Experience:
While studying graphic design, I worked for several cosmetic lines and photography studios. I was styling hair and doing makeup artistry, working my way through college. Upon completing a degree in graphic design and after working as a graphic designer for a few years, I found that my true passion all along was makeup and hair artistry. My education as a designer gave me a strong understanding of color theory, light, balance, and form. I had an eye for detail and precise application that has influenced the artist that I am today.
Realizing my true passion, I had the opportunity to move from Sacramento to San Francisco for a training position with Laura Mercier cosmetics and I ended up working for them for about 14 years. Laura had taught me true artistry skills on how create a flawless face and that beauty is in one’s uniqueness. It was here that I got the opportunity to work alongside celebrity artist Laura Mercier for Master classes. I loved her philosophies and techniques for making skin simply look beautiful. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many talented Global Artists that travel the world sharing the beauty of different cultures and styles. I have many great mentors and I have been able to mentor and train other inspiring artists, and I feel very blessed for that.
Now with over a decade of experience, I specialize in doing hair and makeup for weddings, special occasions, boudoir, commercial shoots, video, and makeup classes. I am active in the makeup and hair community, keeping up with current trends premiering at Trade Shows, Makeup Conventions and taking classes for continued education.
When I am not working I am mostly likely with my family, husband Dave or our dog Sonny, who both brighten my life everyday.
How it all began:
As a young child my mother would scold me not to go through her makeup, so I would take anything I could get my hands on including Kool-Aid to look like I was wearing makeup. I remember getting sent to the bathroom at my Grandparent’s house for a time out and I decided to go through all of my Grandmothers makeup and nail polishes. I then proceeded to draw murals on the walls with all of the colors. Needless to say, my fascination with color and makeup started at an early age.
Personal Experience:
When my mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, she went through Chemo and radiation therapy causing her to lose her eyebrows and hair. I remember how she just wanted to look normal with natural looking eyebrows although she had none. It was challenging bringing back natural glow back to her skin. She wanted to look her best despite the fact she didn’t always feel her best. The little things like eyebrows, blush, and a little bronzer made her feel more like herself. As I was going through this with my Mother and learning what ingredients where safe for her skin, I came across so many women that were going through the same thing. I realized this is a small way that I could help, and it showed me the impact that makeup artistry has.