Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Merrill.
In 1981, Steven began his career behind the Chanel counter in Houston, Texas. Within three months, Chanel recognized his talent and promoted him to a full-time makeup artist, rotating its’ main accounts at Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Marshall Field’s and Sakowitz. Two years later, Steven opened his studio and offered state-of-the-art facials plus instruction. Steven has traveled extensively throughout the United States, appearing at special events in upscale boutiques and salons.
Steven studied under Hollywood makeup artists, Maurice Stein, as well as The Westmores, fifth generation makeup artists. Along the way, Steven created make-overs for clientele such as Cybill Shepherd, Queen Farida of Egypt, plus former models, Dianne DeWitt of Texas and the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue, Beverly Johnson.
He lived in Paris in the late 1980’s, where he worked for the award winning make up team of Jasmine. Steven’s working credits include the designers Bernard Perris, Sonya Rykiel, Dorthée Bis, Guy Paulin, Thierry Mugler, plus our very own Perry Ellis, Halston, Michael Vollbracht and Victor Costa.
Upon returning from Paris, Steven added hair services to his repertoire and has 23 years’ experience in color, styling, and cutting design.
Why would you demand a Steven Merill make-over? Many of you have experienced make-overs that barely exceed an extended infomercial of a particular product. Steven’s emphasis is on instruction that imparts the ability to duplicate the look. Steven’s make-overs include verbal recommendations on color and cut, skin care analysis, and true Hollywood make up lessons, where knowledge of makeup application is the focus. Steven’s skin care line is A-Cute Derm, developed by noted Houston dermatologist Dr. Esta Kronberg. Steven orders his cosmetic products directly from the manufacturers, giving him a larger selection of appropriate colors to choose from.
Although all of Steven Merill’s tools and products are for sale, customers are never obligated or pressured to purchase.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Growing up gay in south Mississippi was a challenge to say the least. This was the 60’s and 70’s and they didn’t have the word gay yet or if they did I didn’t know about it. So instead of having piano lessons and voice lessons, I had to play football, basketball, and baseball which I hated, but I found a refuge in the swim team at the local YMCA. Swimming on a swim team was frowned upon or was looked at curiously, since it wasn’t a contact sport. I made it through however and attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi, where I earned a degree in Business Administration.
I found my niche when I accepted a job managing seven departments in a McRae’s dept. store in Tupelo, Mississippi. One of the departments was cosmetics and one day a makeup artist from Chicago called to say he was “snowed in” and wouldn’t be able to be there for the makeup lesson appointments we had scheduled for him. I decided to step in and be the makeup artist. It was a BLAST, I ROCKED, the ladies loved me and that’s when I decided, I’m gonna be a makeup artist.
In 1983, I took my portfolio to a Houston Bank and based upon my clientele they loaned me $15,000 to open Steven Merrill Studio. That was 34 years ago. Staying small is a challenge on its own. Mainly you wear all caps. Marketing, promotion, bookkeeping, housekeeping, performing the services, etc., etc., etc., but I like being a small gem, so to speak. I wouldn’t like running a huge cosmetic/salon chain. You can’t be behind the chair and run more than one. I enjoy such a personal and long-term relationship with most clients. I have clients I have had for over thirty years.
I also am hearing impaired. I was born deaf in my right ear and have lost over half my hearing in the left. The hearing loss is genetic in nature. People are surprised when I tell them that I have a hearing deficit. I always tend to look at the positive.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I do hair, makeup, and facials. I am most prominently known for my makeup artistry. I specialize in individual makeup instruction. For the beginner and for those who feel they are stuck in a rut and desire a fresh look.
I celebrate for 34th year in business this October 16th. I’m proud that I have survived and prospered this long in an entity I created that has supported me for such a long time. That what I do makes others feel better about themselves. Many times, the makeup lesson or service has been a vehicle to building up someone who life has torn down through ordinary events, divorce, career setbacks, health crises, or abusive relationships. It is a great feeling to restore a smile to a sad face, or to show someone their own beauty when they have been told they possess none. I think service is what sets us apart. We offer product delivery services, we tend to run on time, we have a “pick-up” closet available 24/7 for clients to pick up product after hours. We also never pressure clients to purchase. My product sales are a result of teaching skills, not salesmanship.
Pricing:
- We offer a Facial/makeover special for first time clients. This includes a one hour facial, followed by a one hour makeup lesson. (includes take home instruction chart) This is a $190 value we offer for only $99.
- We also have cosmetic packages that are reduced 30%. Ex. If you take the makeup lesson and want to the purchase the products I use, you receive 30% off if you purchase them as a package.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2415 Rosamond Street, Houston, Texas, 77098
- Website: www.stevenmerrill.com
- Phone: 713-522-4115
- Email: psmerrill@sbcglobal.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenmerrillstudio/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/r2r/zLd1H3SCMQ9615cYituQ-A
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
