Rising Stars: Meet Mary Flaa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Flaa.

Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Getting a degree in a completely unrelated field, I worked in the computer industry as an electrical engineer for 5 years in MN, all the while working in a salon as a makeup consultant on the weekends. I started doing makeup for weddings and headshots. When I knew I wanted to pursue makeup as a career, I quit my job, packed up my makeup kit, and moved to NYC.

I enrolled in classes at Parsons School of Design to sharpen my skills in the film and design which ultimately helped sharpen both my makeup and entrepreneurial skills. I also started test shooting with NYC fashion photographers and shopping my portfolio around. I was lucky enough to build my career in commercials and film from there. Because of my experience and schooling, I am considered a traditional makeup artist, who can also do out of kit special effects makeup.

I moved back to MN and immediately started working on projects there. 25 years ago, Graffiti Bridge was the first film I worked on. My resume includes some exciting projects. I worked out of MN for over 20 years and moved to Atlanta 4 years ago. I feel grateful to say I have been on many projects based here in Atlanta since then. Forging a career as a freelance makeup artist has not been easy, but certainly has being rewarding. I am so blessed to be able to make a living at doing something I love.

My mantra is and always has been “Let the beauty of your soul be the beauty you wear.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road, nor easy at times. As with any skill, one has to keep it honed and relevant constantly learning new techniques and products, and apply that so you will know what will work in a variety of situations on a variety of skin types. There also is the business side which is equally as important to learn and know as is the makeup side. Unless you work at a makeup counter as a makeup artist, you are a freelance makeup artist, jumping from gig to gig. You are your own boss, in charge of finding your own gigs, managing your own money, learning how to run a business, especially in the beginning. From there, if any one of us is lucky to build a career, you get repeat business so to speak.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am considered a traditional and out-of-kit sfx makeup artist. Not only can I apply makeup to makeup someone looks a better version of themselves, I can do what is referred to as out-of-kit sfx.

I am grateful and thrilled to be able to say I have done some fun, amazing projects in my career. I have worked with Prince on his projects a multitude of times, gone on tour with Steve Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. worked with the Cohen brothers, and have worked with and met so many amazing talented actors and other artists.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Be kind and humble, you never know where this crazy industry may take you.

Contact Info:

• Website: maryflaa.com
• Instagram: maryflaaforbeauty
• Facebook: maryflaaforbeauty