Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Dale.
Alexandra was born and raised in Western Massachusetts, in the rural town of South Deerfield. Growing up in the countryside gave Alexandra an appreciation of nature, outdoor activities and the understanding of the importance of self-expression. Art was a form of expression that Alexandra was drawn to, beginning in elementary school she developed her sense of style and studied different mediums to express herself through art.
After attending the Northfield Mount Hermon School, she graduated from Smith College with a degree in Studio Art and a minor in Exercise and Sports Studies. An avid athlete, Alexandra played volleyball and ran track throughout high school and college. Part of Alexandra’s beauty philosophy comes from understanding how to take care of one’s body and health, in order to feel beautiful inside and out.
After graduating from Smith, Alexandra worked for Harvard University in the Alumni Affairs and Development office in various administrative roles, including supporting the Vice President of Alumni Affairs and Development, as well as working for front line fundraisers and the events team.
During her four years at Harvard, Alexandra began to study makeup artistry as well as serving clients in a freelance capacity. After completing a number of makeup artistry programs, assisting professional makeup artists, attending makeup artist trade shows and continuing to freelance, Alexandra left her position at Harvard to follow her passion of makeup artistry. She worked as a Senior Makeup Artist at Sephora Prudential for three years, honing her craft and developing a wide range of makeup artistry techniques.
Once her craft was refined and there was a consistent demand for Alexandra’s work, she left Sephora to start Alexandra Makeup Artistry. There are two main philosophies that guide Alexandra’s approach to her freelance makeup artistry business:
1. To continue to perfect the craft of makeup artistry and hair styling. Alexandra strives to be the most versatile, efficient and creative makeup artist in the greater Boston area.
2. Approach client relations in the most communicative and collaborative way possible. Whether working with a photographer, video production company, a social media influencer or a bride, Alexandra’s makeup application and hair styling process is about hearing the needs and wishes of a client and translating that into the makeup application.
Currently, Alexandra serves clients throughout New England and New York. Her freelance work includes commercial video and photo shoots, which are booked through Ennis Inc. She is a Regional Artist for Nars Cosmetics and conducts private makeup lessons and group tutorial workshops.
Alexandra collaborates with photographers on corporate headshots, business branding shoots, family portraits, engagement shoots, boudoir shoots as well as images for designer lookbooks, fashion blog posts and social media influencers content. Lastly, Alexandra’s special event and bridal work is thriving; she completes an average of thirty weddings a year and is booked consistently for black tie events, professional speaking engagements, bridal/baby showers and ladies’ nights out.
Brand Resume:
Mullen Lowe, Reebok, Converse, Keds, Best Dressed, Merrell, TJX, Salon Acote, Boston Private, Sperry, Hasbro, Stride Rite, Pure Glow Tanning, Reveled Up: Event Marketing, TaylorMade, Akamai, Dartmouth Hitchcok Hospital, Transwestern, Boston Bollywood, Verizon Wireless, ConforMIS, Liberty Hotel, Adidas, Dynasty Models Inc.
Jenny Moloney Photography, Ryuji Suzuki Photographer, Caroline Talbot Photography
Production Companies Resume:
Don’t Panic Productions, Man With A Cam, Working Nation, GYK Antler, Up Top Films, Elevin Studios
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I had while developing my business was getting the experience I needed to be a versatile makeup artist. The way I dealt with that was always saying “yes” to new work experiences, even if I wasn’t getting paid or was nervous or felt like I didn’t have the appropriate skills. Those jobs I always learned the most and made me the well-rounded stylist I am today. My biggest advice for stylists developing their business is to always say yes to the gigs that scare you the most.
The biggest challenge of being a small business owner currently is balancing the time when I’m physically doing hair and makeup with consistent social media activity, attending networking events and promoting my business in other ways. I typically find myself working seven days a week between my administrative and advertising tasks, corresponding with clients and updating my social media.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alexandra Makeup Artistry – what should we know?
I’m most proud of the versatility of my business. I can serve and collaborate with such a wide type of client, that I’m able to consistently work with interesting, fun and challenging businesses and people. All of this different hair and makeup experiences inform how I approach my applications and techniques, making my work more elevated than a stylist who only does one type of work.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The three characteristics that make me and my business a success are:
1. Drive – I am driven every day to work on some aspect of my business and to continue to grow the reach of my business within New England.
2. Continuing Education – There are always new things to learn about hair and makeup styling. I make sure to make time in my schedule to attend workshops, assist other artists and read about the newest products to stay current and informed.
3. Passion – When I am working on makeup and hair, I feel alive, like electricity is running through me. This passion is at the core of my business and why I feel so lucky to be doing what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexandradalemakeupartistry.com/
- Phone: 413-364-7875
- Email: AlexandraTDale@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandramakeupartistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraMakeupArtistry/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexandraTDale
Image Credit:
Suzanna March, Iryna Gorb, Kelsey Kunigonis, Steph Larsen, Ashley O’Dell, Elia Photography, Jenny Moloney
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