Life & Work with Marlene Waterman of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene Waterman.

Hi Marlene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in London to Barbadian parents, but I was raised in Brooklyn, New York, where my journey into makeup artistry unexpectedly began. Ironically, I wasn’t even interviewing for a makeup position at the time — I was actually on my way to interview for a receptionist job. While waiting, I helped a customer who complimented me on my appearance and personality. A cosmetics manager named Vivian Ferron noticed the interaction and told me, “You should be a makeup artist.” At the time, I barely wore makeup myself — maybe ChapStick if anything — but she saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself.

Shortly after, I began working for Naomi Sims Cosmetics, one of the first Black-owned cosmetic companies, at Abraham & Strauss, which later became Macy’s. That experience introduced me to the beauty industry, but what truly changed my life was a client I met early on who had vitiligo. She was extremely shy and uncomfortable being seen without heavy makeup. I gently worked with her privately away from the counter, matched her complexion naturally, and when she looked in the mirror, she cried. She told me no one had ever made her feel beautiful before. In that moment, I realized makeup was bigger than beauty — it was confidence, healing, and connection. That was the moment I truly became a makeup artist.

From there, my career continued to grow. I eventually joined MAC Cosmetics, where I spent over 20 years developing my artistry and working with people from all walks of life. Over the years, I’ve had opportunities to work with networks and productions including BET, ESPN, Fox News, and Nickelodeon. I expanded into airbrush makeup, prosthetics, bridal artistry, education, and color theory training, while also balancing motherhood and raising four children.

One of the most defining moments in my life came after losing my mother. I was devastated and searching for direction. During that difficult season, I truly leaned into my faith. I felt called to start over completely, even though it made no logical sense at the time. With four children depending on me, I walked away from financial comfort, stability, and a successful career in New York — including working alongside Rachel Zoe — and moved to Georgia over 10 years ago with no job lined up, no car, and only faith to guide me.

Starting over in Atlanta was not easy. I went from having an established career and financial security to rebuilding my life from the ground up. I knew what it felt like to live comfortably, but I also learned what it meant to struggle and live paycheck to paycheck while trying to create stability for my children. Still, I trusted that God would make a way, and He did. Within just a few years of relocating, I was able to become a homeowner — something that meant so much to me because one of my greatest dreams was to share a home with my mother before she passed away.

That experience taught me the importance of faith, resilience, and mental wellness. I want people to understand that success is not always linear. There are seasons where everything seems to align, and there are seasons where you are simply surviving and trying to find your footing again. Through it all, staying grounded, protecting your mental health, and keeping faith in God and yourself can carry you further than you ever imagined.

Today, I continue to work in both the medical field and beauty industry while building new opportunities that align with my passion for helping others feel confident and cared for. One of my current goals is expanding into funeral home cosmetic services — helping families preserve dignity, peace, and beauty for their loved ones during some of life’s hardest moments.

Looking back, my journey has never been just about makeup. It has always been about people, compassion, connection, healing, and using artistry to help others see themselves differently. No matter where life has taken me, that purpose has remained the same.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, but all worth it! Some of the struggles were literally starting all over again. and not having my best friend, who was my mom, by my side…… a new city, new clients, and the thought of having to adapt to what the perception of an Artist is. Ultimately, I would do it all over again. I walk by FAITH, no matter what!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for my makeup artistry, my compassion for people, and my attention to detail. One thing that has always been important to me is making people feel comfortable, confident, and seen. I believe makeup should enhance who you are — not hide you. My overall aesthetic is very skin-focused. I love makeup that looks polished, radiant, and natural, where skin still looks like skin and people still feel like themselves when they leave my chair.

Over the years, I’ve specialized in beauty makeup, editorial makeup, airbrush makeup, special effects makeup, and restorative makeup. I’ve had the opportunity to work in many different areas of the beauty industry, from television and entertainment to bridal and education, and each experience has helped shape me as an artist. I’m also very passionate about color theory and teaching others how makeup can be both creative and transformative.

What sets me apart is the level of care and connection I bring to my clients. For me, makeup is never just about appearance — it’s about trust, confidence, and creating an experience where someone feels valued. I go above and beyond to make sure every person who sits in my chair leaves feeling beautiful, empowered, and cared for. Many of my clients have become long-term relationships because I genuinely care about people, not just the service itself.

What I’m most proud of, however, is being a mother to my four beautiful daughters. They have been my greatest motivation, my strength during difficult seasons, and my reason for continuing to push forward no matter what life has brought my way. Everything I do is rooted in love for them and gratitude to God for continuing to guide and sustain me through every chapter of my journey.

How do you define success?
I define success as staying consistent, being strategic, and never losing sight of your purpose or ultimate goals. To me, success is not just about accomplishments or financial gain — it’s about perseverance, growth, faith, and continuing to move forward even during difficult seasons.

Pricing:

• •Beauty Makeup application=starting at $175
• •Editorial/Photoshoot Makeup-starting at $250
• •Bridal Makeup-starting at $250
• •Headshots/ Branding Sessions-starting at $225
• •Special Effects & Restorative Makeup-custom pricing available

Contact Info:

• Website: “website currently in development. For booking and inquiries, please contact via email. The email is [email protected]
• Instagram: Facesbymarlene
• Facebook: Marlene Redd