Stephanie Debes, The Makeup on Wheels Foundation
By Dom Provenzano, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
Stephanie Debes, 28, grew up dreaming of being a makeup artist, event planner, or esthetician. Today, she is all three – as well as nonprofit founder.
Debes was born with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia. “Doctors told my parents that I wouldn’t last three days,” said Debes. “Twenty-eight years later, I’m defying the odds every single day."
Despite her disability, Debes was determined to follow her dreams. She obtained a degree in Hospitality, Management, and Event Planning from St. John’s University, certifications in makeup and special effects from New York City’s Make-up Designory (MUD), and an esthetician certification from Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics and Cosmetology.
“My hands don’t work like others do. It was hard, but I got good at it. People I would practice on would say, ‘your hands are so gentle.’ I got really good at it, and absolutely loved it.”
Given her expertise, any salon, venue, or event space would be lucky to employ her. However, Debes was met with disappointment.
“I interviewed everywhere. You name it, I tried it,” said Debes. “It was, ‘The elevator isn’t working. We’re not wheelchair accessible.’ I heard everything. Nobody wanted to give me the chance to do what I love. I decided, enough was enough, and started my own organization.”
Thus, the Makeup on Wheels Foundation was born. The mission of the nonprofit, founded in April 2020, provides necessary funding for expenses, personal care, and recreation for individuals with disabilities.
In the three years since the nonprofit’s inception, Debes is proud of what she has been able to accomplish. Debes’ foundation reached one of its earliest accomplishments when it raised hundreds of dollars for an individual with cerebral palsy amid multiple surgeries and medical issues. Last year, the foundation raised money to donate a $10K adaptive bike to another individual with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia. At the time of writing, Debes was planning the foundation’s 2023 gala, which had already exceeded more than $10K in ticket sales, donations, and ad sales.
“I love giving back to people who can use a smile. That’s why I love doing what I do.”
Plus, the nonprofit performs a variety of services for individuals – with or without disabilities, including beauty consultations, bridal, prom, and special effects makeup, and event planning services. She also serves as a motivational speaker. 100% of the profits go back to the mission of the foundation.
“We are so often overlooked, and people don’t want to give us the time of day. It’s my job to change that, and show that we can be capable, working members of society.”
In 2023, Debes became involved in the Chamber of Commerce. Recently, the Chamber was able to connect the Foundation with a local event, securing tickets for the community she serves. “I do everything on my own. Having the Chamber on my side, fighting for me, feels amazing.”
Debes sees her partnership with the Chamber as a two-way street: the Chamber has been able to aid as she grows her nonprofit, and Debes provides invaluable representation within the Chamber for a large community of people with disabilities.
“I always dreamed of being an event planner, makeup artist, or esthetician. Now I get to do all three. I get to do everything I ever wanted.”
