Dr. Miracle's Celebrity Look-a-like Contest Winner: Manaya Latrice

Manaya Latrice was the winner of the Dr. Miracle's Celebrity look-a-like contest- Her striking resemblance to songstress Mary J. Blige afforded her a trip to the 2009 BET Awards. Below, she shares her winning experience and tells HBS a little about the woman behind the familiar face.

You've been pegged the official Mary J. Blige look-a-like. Have you ever met her?
Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mary face to face. The day that happens will be one of the best days of my life! Not only am I a look-a-like, but I also sing as well. I occasionally sing at night clubs in the Richmond area and I sing at weddings and funerals.

Tell us about your experience at the BET awards.
My experience at the BET awards certainly exceeded my expectations. Winning this competition as a whole went far beyond my wildest dreams. From my stay in LA on Sunset Blvd., to me recording the commercial in the Celebrity Gift Lounge amongst some of the most notable celebrities, to me actually being on the Red Carpet the day of the awards was something I had NEVER dreamed of. I was standing side by side with celebs such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Tyra Banks, Ray J., Tyrese, John Singleton, members of the Housewives of Atlanta, Tocarra, Ginuwine, Lisa Leslie, the list goes on and on!

Let's get on the subject of hair, because yours is pretty dope! What is your normal routine? What are some of your favorite products?
Of course Dr. Miracle's is on the top of my list. For those that haven't tried it please don't waste another day. Once you've used it once you're going to wish you started using it sooner.
I actually have my own personal hair stylist, Mrs. Yvonne Poindexter, stylist and owner of Beyond Beauty Salon and Spa, located at 4 E. Grace St in downtown Richmond, VA (804) 780-0167. She knows whatever Mary is rocking at the time is what I want to rock! I do a lot of lace wigs as well as sew-ins. My natural hair is cared for and managed with Dr. Miracle's products. Their shampoo and leave-in conditioners are the best!

You're also a talented MAC makeup artist- How did you get into that?
I actually got my opportunity at MAC because I was a regular customer at one of the counters and every time I stepped foot in there my makeup was on point..(as it is everyday..lol) The manager at the time offered me a freelance/on-call position and my career flourished from there.

Being a Makeup Artist is a passion of mine. There's no feeling like being able to make someone else feel good, from the inside out. My motto is- "Let Me Enhance The Beauty In You!". The face is my canvas, my foundation. I'm just enhancing what's already there.

I've been doing makeup since 2005. I taught myself the basics and go to school to stay up on the latest techniques and makeup trends. I travel up and down the East Coast doing makeup for weddings, portraits, pamper parties...you name it!!

Stay tuned as I am currently working on launching my own cosmetics line!! Offering high quality natural organic products at an affordable price.

For my services please feel free to contact me at 804-523-0155 (www.facebook.com/manayalatrice). My travel is NOT limited!!

*Manaya would like to send an extra special thanks to the Almighty, her mom, Rondell, Joelle, Shanon, Mr. & Mrs. Johnson at Dr. Miracle's, BET, her fashion designer, Kourtney Renee (www.kourtneyrenee.com), and to the lovely HBS community!