Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Goeddertz.
Courtney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The story of how I fell into being a makeup artist isn’t very exciting. I was trying to figure out life and where I wanted to attend college. In the meantime, I started working at a makeup counter in The Woodlands mall. I was very shy, the thought of applying makeup and talking to a stranger terrified me at first.
I was self-taught, my mother definitely didn’t teach me how to apply makeup, luckily I had always been creative so learning new applications and techniques came naturally to me. Once I became more comfortable with it, things took off. I started getting requests to do weddings and other events. Time flew by before I knew it, I had been there for four years. I was recruited to work at Neiman Marcus for Bobbi Brown cosmetics. Throughout my 4+ years with Bobbi Brown, I became an expert in color matching all skin tones as well as giving makeup lessons. I must say, the difference in just applying versus teaching your clients how to do it themselves is huge. Bobbi Brown taught me that less is more, most of my clients love the natural look, as do I for my own makeup style. It helps one to not overthink it, just do what you love and feel comfortable with. I’ve never been one to follow trendy styles whether it be clothing or makeup.
After years of being a makeup artist, I finally found myself engaging with my clients in such a natural way, no matter what the age difference was. I was able to joke with them, connect and talk about personal things. They would open up about whatever issues they were dealing with. It was and is an amazing feeling being able to help someone’s confidence. You never know what one is going through. I’ve had clients who are fighting for their life in my chair, going through a divorce, trying to get a new job, going on a first date. I’ve recently had several male clients reach out, one mentioned he had been going back and forth whether or not to reach out to me. He was worried it would make me uncomfortable. This opened my eyes, I never really thought about it before. In a society where people are so judgmental, I can imagine how many others are feeling the same way. I was so happy he worked up the courage to email me and I assured him I would love to work with him, I welcome everyone to be a client of mine and I do not discriminate. A good person is a good person in my eyes. I think what has kept me in the industry for nearly 12 years now are the connections I have with my clients. To be able to make such a difference is so rewarding and I have a blast while doing so!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with any career, nothing is easy. Working in the corporate world, things are very political. I’m a hard worker, always looking for ways to improve and work smarter. I was passed up on several promotions which were given to those I’ve worked alongside whom pretty much barely worked… After being burned for a third time, I decided to do something about it. The day after I found out someone else was given the title I was sure I would get, I was told my aunt’s cancer had returned and she only had about a week to live.
After losing many loved ones in my life, including my brother just a few years prior, it reminded me life is too short to be unhappy. I spent every day that week by her side and when she peacefully passed away in her sleep, I went back to work the next day and put in my two weeks. I went to work for a Houston based cosmetic company for two years as the National Sales Trainer, absolutely loved what I did however it was a very unhealthy work environment. I left that company in 2018 and have been on my own since, partnering with several other artists and local cosmetic companies such as FACEFORWARD cosmetics. Many amazing products, several listed in my IG posts along with a DIY makeup tutorial. Promo Code – Courtney gets you Free Shipping! Shop small!!
Makeup By Courtney Paige – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an on location makeup artist, I specialize in weddings, makeup lessons, and natural makeup. I do a lot of My First Makeovers, teaching young women how to apply their makeup in an age-appropriate way. There are a lot of influencers out there on social media and their idea of makeup is not ideal for 10-16 years old but unfortunately they’re watching these videos and thinking that’s how they should apply their makeup. I like to get a hold of them before they start these bad habits. I also have many women who are 30+ years old and have never learned how to do their makeup. They reach out and feel embarrassed, not realizing how common this is. Do not feel ashamed, you’re not alone!!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I have been blessed to gain a healthy client following over the years to where I am able to be self-employed, not working for a retailer where I have to work every weekend, late nights, and even holidays. I have self-discipline, I absolutely hate being late to my clients. Many artists do not think this way so for that, I am grateful. I think it is important to have a good work-life balance but I am definitely one to prefer to take on a ten person wedding overtaking a weekend trip somewhere. Having the ability to make that decision for myself though is a powerful feeling!
Pricing:
- Makeup Application (Includes Lashes) $100
- Makeup Lesson (1.5hrs) $150
- Group Lessons (4+) $100 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makeupbycourtneypaige.com
- Phone: 281-871-1819
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @courtneypaigemakeupartistry
- Other: https://ffcosmetics.com
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