Celebrity Makeup Artist Danessa Myricks is near and dear to my heart. I first learned of her work when I was enrolled in Esthetics School. A portion of the esthetics license includes the study of makeup. On my first day of makeup theory, we were told to watch a video, and guess who pops up on the TV screen? Danessa Myricks! I was totally engrossed in her instructional dvd’s, and although unnecessary for my course, I watched them over and over. I learned so much from watching her paint, highlight, contour and apply lashes. She is an amazing artist. I finally got the chance to meet her at The Makeup Show Chicago. At the blogger’s preview were treated to a gift bag of Ruby Kisses (her makeup line). I have fallen in love with Ruby Kisses and have plans to do a contest for my YouTube subscribers very soon! I was even more excited to intereview Danessa and ask questions that I’ve always wanted to ask her. Read on….
When did you become a professional Makeup Artist?
I started doing makeup in 2000. It started out as a way to earn extra money while I was collecting unemployment. As a single mom it was not easy. Being laid off at 30 was traumatizing for me. I saw my whole life flash before my eyes. I was determined to position myself where nothing like that could ever happen to me again. I wanted to take complete control of my success and my income.
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| Makeup By Danessa Myricks |
What did it take for you to transition from Makeup Artist to Celebrity Makeup Artist?
Woking for free and testing with working photographers was the key to my rapid editorial success. When a photographer falls in love with your work and your spirit, they try as often as possible to connect with you and connect you to their clients. I tested on a regular basis and it soon after turned into steady work with hair and beauty publications and later with urban beauty & fashion publications as well.
Who was your first Celebrity Client?
Thats a great question. I’m not completely sure but I think it was the singing group 702.
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| Danessa Myrick’s DVD Collection A MUST have!!! |
What advice do you have for MUA who do not work with Celebrities but would still like to generate a substantial income?
Believe it or not, celebrity income is not necessarily the most substantial income. For me, the work that is considered “un-sexy” pays the most and it’s the most consistent. Even though having the opportunity to do a celebrity is cool and exciting, I truly believe that artists should really take time to pursue all of the other opportunities available. You will be surprised how much potential income exists for MUA’s who really THINK BIG!
Are you single or married?
I’m a single mom of two beautiful children. I have a 17 year old son and an 11 year old daughter. Initially I would feel a lot of guilt leaving them so often because I spend a lot of time on the road with many of my clients. The best strategy for me has always been to involve them in my business as much as possible. Whether it be taking them to work with me at trade shows or them helping me create names for product, I try to find some way to involve then in the process so they feel a part of the total picture and not just focus on the fact their mommy is going away again. It took a bit of getting use to but now they understand why and look forward to hearing about what I experienced while I was away and how they were a factor in my success.
What does your work schedule consist of?
Wow, thats a loaded question. Im always planning or executing every day of my life. In addition to working as a makeup artist to many regular clients, I also run a marketing and consulting company. I produce products, tours and shows for several hair and beauty brands. I also spend quite a bit of time on the road educating. I train artists both domestically and internationally. I also try to maintain a great deal of diversity in my workload. With diversity there is no such thing as a slow period.
Tell us something we would be surprised to know about Danessa Myricks?
Im a daredevil – Things like Skydiving can be addictive and not so long ago i was truly a nerd!
Please share 3 SisterPreneur business tips?
- You can BE, DO and HAVE anything you want in this business if you stay focused.
- Define your own presence – there may not be a title yet for what you can bring to the table.
- Look forward to the goals you have set as opposed to side to side at what your neighbor is doing. It is easy to get caught up worrying about what another artist is doing. The key is to stay focused on you and your personal vision for how you see yourself succeeding in the beauty business.
- Be Fearless! Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy! I’ve been guilty of that far too many times. Everything is possible as long as YOU believe it.
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| Danessa with her totally cool natural hair! |
