Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Danielle.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I never saw myself becoming a freelance makeup artist. I grew up an athlete and I was pretty much anti-anything “girly”. I was always interested in art, painting and anything where I could show off my creative side. It wasn’t until I started attending the University of Alabama when I was approached to join a modeling troupe on campus that I started learning about makeup. They had little sessions teaching us how to “beat our faces” (apply makeup). I realized that doing makeup was literally art on your face and that ignited my passion. For a couple of years after that, I started trying to master my own face by watching YouTube tutorials and practicing whenever I had free time. One of my coworkers approached me about doing her face for her graduation pictures around 2016 and even though I was scared I wasn’t good enough I tried it out. The rush of making someone feel more beautiful and confident about themselves was amazing and I decided I wanted to start doing makeup for clients. I started to practice on my friends, family, and anyone who would let me near their faces, really. After a year of working on my skills, I launched my first beauty page UAglam and started trying to build clientele. It was a very slow, rocky start but over time, I started getting booked and eventually I had more clients in a day than I could handle. In 2018, I rebranded myself and launched Beauty Mark Artistry. I took a leap of faith and decided to move my business out of my apartment and into a new professional studio in Tuscaloosa called Catch the Beats Makeup Studio owned by Ro Monroe. Being there alone, I have learned so much just by being given the opportunity to work with the other artists. I’ve now been there a little over a year and I’ve been able to make connections with amazing models, photographers and other makeup artists who push me to be my best.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think it’s easy for anyone starting a new, small business. It definitely wasn’t for me, and there were many times I wanted to give up. I was battling some mental health issues when I first started trying to start my business and along with not performing my best in classes, struggling with personal relationships and spending all my money on trying to build my makeup kit without having any clients, I was in a really low place and I felt like a failure. I would often think about my purpose in the world and if everyone would be better off without me in it. But makeup was my escape; anytime I was struggling I would do my face and it would make me forget about all of the negative things up against me. One of my friends gave me the push I needed and reminded me I can’t run away when things get tough and because of that, my business is still going now. I also was able to meet another makeup artist in the area, who became one of my best friends and business inspirations and she keeps me motivated all the time.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in natural and HD makeup for photoshoots since most of my clientele books appointments for graduation photoshoots and events. I also do bridal and avant-garde makeup, I think I’m known for my use of bright colors, cut creases and for my editorial work. I’m most proud of my ability to work in a makeup studio. I balance a full course load, working almost full-time as a server, paying bills and booth rent and still working at the studio a few days a week, and that’s a really big deal for me. I wanted to give up and I never thought I would get to this point. My versatility is what sets me apart. When I first started Beauty Mark Artistry, I wanted to be an artist who was able to accommodate anyone regardless of race or gender. I know so many people who have had bad experiences because makeup artists couldn’t match or didn’t have products for their skin tone, or just didn’t know how to do makeup for people of color, in general. It’s a terrible feeling and I want anyone who sits in my chair to feel accepted and beautiful.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice for networking is to just put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to talk to other people in your industry because we all had to start somewhere and most of us are struggling with something. Ask questions, that’s how you learn. Talk to your clients and customers and build relationships because talent can only take you so far, it’s also about who you know. Trying to attend and be a part of meetups and industry fairs has really helped me get my name out there as well as interact with other people in the creative world/beauty industry.
Pricing:
- Natural Glam w/ lashes $60
- Soft Glam w/ lashes $70
- Full glam w/lashes $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://square.site/appointments/book/6T22E7WH7R9BX/beauty-mark-artistry-tuscaloosa-al
- Phone: 6782345778
- Email: leah_danielle24@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymark_artistry/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/beautymarkartistryy/
Image Credit:
Caroline Japal, Kourtney Iman, Tyla Knox, Tanesha Childs, Leah Danielle
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