Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy McCown-Williams.
Hi Wendy , 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 transitioned almost three decades ago. I am from Eastern Ky and eventually moved around to Ohio, Florida, Kentucky and now in Tennessee. I moved here when I bought Cookeville’s (hour from Nashville) only LGBT bar. I kept it open for six years before closing. I took some time off and now for the past year and half own and operate The Makeup Lounge where I have a retail section for my makeup brand, Painted By Wendy Cosmetics, rent the space for events and use it for meeting space.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a visual and open Trans woman of course opens the door for those who think I don’t belong in the community. Overall Cookeville has been a great place to live but there is the “anonymous” group here that has impacted my business or activities/functions that I have tried to join or be apart of. I don’t hide or am I ashamed that in the 90s and early 2000s I turned to the adult industry and sex work to survive. Of course now people have used that past as an excuse to exclude me from things that other business owners would never be held to the same standards. We all know it’s transphobia wrapped in concern. But even with all that I have continued to served my community as an Election Commissioner and currently the President of Upper Cumberland Pride. I will always be an advocate for my LGBT community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have my hands in a few different pots. As I’ve said before I own Painted By Wendy cosmetics since 2017. It’s my online small business showcasing makeup, candles and apparel. Of course The Makeup Lounge is my retail space that has a Victorian theme which I rent out to photographers and small events. I also have been a drag artist for three decades. My persona Wendy Williams has performed all over the US plus the UK, I’ve had some amazing pageant success and I continue to host events when time permits. Finally I am a full-time Tik Tok Streamer nightly from 7pm-11pm. My streams feature makeup tutorials, drag performances, daily life and connecting with a fun community.
How do you think about happiness?
Traveling is the one of those things I enjoy most. It can be just a drive a few hours away to get a hotel room and just decompress with my busy schedule. I’m not a big adventurer however I love a good antique store, a family or locally owned restaurant and comfortable hotel bed. Those moments help me rejuvenate and bring me joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PaintedByWendy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tswendywilliams?igsh=dGFvNnd0MnUzZWh4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18ySnxp6DE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tswendywilliams?_r=1&_t=ZP-96xaVFFZhRm
