Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Koegel.
Madison, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was actually born in LA and moved to Atlanta in 2006. I remember in middle school always getting so upset every semester I wasn’t assigned an art class. Finally, in high school, I got to choose 2D and 3D art — I was ecstatic! I moved to the advanced art classes but it wasn’t until I graduated high school that I found my passion for a different art form: hair and makeup. Friends would ask me to help with their makeup for prom and homecoming, and I realized my love for it. I love using faces as my canvas to create new looks and enable woman to see the beauty they possess. I have been freelancing for five years now and it never gets old.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think a ‘smooth road’ exists when you’re passionate about it! The biggest obstacle for me was the time it took to realize what I was actually good at. I tried any and every medium possible. Charcoal? Hated it. Colored pencil? Fun, but wasn’t any good at it. Eyeshadow palettes and a curling wand? Yes, please! Needless to say, I faced many frustrations after each failed medium. My biggest piece of advice would be have patience. You are going to fail and you are going to try multiple things that just don’t work for you and that’s okay! There is no rush in your journey whatsoever. So, enjoy the lessons learned and enjoy perfecting your craft.
what should we know about Grace & Glory Hair and Makeup? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I pride myself in my style of makeup. I started my journey trying to copy what everyone else in the makeup industry was doing: heavy contour, extreme eye makeup, etc. And not to say that those styles are bad, it just didn’t fit me and what I wanted to emit. Through the years, I decided I wanted my skills to focus on natural and softer makeup, especially since most, if not all, of my clients, weren’t used to wearing heavy amounts. After I birthed Grace & Glory, I advertised my services mainly as ‘bridal beauty looks.’ However, if you go on my Instagram, you’ll see a few photos of myself dabbling it more creative makeup looks and even some special fx makeup! I want my brand to help women see the beauty they have on the inside and out. And if I can do that with my skillset in the hour to two hours I have with them, I’ve done my job.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
To most people, this wouldn’t seem like there is any correlation of my experiences with my success today, but I am so thankful for them! My parents did a fantastic job of instilling in us the importance of being brave, trying new things, and just having fun! I’ve travelled to England, Japan, and so many other places before graduating high school. I’ve been put in tough situations where I had to step up in leadership and resolve the problem. I’ve learned how to communicate with people from all walks of life as well as build up the courage to be bold and go after what I want! My experiences growing up will heavily influence the way I raise my children and the life I want them to have.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8189351727
- Email: maddykoegel@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_graceglory_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/graceandgloryhairandmakeup
Image Credit:
Madison Koegel
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