Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie Khalaf.
Maddie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew when I was 5 that I loved makeup. When I would go to CVS with my mom, when she wasn’t looking, I would throw dozens of multi-flavored, multi-colored lip smackers in the carriage, and she would give in and let me get 2 or 3.
When I got home, I would scurry up to my room and put them in a shoebox that I had all of the other ones hidden from the previous shopping trips. I realized I must have had over 60 of them at this point. None ever used, because I just used to like to look at them and admire the colors. Ultimately, the lip smackers turned into makeup, and I found myself reading lots of magazines and devouring everything I could about it. I soon realized that this would be something that wasn’t a passing hobby, but something that I really enjoyed, and I knew that because the feeling never waned.
When I was 14, I used to go to the mall and stop at the MAC counter and talk to the employees and try things on. I told them I really wanted to work there but they told me I needed to be 18. So, four years later I went back and said “I’m 18, and I want to work here.” They knew how tenacious I had been because I was always there and they knew that I really meant what I said and they gave me a chance. I was the youngest person on their team, I had lots of experience even though I was the youngest from being self-taught and practicing.
I have been working at MAC in Burlington, MA for about 4 years now, and I am so grateful for the experiences I have had, knowledge I have gained, and friendships I have formed.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think that anything worth having is never a smooth road. I have definitely had my share of ups and downs. When I first started my makeup career, I was extremely shy and never felt confident in myself. After working in this industry, I have found that in order to be trusted by your clients, confidence is key. That did not come easy, and it absolutely takes time, patience, and practice.
There were many times that I wanted to quit because I did not feel like I was successful enough, but I am glad that I pushed through and simply gave myself time to evolve. Scroll ahead to now, and I would have never thought that my artistry and confidence would ever come this far. If you had met me four years ago, you would have thought I was a completely different person! I am so much happier now, all because I didn’t give up on myself.
Please tell us about Makeup by Madeleine.
Makeup by Madeleine is a company that prides itself in giving people confidence, and allowing them to show their true beauty that already exists.
People tend to think that makeup is this superficial, one-dimensional thing, where you have a fashion show and all the models need to look beautiful, and that’s fun and exciting, because you get to experiment with different colors and techniques.
However, what draws me to it is when I get to help people that may have been in an accident that has disfigured their face, or they have an illness and their hair is falling out from all of the chemotherapy and radiation, and I can put makeup on them, and put eyebrows on them, and make them feel like they are who they were before they were sick. Even if it makes them happy for a day, you feel like you’ve given them something to feel alive again and not think about their illness. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to do makeup for the annual Catwalk for Cancer event held in Westford, MA, and I was so grateful I was able to help those women feel their absolute best.
I also specialize in bridal makeup, special effects, and editorial makeup. My proudest moment was doing makeup for my client turned friend, Michelle Romano, at the Daytime Emmys in Pasadena, CA this year.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would not change a thing. My quiet personality allowed me to listen, think, and learn before conveying my opinions. Being a shy, nervous, person did end up hurting me at times, because I used to get walked all over and taken advantage of, but I have come out a much stronger person because of it. I have learned so much throughout my journey, and continue to do so. I still make mistakes, but have gained so much by observing and being true to myself. If I had done anything differently, I may not have had the same wonderful opportunities that I have been given, or be the person I am today.
Pricing:
- Bridal Makeup: $150
- Bridesmaids: $90
- Photo shoot/Prom/Other Special Events: $90
- Character/Special Effects Makeup: $100/hour
- All Prices Include False Lashes
Contact Info:
- Email: maddiekhalaf@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupartist_madeleine/
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