02/02/2026
For 16 years, I did everything I was supposed to do. I built a career. I showed up every day. I worked hard, stayed loyal, and pushed through exhaustion even when my heart was no longer in it.
But somewhere along the way, the cost became too high.
I am Bobby, the founder of Ivy & Onyx and a professional makeup artist. What most people did not see was the burnout behind the scenes. Years of forcing myself to fit into a world that drained my creativity and my mental health. I doubled down on antidepressants just to get through workdays, convincing myself this was what stability looked like.
It was not. It was survival.
Ivy & Onyx was born out of healing. A love for education, artistry, ritual, and helping people truly understand their skin and themselves. What started as a passion slowly became a calling. Makeup artistry, runway, editorial work, weddings, markets, and building a clean, intentional beauty brand are not side dreams for me. They are the work I am meant to do.
I am now taking the biggest leap of my life and stepping away from my 9 to 5 to go all in. I have already invested over $5,000 of my own money and I am cashing out my 401K just to cover personal bills during this transition. Every hour, every dollar, every ounce of energy is going into making this real.
This fundraiser has a goal of $6,500, and it must be fully met for funds to be released. These funds will cover my largest business expenses, including inventory, market and expo fees, product sampling, and transportation so I can bring Ivy & Onyx directly to people and build sustainable income through my work.
Your contribution allows me to go all in, without looking back.
If you are able to donate, thank you. If you can share this with a personal note, that support is just as powerful. This is not just about funding a business. It is about believing in someone choosing purpose over burnout and finally having the chance to build a life rooted in passion, care, and community.
Thank you for being part of this moment.
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