CEDRIC WASHINGTON:From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage: Building Brands, Breaking Gates, and Betting on Himself

By: Greg Lewis

Published on March 7, 2026, 10:20AM, EST

At 32, Cedric Washington has already lived multiple careers in one lifetime.

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Born in Tampa and currently residing in Atlanta, Cedric’s journey doesn’t follow a straight line — it expands. From working as an assistant to one of reality television’s most recognized personalities to launching PopOut Magazine and building his esthetics brand Hollywood Faces, his story is about elevation — and knowing your value before the world fully catches up.

But Cedric’s rise didn’t begin in front of the camera.

It began behind it.

The Assistant Era: Lessons from the Room

Before entrepreneurship, before magazine covers and skincare consultations, Cedric worked as an assistant — not just to anyone, but to Kenya Moore of The Real Housewives of Atlanta fame and Kenya Moore Hair Care.

And that chapter changed everything.

“Yes, not just anybody’s assistant,” Cedric says confidently. “Thee Kenya Moore Hair Care.”

In a space known for ego, hierarchy, and pressure, Cedric found clarity.

“I realized how much value I brought to every situation I’m a part of — and I don’t feel the need to subject myself to poor behavior no matter who the client is.”

The role may have lasted only a few months, but the impact was permanent. He learned firsthand how brands operate at high visibility. He saw the machinery behind celebrity. He studied how products are positioned, how rooms move, how energy shifts when power enters.

Most importantly, he learned boundaries.

Supporting others in entertainment sharpened his discipline. Assistants, he explains, are often the backbone of operations — anticipating needs before they arise, solving problems before they escalate, maintaining excellence under pressure.

That proximity to power didn’t intimidate him. It prepared him.

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PopOut Magazine: The Answered Prayer

Some ventures are strategic.

Some are divine.

For Cedric, PopOut Magazine was both.

“Pop Out was the answered prayer for me,” he says. “Didn’t quite know what we were embarking on during the conception, but it was everything I ever wanted to do.”

What began as an idea soon became alignment. Cedric had always loved interviewing — the art of drawing stories out of people. But through PopOut, another passion emerged: photography.

“Never say God doesn’t answer prayers. It may take awhile, but He always comes through.”

In an era where media is saturated and gatekeeping runs deep, Cedric saw a gap — not just in coverage, but in collaboration. He witnessed how often creatives are celebrated only once they’re already winning.

“Gatekeeping is a big issue in the industry,” he says candidly. “Instead of everyone working together, a lot of us only want to be apart when you win.”

He believes especially in the power of unity among Black and brown creatives.

“I wish we’d get out of that mindset and see how much more value is in collaboration.”

And despite the challenges, the affirmation came quickly.

“When 85% of the people you ask to be apart of your brand say YES — and even pour into it so it’s even more magical — that’s all we needed to get the fire going.”

The fire has been lit ever since.

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Behind the Camera: A Creative Evolution

Ironically, launching a publication is what sparked Cedric’s love for photography.

He once wanted to be a stylist. Fashion fascinated him. Presentation mattered. A look could tell a story before a word was spoken.

Photography became the bridge.

“I love to see people happy and dressed up,” he says. “Although styling isn’t my current passion, photography is still satisfying my fashion bug.”

Through the lens, Cedric found control of narrative. He didn’t just document stories — he framed them.

Photography strengthened his brand language. It made PopOut Magazine visually cohesive and emotionally resonant.

“It allows me to capture authenticity, emotion, and identity in a way words sometimes can’t.”

In a culture driven by image, Cedric ensures the image has intention.

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Hollywood Faces: Confidence as Currency

If media was about storytelling, esthetics was about transformation.

Cedric’s newest venture, Hollywood Faces, is a skincare brand focused on skin health, confidence, and self-care. But make no mistake — this isn’t just about facials. It’s about empowerment.

“Hollywood Faces represents helping clients feel polished, empowered, and their best through intentional, results-driven skincare.”

The services include:

• Customized facials

• Microdermabrasion

• Dermaplaning

• Teeth whitening

But what sets it apart is personalization.

“What makes us stand out is the focus on visible results and creating a polished, confidence-boosting experience that fits seamlessly into a creative and image-driven lifestyle.”

His background in media gave him an eye for branding. His assistant experience taught him professionalism. PopOut gave him presentation. Everything converged into Hollywood Faces.

“My passion for beauty and helping people feel their best in their own skin sparked it. My background prepared me to launch it with purpose and vision.”

Long-term, Cedric sees Hollywood Faces becoming a trusted, recognizable beauty name — blending skincare, self-care, and creative culture into one seamless lifestyle brand.

Not just a service.

A standard.

The Multi-Hyphenate Mindset

Entrepreneur.

Creative Director.

Photographer.

Esthetician.

Publisher.

Cedric Washington doesn’t believe in limiting titles.

But sustainability, he says, requires more than talent.

“Talent opens doors, but discipline, learning the business side, and staying true to your vision are what make it sustainable.”

His advice to creatives chasing longevity?

Focus on structure just as much as passion.

Be patient with growth.

Invest in yourself.

Evolve boldly.

From Tampa roots to Atlanta ambition, Cedric’s journey reflects a new era of entrepreneurship — one where creatives build ecosystems instead of waiting for invitations.

He’s no longer behind the scenes.

He’s building the stage.

And if history is any indicator, this is only the beginning.