Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Henderson.
Hi LaToya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into the film and television industry didn’t start with a roadmap, it started with passion. I’ve always been drawn to beauty, art, and storytelling. What began as a love for creativity evolved into a 20+ year career as a professional makeup artist in film and television. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working as a Department Head on major productions and serving as a personal makeup artist for incredible talent.
Like many creatives, I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of what I was building while I was building it. I simply showed up committed to excellence. Early on, I learned that this industry is built on relationships, reputation, and consistency.
As my career grew, so did my vision. I realized I wasn’t just a makeup artist, I was a storyteller. That realization led me to expand beyond artistry into producing. Today, I am the founder of Film Artist Company, where I develop short films, commercials, and digital content while continuing to offer high-level makeup artistry. Stepping into producing has been a full-circle moment, it’s a long-held dream that allows me to create opportunities not only for myself but for other creatives as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been without challenges. There have been seasons of uncertainty, contract negotiations, unemployment between projects, and moments where I had to bet on myself. But each season strengthened my faith, sharpened my business acumen, and clarified my purpose. I’ve learned that longevity in this industry requires reinvention, emotional intelligence, and the courage to evolve.
Today, I stand in a space of expansion. I’m building multiple revenue streams, developing digital products for creatives, mentoring emerging artists, and continuing to serve on productions at a high level.
If there’s one thread that ties my journey together, it’s this: I’ve never stopped believing that creativity is a calling. And I’m just getting started.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in cinematic beauty. Creating looks that translate authentically on camera while supporting character development and storytelling. My work ranges from natural, skin-focused realism to elevated glam, depending on the demands of the script and production.
As a Department Head, I lead teams, manage budgets, break down scripts, and collaborate closely with directors, producers, and costume departments to ensure continuity and visual cohesion. As a personal makeup artist for talent, my role shifts. It becomes about trust, discretion, consistency, and understanding how to protect and support the actor both on and off camera.
I’m known for my professionalism, calm leadership, and ability to elevate the energy of a set. I pride myself on being solution-oriented. Film sets move fast, and challenges arise daily. Whether it’s continuity adjustments, weather shifts, or last-minute rewrites, and I’ve built a reputation for staying grounded under pressure.
What sets me apart is that I see beyond makeup. I understand the full ecosystem of production. That broader perspective led me to launch Film Artist Company, where I now produce short films, commercials, and digital content. I don’t just think like an artist, I think like a storyteller and a producer.
I’m most proud of my longevity and the relationships I’ve built over the years. In an industry that constantly evolves, maintaining relevance and integrity for over two decades is something I don’t take lightly. I’m also proud of expanding my vision beyond one title. Transitioning into producing has been a defining milestone. It represents growth, ownership, and legacy.
At the core of everything I do is excellence, faith, and a commitment to creating spaces where other creatives feel valued and empowered.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience.
The film and television industry is unpredictable. Projects start and stop. Budgets shift. Creative visions change. There are seasons of intense work followed by seasons of stillness. What has sustained me for over 20 years is the ability to remain steady through it all.
Resilience has meant betting on myself when doors didn’t open immediately. It’s meant staying prepared even when the phone wasn’t ringing. It’s meant evolving. Moving from makeup artistry into producing, instead of becoming stagnant.
I also believe emotional intelligence plays a huge role in my success. As a Department Head and personal makeup artist, I work in very intimate spaces. I have to read the room, understand personalities, protect talent, lead teams, and collaborate across departments often under pressure. Being calm, observant, and solution-oriented has helped me build long-standing relationships in this industry.
Above all, my faith has anchored me. It has allowed me to move with purpose rather than panic. Success, for me, hasn’t just been about credits or titles, it’s about longevity, integrity, and continuing to grow without losing who I am.
Resilience has been the thread through it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.filmartistlatoya.com
- Instagram: Filmartist.co
Image Credits
Lelund Durond Thompson
Film Artist Company
