Whitney Alford is a licensed esthetician, makeup artist, and social media personality from Compton, California. She is best known as the wife of Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential and acclaimed rappers of all time. But who is Whitney Alford, and what is her story? In this article, we will explore her biography, career, personal life, and trivia.
Early Life and Education
Whitney Alford was born on May 12, 1986, in Compton, California, to an African-American father and a biracial mother. She grew up in a high-crime area of Compton, where she witnessed the vibrant hip-hop culture and the gang violence. She attended Centennial High School, where she met Kendrick Lamar when they were both teenagers. They became friends and later started dating. Whitney graduated from The California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in accounting.
Career and Entrepreneurship
Whitney Alford has always been passionate about beauty and skincare. She pursued her dream of becoming a licensed esthetician and makeup artist, and opened her own studio in Los Angeles. She has worked with various celebrities, such as SZA, Jhené Aiko, and Kehlani. She also has a strong social media presence, where she shares her beauty tips, tutorials, and product reviews. She has over 300,000 followers on Instagram and over 50,000 subscribers on YouTube.
Personal Life and Relationship with Kendrick Lamar
Whitney Alford and Kendrick Lamar have been together for over 15 years, and have been engaged since 2015. They have a daughter, who was born in July 2019. They are very private about their personal life, and rarely make public appearances together. However, Kendrick has often expressed his love and appreciation for Whitney in his songs and interviews. He has called her his “best friend” and his “backbone”. He has also credited her for inspiring him and supporting him throughout his musical journey.
Awards and Recognition
Whitney Alford has received several awards and recognition for her work as a makeup artist and a social media influencer. Some of them are:
- She was nominated for the Best Makeup Artist award at the 2018 BET Awards.
- She was featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2019, under the category of Art and Style.
- She was named one of the Top 10 Beauty Influencers of 2020 by Cosmopolitan magazine.
- She was honored with the Women of Excellence award by the National Association of Professional Women in 2021.
Philanthropy and Activism
Whitney Alford is also involved in various philanthropic and activist causes, especially related to women empowerment, education, and social justice. Some of her initiatives are:
- She founded the Whitney Alford Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships, mentorship, and career guidance to young women of color who aspire to pursue careers in the beauty industry.
- She partnered with the United Nations Women to launch the #BeautyForChange campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds for the fight against gender-based violence and discrimination.
- She joined the Black Lives Matter movement and participated in several protests and rallies against police brutality and racial injustice. She also donated to various organizations that support the movement, such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Bail Project, and the Know Your Rights Camp.
Trivia
Here are some fun facts about Whitney Alford that you may not know:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Whitney Alford |
| Age | 37 years old |
| Height | 5’4″ |
| Partner | Kendrick Lamar |
| Children | One daughter |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in accounting |
| Favorite Food | Pizza |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Sex | Female |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sibling | One brother |
| Favorite TV Show | Game of Thrones |
| Pet | A dog named Coco |
Conclusion
Whitney Alford is more than just the wife of Kendrick Lamar. She is a successful and talented woman who has carved her own identity and niche in the beauty industry. She is also a loving mother, a loyal partner, a generous philanthropist, and a vocal activist. She is a role model and an inspiration for many young women who want to follow their dreams and passions. Whitney Alford is the wife behind the rap legend, but she is also a legend in her own right.