When I was younger I envisioned a life quite different from the one I am living. At 15, I thought by 18 I will be living on campus across the country, enjoying being a business / music major. At 17, I realized going away to school wasn’t an option being I missed my 11th grade year (due to an illness) and had to take on two years in one & I wanted stay close and take care of my grandma. I knew community college would be the best route to take. By 18, I said “hey, I’ll do the 2 years & transfer to a four year school. no problem” Well…I did it in two years but my grandma condition worsened. I knew going away wasn’t an option. So I looked for schools in NY. I looked into business/music schools but none of them intrigued me. I ended up staying close & settling for majoring in Business. I took on business with excitement but after my 2nd semester, I was drained & wanted to learn about music & art. After speaking with an adviser, he suggested Media & Communication w/a minor in Marketing (since the only part of business I cared for was Marketing & Advertising)..and so I did. I switched my major, which pushed me back another semester…or two.After college, I didn’t even work in my field. I got a full time job as a receptionist (to pay bills) and even though the pay was decent for a recent graduate, I wasn’t happy. While working, I would google careers in Media & out of all the careers listed, I gravitated towards makeup artist. So, I worked for about a year, saved money & then left with another career in mind…beauty!

I enrolled in Makeup Designory (MUD) in NYC. I had no clue about beauty or makeup but it came to me being I knew a bit about art. I wasn’t much to look at b/c I didn’t care for fashion or beauty. So to me, it was & still is funny that I’m in this industry. I took on the beauty program…moved to Brooklyn attended MUD full time, came home to LI on the weekends. Everyday for 31 days straight.

After completing the class, I was on MUD’s career services website & saw a posting for an Intern for The Powder Group. So, I emailed them with why I’m interested in interning with them & a little about myself. Well, that email changed my life. I met with Michael DeVellis, we talked, laughed & **BAM** I was TPG newest intern. At the time, I didn’t do much makeup because I was learning the production side of it. I helped set up for workshops & classes, assisted on photo shoots, helped with Evolution, helped with the marketing for The Makeup Show & even assisted when they created On Makeup Magazine. I even got to work with The Metropolitan Pavilion, exclusively for The Makeup Show including NYC, Miami & LA. Seeing the presenters at shows & even one-on-one classes, made me realize I wanted to focus more on my artistry. I mean after-all I had this expensive makeup kit from MUD, I wanted to put it to use.

Well..that didn’t happen. During this time, my grandma passed, I moved from LI to upstate, I was working part-time, still trying to figure out what to do with my life (again…major curveballs). I was at the point where I wanted to give up…nothing mattered to me, I lost my grandma!! At 25, I was confused, lost & scared. Thank God for my support at The Powder Group…Michael, James, Turner & Karen were extremely kind & helped me get through such a crazy time in my life. They pushed me to continue with my artistry!

I stepped away from The Powder Group…I didn’t give up, just needed some time. I ended up working part time, just for The Makeup Show & enrolled into cosmetology upstate by me. I don’t know why but when I’m going through something, I enroll in school, its an expensive habit!! I went to school part-time, worked in the city part-time & got a job at Chanel part-time. I don’t know how I did it, guess I just needed to stay busy. I stopped working with The Makeup Show, traveling into the city just wasn’t worth it (financially) but I didn’t stop completely…I continued to help out from home & when I got to the city. I stayed involved just not as much.

Cosmetology school was long…but I got through it & once I was done, I took the aesthetic program full-time…being that I demonstrated makeup looks & presented to school, I was able to get a sweet deal on my classes. I quite Chanel because they wanted a seller. Not me, I only sell if I know its what the client needs. So because my numbers were low, they would be on my ass everyday. I’m sorry but who is going to spend $55 on a foundation & $70 something on skincare in a recession no less?!…I’ll wait!

Well…I finally finished school and it gave me the time I needed to heal. I was ready & it was my time to get back to what I started. I decided I was a full time makeup artist. I had no excuse not to. I finished school. I wasn’t completely healed but better than before. So, I got back out there….started all over again. Going to events, helping out with The Powder Group & The Makeup Show. Even volunteered for Make Up For Ever. Best decision probably…because in time I actually became a freelancer with Make Up For Ever (MUFE).

Ok, I know its lengthy but I’m wrapping it up…so freelancing with MUFE changed my career. When I first started, I only wanted to work in beauty. Now, after working with such an amazing line, I see myself doing more FX, character stuff…I’m looking at makeup completely different. Examining it, loving it, wanting to just play & explore how to create. And with MUFE expanding, I’m here in LA somewhat managing a MUFE counter. 

I know when reading this (because I think this) you’re like “this chick could have been so far in her career” Like yes…I probably should be but eh, shit happens.

At 28…I didn’t think I would be a makeup artist. I didn’t think I would of drove cross country to take my career to another level. I didn’t think I would be working with one of the most prestigious professional makeup lines. I didn’t think I would have these personal & business relationships with so many talented artists & even living legends.

Nothing went right. But somehow, someway it all worked out. And I am learning & growing everyday…at 28, I am living!