Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Chun
Leah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first dreamed of becoming a makeup artist when I received a special birthday gift from my mom on my 16th birthday—a lipstick and a lipliner from MAC Cosmetics. I was beyond excited and started experimenting with makeup, even sneaking around with my mom’s makeup since kindergarten!
In 2008, I decided to pursue my passion and attended the Joe Blasco Makeup Academy in Hollywood, with the goal of becoming a special effects makeup artist. While I did enjoy working with special effects, such as creating burns, mustaches, wrinkles, and bald heads, I found myself more drawn to the beauty side of makeup—making people feel and look their best. It was in that moment I realized I wanted to focus on enhancing beauty rather than transforming it.
After graduating, I returned to New York and began my career as a makeup artist, working in fashion, editorial shoots, and weddings. Over time, I discovered that I was particularly passionate about wedding makeup. There’s something incredibly special about being the first person to meet a bride and helping her feel beautiful on one of the happiest days of her life.
Currently, I am a makeup and hair artist based in Georgia, and it’s been two years since I made the move from New York. I still love what I do, and I feel incredibly grateful to be able to make people feel confident and beautiful every day.
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 was quite a struggle to find steady work in makeup at first, since it’s typically an event-based career, mainly on weekends. It’s not a daily career unless you work in makeup stores or department stores, where the opportunities are more entry-level. To start building my portfolio, I began by exchanging services with models and photographers, working on TFP (Trade for Digital).
I also realized that to succeed in wedding makeup, I needed to master hair as well. A bride’s style requires both makeup and hair to create a complete look. I had always told myself I wouldn’t do hair, mainly because my mom was a hairstylist throughout her career, and I never felt drawn to it like she was. However, I eventually realized that learning hair was essential if I wanted to succeed in the wedding industry.
So, I pushed myself to learn, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. It not only helped me grow in my career, but it also advanced my skills in ways I never imagined. I’m so grateful to my mom for instilling in me a sense of beauty, which has been a huge driving force in my career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Leah makeup?
Leah Makeup specializes in bridal makeup and hair, helping clients look and feel their best on their special day. We’re known for creating natural, timeless looks that highlight each person’s unique beauty. What sets us apart is our ability to provide both makeup and hair services, offering a complete and seamless experience.
We’re most proud of our work with brides, making sure they feel confident and stunning on their wedding day. Whether it’s a wedding, photoshoot, or special event, we focus on delivering personalized service and beautiful results. At Leah Makeup, it’s all about making our clients feel their best, inside and out.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I plan to expand my business by building a dedicated team here in Georgia. My goal is to grow Leah Makeup into a larger, more professional, and organized business, allowing us to offer an even higher level of service to our clients. With a strong team, I aim to reach more clients and take on larger events, ensuring that every client experiences the same exceptional quality and attention to detail that Leah Makeup is known for.
Contact Info:
- Website: @leahnymakeup
