Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen McCaslin.
Maureen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Houston when I was ten after spending my early childhood in a rural setting outside of Austin. I’ve always had an interest in art, fashion and acting. In high school, I participated in some fashion shows and later attended Paige Parkes acting classes, as my interest blossomed.
After attending Houston Community College, I started gravitating to makeup. About five years ago, I began educating myself in the art of makeup. I purchased lots of makeup products and became determined to improve my skills and create my own style.
I would sit in front of a mirror for several hours at a time practicing and trying new techniques. Instead of watching YouTubers and recreating their styles, I wanted to have the artistic freedom to learn my personal style first. Slowly I started getting more comfortable. A passion for makeup was ignited in me and I knew this was my dream career.
It takes patience and dedication, but the pure creativity that flows through me when I pick up a brush has changed the way I see the world.
As I improved, friends and family liked what they saw and began asking me to do their makeup.
The first full-face I did was my sisters-in-law for a Valentine’s Day dinner. From that point on more friends came to me for my services. I dedicated my Instagram account (@makeup_with_maureen) solely to my makeup and to start promoting my business/brand.
To get started in the editorial world, I would do my own makeup for photoshoots that I was modeling for. Then I progressed to doing makeup on other models and collaborating with professional photographers.
As I gained expertise, I began taking on large projects such as weddings, where I work on multiple face types while on a time crunch and have the responsibility of making someone feel incredible and ready for their big day.
I now also provide tutorials focusing on different makeup techniques to my clients and followers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My advice for those just starting the journey is to allow yourself to be a beginner. We all start somewhere, and part of the process is to learn, grow, and make mistakes. That being said, remember to set clear expectations with your clients. Draw up a contract so there will be no last-minute changes and surprises for you or your client. It’s important to know your worth and to set boundaries. When taking on bigger projects, don’t be afraid to team up with more experienced makeup artists and listen to their advice. Remember, in makeup, there is always more to learn.
The biggest struggle now has been COVID-19 coming to Houston. It has delayed or canceled events. And social distancing when needing to touch someone’s face has made it difficult. But persistence, video consultations, and tutorials have become key during this uncertain time
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Makeup With Maureen – what should we know?
I am most known for my sensitive approach and attentive listening to what the client truly wants. My personal motto is: “Being a good makeup artist is not putting your own personal style on someone else. It’s listening to your client and finding out what they are most comfortable with and giving them the best version of that.”
For me, a big fundamental in makeup is not just applying it to a face but to teach others how to identify their own style and demonstrate how they can apply their everyday look to showcase their favorite features. It’s not about what we as makeup artists think their best features are but what they see as their favorite features. What makes them feel the most beautiful version of themselves.
I love what I do because helping people feel good about themselves fosters their own confidence and positive body image.
For the special moments in their lives, I am there to help achieve the look they want, whether it be for weddings, photoshoots, graduations, proms, and more.
My makeup work has been featured in photographer’s portfolios and publications.
I’m proud of every face I do, whether for your special event or for a professional publication.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I believe women are very well positioned to be entrepreneurs, which allows for flexible work schedules. Being a Makeup Artist can be a full- or part-time endeavor, so women already in a career could do it as well as mothers staying home with children. I have been able to work my schedule around my daughter.
Contact Info:
- Email: makeupwithmaureen@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_with_maureen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Maureen-McCaslin-Makeup-1007604842771341
Image Credit:
Glitter Warrior – Photographer Pix Art Images LLC, Model Nadia Tishler
Downtown Houston – ArtisticOne Photos
Milk Bath – Lil’Bit Of Texas Photography
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