ABERDEEN — For Billy Brasfield, the items and artifacts packed seemingly into every inch of the former B and B Furniture building in his native Aberdeen form a narrative of his life.
Each lamp shade, old painting and eclectic piece of home decor tells a different piece of Brasfield’s amazing story. Now the cherished memorabilia and vintage pieces sit waiting for the public to peruse and purchase.
Brasfield, 59, known as Billy B., established himself as one of the most highly sought after makeup artists in the country throughout a career that spanned 37 years. Many of Brasfield’s treasures are available to buy in a living estate sale that ends Monday.
“There are stories to everything in that building and I know every single piece that is in there,” Brasfield said.
Brasfield, who now lives in Tupelo, left the South after finishing his academic career and moved to New York where he worked behind the cosmetic counter at Macy’s. There, he learned how to perfect his technique before catching the eye of a woman who directed him to work with a modeling agency. After leaving his job at Macy’s, Brasfield began to flourish in a professional, creative environment and would end up working with A-list celebrities, including Britney Spears.
While Brasfield was working as a successful makeup artist, he was simultaneously collecting items to furnish his two homes and two apartments. He amassed a giant collection of vintage items that range from clothing to home decor and found himself overwhelmed with his collection but had no time to slow down and deal with the piles of artifacts.
After years of fame