Today we’d like to introduce you to Raney O’keefe
Raney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career as a Hair and Makeup Artist grew from my experience acting in plays and musicals. I truly relished in the time backstage getting into costume, applying makeup and transforming into my character(s). This interest, coupled with a deep desire to make more money and have greater autonomy over what my schedule looked like drove me to seek out a new specialty. I loved performing, but I wanted greater financial opportunities and to have flexibility in my day-to-day. I decided to enroll in a diploma program for Makeup Artistry at a design institute in Vancouver, BC and never looked back. This part of my story began while living in my hometown of Olympia, WA, and the rest has unfolded here in Atlanta.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve been fortunate to be able to do hair and makeup exclusively for about 18 years, but there are still times when the calendar in the months ahead look a little bare and I have to summon my faith that all will be just fine. The nature of freelancing brings risk and at times volatile income security (never mind during a pandemic!). But I stay grounded by the fact I’ve built strong relationships and a solid reputation that has served me through the years. I’ve worked really hard to build a business that is steadfast and trustworthy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
From an objective point of view, I offer a more natural, luminous, less-is-more makeup result. I’m glad to do full-glam applications, or vintage inspired makeup, etc., but my evergreen approach is to help people look and feel fresh and polished, without too much pressure to be doing “all the latest things”.
As I am now celebrating my middle-age years, I am really leaning into working with women who are in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond. It gives me a profound feeling of contentment and satisfaction in my work to meet a woman where she’s at, and not minimize concerns, but rather address them frankly. No smoke and mirrors or empty promises, but maybe a fresh new approach and some new techniques to help build confidence.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Hmm…interesting question. I think I’m lucky to have started my career during a time when websites were extremely rare for an artist. I had one-which stood out. Social media was in its infancy (Facebook was barely two years old), and networking was still being done primarily *gasp* IN PERSON. It was a lot of old-fashioned hand-shaking, business card-exchanging, and showing up at cocktail networking mixers back in the beginning. I even paid for print advertising! That early hustle has paid dividends toward lasting relationships with fellow business owners, referral business and repeat clients. So it was logistically harder to grow a business back then, but I am so so lucky that I did it the way I did.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raneyokeefe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raneyokeefe/
Image Credits
Kate Belle Photography
Ben Vigil Photography
Christopher Munn Films
Brittney Mullins Photography
Sarah Sunstrom Photography
Ali Harper Wittorf
