Success Stories: Terry McDonald, Founder of T. McDonald Cosmetics
Meet Terry McDonald, founder of T McDonald Cosmetics—a Black-owned, woman-owned beauty brand born from faith, resilience, and purpose. A single mom with no outside funding, Terry transformed her journey into a mission-driven movement that empowers through makeup, mentorship, and mental wellness. Her story is one of healing, beauty, and bold transformation.
Terry McDonald, a Bronx-born entrepreneur with strong Caribbean roots, is the founder of T McDonald Cosmetics, a Black-owned and woman-owned beauty brand using makeup as a tool for faith, healing, and empowerment. With over 13 years of professional makeup experience, including leadership roles at Sephora, KIKO Milano, MAC Cosmetics and other prestigious brands. Terry has built a mission-driven brand that speaks to resilience, purpose, and transformation.
As a single mother of two, Terry built her business from the ground up with no outside funding, turning her personal journey of faith, self-discovery, and perseverance into a thriving brand that uplifts others. Every product—from the Level Up Eyeshadow Palette to the 18-hour Classic Matte Lip Kushions—is inspired by her life story and designed to help people show up confidently in their own lives. Her brand’s message centers on inner and outer beauty, aligning with the growing need for mental wellness and self-expression in the beauty space.
“I built my business from the ground up with no outside funding, turning my personal journey of faith, self-discovery, and perseverance into a thriving brand that uplifts others.”
“T McDonald Cosmetics isn’t just about makeup—it’s about showing up confidently, embracing your story, and healing through beauty.”
Terry has showcased her work at New York Fashion Week, where she sponsors VIP glam teams and partners with designers, models, and influencers. Her products have been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Sheen Magazine, and more. Through her TMC Glam Team, she mentors aspiring beauty professionals, offering career exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
Deeply committed to giving back, Terry leads self-discovery workshops in schools, provides internships for high school and college students, and offers free prom makeup services to under-served communities. Her long-term vision includes building a nonprofit that provides career training, industry exposure, mental wellness resources, and essential support like food and clothing for families in need.
Terry McDonald is not just building a beauty brand—she’s building a movement powered by faith, healing, and empowerment. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and creating lasting change in the beauty industry and beyond.
