working with John Jessup of the Christian Broadcast Network. I previously worked as a Freelance Makeup Artist for Yves Saint Laurent and Gorgio Armani. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Glam Squad for the 2013 BET Honors under the mentorship of Celebrity Makeup Artist Kym Lee King. In 2017, I was the Assistant Makeup Artist in a Juwan Lee Film entitled “Secrets” and in 2021, I served as the Lead Makeup Artist in “The Exit Row” a thriller movie written and produced by Cine30 Media.
After the passing of my mother on December 16, 2020 from a long battle with colon cancer, I refocused my healing journey and began a Survivor Series Campaign, in honor of my mom. It’s a campaign to highlight a Survivor who has overcome a physical and/or emotional challenge and is willing to share their story. My goal is to offer makeup and photography services to a select group of survivors, giving them a day to feel truly special and celebrated for having overcome whatever challenges they’ve faced and it doesn’t have to be related to illness. My mother always wanted to look her best no matter what she might have been going through or how she was feeling.
I’m most proud that my Survivor Series will launch on my YouTube channel during the month of March 2026, as we celebrate Women’s History Month and Colon Cancer Awareness Month. It’s more than a series – it’s a reflection of resilience, healing and women stepping fully into their power.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Thank you for giving me the chance to share my story. I’d just like to add that beyond the services I offer, my true goal is to create moments where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are. I hope readers take away that even small gestures of care and encouragement can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.visionsdvine.com
- Instagram: @VisionsDVine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionsDVine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/visionsdvine
