The last twenty years of my life have, in one way or another, been spent in the beauty industry.  I began my career as a model.  I was never a “super” model nor anything even close to that, I just did a few print jobs, loads of tests with photographers, was a glorified extra, and was also in a couple of commercials.

The experience was wonderful.   I was able to view the industry from in front of the lens, and work with with a slew of very talented makeup artists, hairdressers, stylists, photographers, producers and directors.

Events in my life forced a change in direction.  I now found myself behind the lens, working as a makeup artist, hairdresser, and stylist, with my primary focus on makeup artistry.

I supplemented my income in the slow summer months of Miami, by working as a freelance makeup artist for mainly, but not exclusively, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier.  Eventually I became a National Makeup Artist for Laura Mercier, then went on to become an Account Executive for Phyto Hair Care, all the while accepting freelance jobs on the side.

Presently,  I find myself in Chicago, and am working exclusively as a freelance makeup artist with both private and corporate clients.

There is an inexplicable joy I get from making women feel beautiful.  Perhaps it seems silly, and in many ways the entire industry is rather silly.  However, there is nothing silly about the fact that nearly every time a woman sits down in my chair, she always begins by telling me how ugly she is; immediately pointing out all her perceived flaws.  This is so far from silly that it’s actually heartbreaking.  Oddly, this behavior knows no bounds.  I’ve heard the same from sixteen year old models as I have from eighty year old grandmothers.

I always focus on a woman’s beauty rather than her flaws.  I do treat, correct, and conceal, but also make her feel good about herself, and teach her what I’ve done so that she can recreate both the look and feeling of empowerment that comes with self assurance.

My latest favorite quote is as follows,  “There are no ugly women; there are only women who do not know how to look pretty.”  – Antoine P. Berryer  …and for that darling, you have me!

Please feel free to contact me here via email, or simply by posting a comment, question or concern.

Talk to you soon,

Stacy