1. Get out of your comfort zone
I landed my first job as a make-up artist straight out of make up school. After not getting the job I applied for I was very persistent and didn’t give up. I finally got the job that nobody wanted, applying make-up on the third floor in Toronto’s upscale Holt Renfrew for a new make-up line called Passport Cosmetics.

It was a travel-size make-up line from San Francisco. The reason nobody wanted the job was because it was in the middle of the denim section next to designer jeans, and not on the first floor in the cosmetics department where it would have made more sense.I was still excited because it got me in the door.

On my first day they gave me a cigarette tray filled with lip glosses and threw me on the sales floor. That day there was a big event upstairs and I was told to walk up to random customers and offer them a complimentary lip touch-up. I must admit, it was a little embarrassing…but I kept my head up, put my shoulders back, smiled, and still gave it my all.

I had a few sales that day and my manager was impressed, since those sales were more than anyone else had done before me.

My point is that sometimes getting out of your comfort zone can open doors and also reveal where your strengths are. I realized that although people may think that I’m shy or quiet because I’m not loud or boisterous; I have the guts to approach any customer when it’s necessary.

I’m grateful for some of those early experiences because I met some amazing make-up artists and good friends still working in the industry today.

2. You can always learn more
My first big event as a freelance make-up artist at Holts, was for celebrity make-up artist Laura Mercier’s first personal appearance in Canada.

I was so excited but a little nervous because this was a big deal. I felt more confident after an amazing training given to us by Laura Mercier’s trainer. It was straight forward, and her helpful tips prepared me for the big day. It was an unbelievable experience being there the next day at the event…all the artists standing in a row beside their make-up stations in our black Laura Mercier tee’s eagerly waiting to meet Laura.

She was so elegant and gracious and watched intently as we worked on our customer’s faces. At the end of day she said she was very impressed with our artistry. It was a great feeling to get her approval. I’ve worked on countless events since then, but I’ll never forget how that one event contributed towards my evolution as an artist. It made me more passionate about applying make-up and inspired me to perfect my craft.

3. Give thanks
I’ve learned so much from working with other make-up artists and I’m always inspired by their personal style and artistry. I think it’s important to give thanks and acknowledge the people that have helped you along your path. I remember a fellow make-up artist I met at work asked me to help her out of the city to assist her with a wedding.

It was a large wedding party and I was to do make up for some of the bridesmaids. It was my first time assisting for a wedding and I was excited but a little anxious as I hadn’t done many weddings before. I brought along my make-up brushes and some of my own make-up. The artist I was assisting had an oversized make-up kit that we both worked from.

I remember she gave me some advice that really stuck with me. She told me to invest in more brushes, I thought I had enough brushes but she told me that I needed a lot more.

She said I had a lot of make-up, but that building my brush set was more important. I took her advice seriously and every time I worked an event and was allowed to pick products for gratis (free product, for slaving away all day), I always chose make up brushes. It was a great piece of advice.

I also learned that even the people that aren’t supportive of you along the way are helping you as well. They make you stronger and better equipped to handle conflict. I use to avoid tension and conflict, it always gave me butterflies to have to confront someone or have to speak up in a disagreement.

After having to stand up for what I believed and learning to deal with difficult people, I felt more assertive, and less inclined to let people walk all over me when they thought they could.

In life you can’t avoid conflict, but it’s empowering to learn how to handle it well, and to not stoop down to someone else’s level.

4. Have a good reputation
Having a good reputation in this industry is key.

I’ve learned that having a positive attitude is so important in life and will really help you to stand out from the crowd. People want to work with people that have good attitudes. That doesn’t mean you have to be fake or be overly cheery, it just means to genuinely smile when someone says hello, and be pleasant to be around.

Attitude will get you farther than just talent alone in the long run, and people will remember someone’s attitude good or bad, so why not leave a good impression.

Also, this is a small industry and sooner or later you will probably run into someone that you once worked with again, and you may need their help. Your reputation follows you so make sure it’s a good one.

5. Be happy when others succeed
A lot of make up artists that I have known and worked with have gone on to do amazing things. Some have their own make up lines. I’m happy for their success because it inspires me to work harder and go after my dreams too.

Some have their own make up and hair studio, like my good friend Cherie and her husband Mario. They’re a talented hair and make up duo, and have a fantastic studio. Check out Hairpray n Gloss!

We should always be supportive of each other’s success and realize that someone’s gain is not our loss. As artist’s we have something different and unique to offer and there’s always room for more talent is this world.

6. Be yourself
Compete with only yourself and your last effort. As one make up artist told me, “You’re only as good as your last make up.” Don’t get comfortable, you can always learn more and improve your skills. You have to make the effort every time and be proud of your last make over.