Donni Davy, a well-known makeup artist for the series Euphoria and for celebrities such as Chappell Roan and Kesha, began her career with a vampire web-series job she discovered on Craigslist. Now a successful millennial entrepreneur, Davy is at the forefront of beauty trends and leads a $16 million makeup company. Her “superpower” and early career choices have significantly contributed to her achievements.
Reflecting on her early career, Davy shares her enthusiasm for her beginnings on Craigslist, expressing excitement rather than concern about working on smaller projects at the time. Her initial work with a YouTube vampire series and low-budget films significantly differs from her current high-profile projects. Davy has contributed her makeup artistry to critically acclaimed films such as Moonlight, Ford v. Ferrari, and If Beale Street Could Talk and has gained notable recognition for shaping beauty trends through her work on HBO’s hit series Euphoria. With season three set to release in 2026, Davy continues to define beauty standards and manage her makeup brand, Half Magic Beauty, which serves celebrity clients like Reneé Rapp and Mindy Kaling.
Davy’s passion for makeup was influenced by her artistic upbringing in Los Angeles, although her schools did not focus on creative fields like makeup artistry. Initially drawn to painting, she transitioned her interest to makeup after learning about the profession’s storytelling aspects in film and television.
At the age of 21, Davy redirected her creative skills towards makeup artistry, initially pursuing a two-week course as an alternative to cosmetology school. Her trajectory showcases that passion and talent can compensate for formal education when building a successful career. Though she now stands out in Hollywood, her journey began with modest projects, such as a YouTube vampire web series which helped build her portfolio. During this time, she balanced her passion projects with a part-time job at a wine bar before opportunities like working on the film Moonlight began to emerge, leading to rapid career advancements and partnerships with companies like A24.
Through these experiences, Davy was eventually invited to work on the pilot of Euphoria, a pivotal moment that showcased her creativity and significantly expanded her influence in the beauty industry. The striking makeup styles on the series became immensely popular, influencing beauty trends among Gen Z.
Davy’s achievements on Euphoria provided a foundation for launching her brand, Half Magic Beauty, in partnership with A24. The brand, known for its distinct products aligned with Davy’s creative vision, has thrived with a valuation of $16.1 million and a strong retail presence, including in over 800 Ulta stores in the U.S.
In addition to her makeup artistry, Davy has embraced roles as a content creator and founder, despite initial discomfort with being in front of the camera. She attributes her success to her ability to focus intensely on her passions, a trait she credits to her ADHD.
For aspiring creatives, Davy advises taking all opportunities seriously, valuing early career experiences. The story of her progression from a Craigslist ad to success in Hollywood serves as inspiration for those aiming to pursue careers in entertainment.
This article originally appeared on Fortune.com.
