Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Spry.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Sure. I started out in the beauty industry by being a direct seller with a global cosmetic company. Because I take everything with my name attached to it seriously, I tend to research, study information and try things myself to share my own testimony of products, services, etc. which resulted in me diving deep into products I sold. With my research and learning products, I began to learn the importance of skincare and how makeup application should be applied in conjunction with the benefits of color cosmetics. For the duration of my time with this particular company, I progressed greatly in the business. I would eat, sleep, breathe skin care and color cosmetics. As a result of my passion, sales, and product knowledge I began having ladies ask me to do their makeup. In the beginning I was hesitant, but after successful appointments and recurring scheduled appointments; I realized I no longer wanted to sell products, I wanted to enhance client’s natural beauty. I then dived into studying the business side of artistry. Each encounter with makeup captivated me more and more into realizing makeup application as my passion. I found myself playing in makeup, perfecting my application, trying new looks on myself every day, and spending all my money on makeup products. After feeling confident in myself first, skills second, I decided to launch my business MKBeauty.
MKBeauty stand for Majestic Knowing Beauty. MKBeauty represents enhancing God’s Master Creation of Oneself. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are his works. (Psalms 139:4) Rather than fully transform you to look altered than who you are, I enhance your natural God-given beauty by highlighting your fabulous features. I’ve recently used MKBeauty interchangeably as Melanie Knows Beauty. That’s going to become a known hashtag #MelanieKnowsBeauty. BIG SMILE!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been smooth with a few bumps and turns here and there. Nothing major or too extreme, Thank God!
The only challenge I’ve experienced was leaving my hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I started my business and built repeat high profile clients and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. I’m now rebuilding my brand and building high profile clientele in Georgia. I’ve been blessed with opportunities when I first moved I’d never imagined would happen so soon upon my arrival. Because of endless opportunities here, I know I am where I am supposed to be.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m the creator and owner of MKBeauty Artistry. I am a professional makeup artist specializing in & known for my personalized natural glam for all ethnicity. Often times, we see an image of a look we’d like to duplicate (that’s perfectly fine) what I like to do is give the “look” a twist or spin personalized to my client most noticeable feature, or personality, occasion, attire, whatever that identifiable thing is to them I give it to them. Example: If I’m shown an inspirational image I may opt to change the lip color from nude to red giving my client more boldness and sas! To my surprise, a lot of women are fearful of a red lip. They identify it to the older generation, their parents or grandparents…lol! Which is beyond insane! If that’s the case, the older generation walked in their boldness with confidence hunni… lol!
What I’m most proud of as an artist is the respect I have gained and earned. The number of bookings received since launching as a makeup artist. The women I have come in contact with and places my work has landed from television, film, fashion shows, red carpets, publishings, prom, weddings, and more has been phenomenal. There’s still more to come!
I’m not sure what sets me apart from others, I think there are alot of AMAZING artists out there and we are all equally talented thriving in our craft. I will say, what I’ve come to realize is I don’t claim to be “booked and busy”. I claim what’s for me WILL NOT pass me by & doing the most won’t necessarily make me the most. I’m purpose-driven and profitable.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I absolutely feel like Atlanta is a great place to start as a MUA. The market is massive and there’s always work for everyone. What I love the most, people in Atlanta are willing to share information, resources, and collaborate with others in their industry. When I moved here I received so much love and support. Someone is always looking for a makeup artist, people are networking and asking around for someone in your industry.
I can remember receiving a call one day asking if I was available in 2 hours to help with a fashion show! I was so terrified but excited to have been thought of to receive the call. The call came from someone hearing a conversation in a salon and told them about me. I received the call on the spot with details of where to go and arrival time. How amazing was that, right?! I jumped up, gathered my kit and went to the show. From that show, I was asked to join the team as their house makeup artist. I’ve also received calls being told come to premiere screenings with media room access. Atlanta is a mini Hollywood. Work is always available. The success is up to the individual to succeed. We all can win in Atlanta!
Pricing:
- Full Face Application (Includes Lashes) $75
- Bridal Makeup $125 (Additional information applies)
- Bridal Trial $75 (Additional information applies)
- Bridal Party $75pp (Additional information applies)
- Photoshoot $125 (Email for additional information)
- Production Shoots (Email for additional information)
Contact Info:
- Address: Sandy Springs, GA 30342
- Website: msha.ke/mkbeauty
- Phone: 225-936-8225
- Email: MakeupbyMKBeauty@gmail.com
- Instagram: MKBeauty
- Facebook: MKBeauty
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