Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefan Arnwine.
Hi Stefan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Stefan Arnwine, I’m 22, and I was born in Knoxville Tennessee. I started doing makeup when I was around 15 years old. Let’s just say, I went through a “phase.” Part of that phase came from me hiding the fact that I was Gay for so long. I didn’t really get the chance to come out Gay to everyone until early 2017, I was 17. By this time I was almost out of high school, Living with my Mom, three siblings, and grandmother.
I had a hard time in school, I was bullied, harassed, and called names every day. After a while, I started to fail classes because of the bullying, I wasn’t paying attention, and I wasn’t taking school seriously. Eventually, I was transferred to a different school that helped me learn more, and Graduate. I graduated later on in 2017.
Unfortunately, after I graduated, my grandmother passed away. She was such huge support in my life, and she was like my best friend. My family was hit hard by her passing. I felt so bad for my mother after she lost her mom, I realized a few days later that I had to be there for my mom just like she was me.
My mom had been through so much in life while raising four kids. We didn’t have alot, and we didn’t come from money. Times were rough, but my mother always managed to pull through for me, us, and herself. My mom now is just a huge inspiration in my life, I couldn’t ask for better.
I and my boyfriend met when we were 17, and I moved in with him later on when I turned 18. Legally leaving my home. My boyfriend has also been a huge support in my life, We’ve done so much together, and we’ve made many accomplishments. He’s proud of me as I am him. I couldn’t do it without my boyfriend.
In the end, I ultimately couldn’t be where I am without all the criticism, support, and love everyone gave. I took all the positive, and negative and put them toward my work. After finding that confidence, I went to social media, I put all my time into makeup, and learned how to apply, and do other people’s makeup.
Makeup is my passion. Someday, I would like to go to beauty school, and hope to influence people all around the world to be their authentic selves, and do what they love the most.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
For me, there have been many obstacles and challenges that I’ve had to overcome. Starting when I was younger, hiding the fact that I was gay, and I was being bullied. I worried so much, but later on, realized the bullies don’t matter, and that my family loves me regardless.
When my grandmother died that took a huge toll on my mental health. She was my best friend and my number one support. I still think about her every day. But I know she would want me to keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My favorite thing in the whole world is to do his makeup. Makeup is my hobby and my passion. I love to make videos for my social media, and post on my Instagram.
Makeup doesn’t have to be glitter and fake eyelashes. Makeup is a form of art to me, and that is what sets me apart from others. The one thing I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come since I started doing makeup in 2015.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Giving the free time, and having to stay at home the first year or so. The Covid-19 pandemic definitely gave me the time it takes to get better at doing what I love. Makeup.
Contact Info:
- Email: Stelyn729@gmail.com
- Instagram: @therealstefanlyn
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdABa2qu/
