Check Out Lauren Harris’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Harris.

Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My interest in makeup began in high school. I was in a professional dance company that traveled a lot to perform. We had to learn how to do our own makeup to embody different characters and create specific images on stage. The more practice I got with it, the more I was able to do with makeup! So, I became the makeup artist for all of my friends when we would go hang out or attend different events like concerts or festivals. In college I would experiment with different styles and techniques on how to apply makeup on myself and my roommate at the time. I would watch and follow various YouTube artists like Michelle Phan, Renelyn Thomas, Jackie Aina, and more. I learned so much about makeup and makeup chemistry from them. After college in 2015 I moved to Atlanta to become a teacher, but still had the passion for makeup artistry. I wanted to expand my knowledge. In 2019, a great friend of mine told me about an amazing school, Industry Makeup Academy, where one of the gurus I used to follow on YouTube, Renelyn Thomas, was a co-founder. Without hesitation I enrolled in their night program and gained an immense amount of knowledge about makeup application, chemistry, techniques, different styles and cultural influences, branding and marketing, and more. I graduated from their program in February 2019 and have been a freelance makeup artist ever since!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth. I don’t think anything is smooth when you are becoming an entrepreneur. My biggest roadblock was always my confidence. I used to, and sometimes still do, feel like I was not good enough to branch out on my own and start my business. I was unsure how to market myself, build clientele, and network with other artists and brands in the beauty industry. Sometimes it is also hard to continue to push through some of the slow seasons that may occur throughout the year. The thing I had to remember, and what my mentor always would tell me at the start of my journey, was that I have the skills, the passion, and the knowledge to be fully successful in this industry. I just have to keep going no matter what and keep putting myself out there and make my brand known.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in bridal and editorial makeup. I also have a background in airbrush makeup and special effects makeup. I like to describe my signature style is a very clean, smooth, and natural look. Most of my clients either wear only a little makeup for special occasions, or have never worn makeup and want to enhance their natural features. My goal is to always provide an easygoing, positive experience for my clients. I want to take their vision of how they want to look and put it together seamlessly while making my clients feel and look like themselves. A lot of times people view makeup as a cover up or a way to completely change someone’s looks and features, which can be done if that is what the client wants. However more recently I feel that view has shifted in a positive direction. More people are seeing that makeup can be applied without completely changing who you are and how you look! The best response I receive is when a client looks in the mirror and says, “Wow! I feel so beautiful. And I still look like me!” This is why I do what I do.

What matters most to you?
My clients matter the most to me. How they want to look, feel, and experience my artistry is very important to me. My business is strictly client-focused. I am here to make sure their vision comes to life. I want to create a positive atmosphere when I am performing a service so that they feel safe and comfortable. I also want to ensure that no matter what, they get what they want. Even if it means having to go back and fix or change something about their look. They are the ones that will be wearing the makeup! So how they feel about how they look matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurennicoleartistry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurennicoleartistry

Image Credits
Vision Forward Media, LLC

Caitlin Tabilog Photography

Virginia Greene Photography

AES Photography