Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Mack.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always knew I would want to work in the beauty industry. As a teenager, I always loved trying new makeup and hair looks on myself. I attended cosmetology school in 1996. I actually went to school with the intention of doing just hair and never thought about doing makeup as a career.
After doing hair for a few years, I decided I needed a change and went into retail which is where I got my first job behind a cosmetics counter.
It was really intimidating at first. There were so many products I had to learn about and working for Lancome all the products names where in French, I almost left because it was so overwhelming, I had also never applied makeup to anyone but myself.
I’m glad I stayed through the years, my skills have led me to become the artist I am today. I ended my retail cosmetic career 2 years ago after having worked for Saks Fifth Avenue as Business Manager/Makeup Artist for 8 years.
I decided it was time for me to be truly happy at what I do. Working in retail held that back as there was a lot of pressure to make sales. I just wanted to go to work, do makeup, make people smile.
I had a family tragedy and lost my sister 2 years ago which really put things into perspective for me. I was traveling for 2 hours each way back and forth to work and I had no time for myself, I wasn’t living my life.
After my sister passed, I decided to leave retail for good and make my life better. I took on some freelance work with Tom Ford and Laura Mercier and now that I was not working in retail I could do weddings every weekend.
My wedding business has grown so much, I opened my own Makeup Studio on the North Shore in downtown Newburyport this past spring. I do all my weddings trials, prom and party makeup there. I also just signed up to become a certified lash artist, so I will be adding services in my studio in the fall.
It’s not always easy as sometimes, there are slow periods but I’m figuring it out, I pick up extra work doing television, headshots and Boudoir shoots.
I am grateful for I have had the opportunity to work with the top makeup artists in Boston. Working with them has given me the skills and confidence that makes me the artist I am today.
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?
Having had anxiety issues most of my life I always have had trouble with what other people think or if someone says something negative I would dwell on it and take it personally, it would ruin my whole day because I couldn’t let it go.
Believe in yourself. I’m a different person than I was 2 years ago. I’ve learned you can’t make everyone happy. If there’s a negative situation remove yourself from it. You’re the one who is in control of your happiness, so if you need to change it even though it’s scary, do it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Melissa Mack Makeup – what should we know?
I specialize in makeup for events. I travel on location for weddings all over New England.
In the studio, I do prom, party, event makeup, and special occasion makeup.
I’m very versatile in my work, so I can do a beautiful natural look or glam and sultry.
I take the time to ask all my clients a lot of questions as I like to get to know there likes and dislikes, and concerns before applying makeup.
I give all my clients the option to try different things.
If a client is unsure or never tried airbrush, I like to do one side with traditional foundation and the other with the airbrush, sometimes, you just need to see it on the skin. I hear from clients, wow, no one has done that before and they appreciate that.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve learned a lot from the people I work with.
I still keep in touch and if I’m booked for a wedding, I always refer clients to them.
If I see a makeup artist with skills and have a good work ethic, I’ll reach out to them and introduce myself even if I do not know them personally,
I’m always looking to have good people on my referral list, I hate having to tell someone I’m booked, the client appreciates you trying to help them, with so many artists out there, it can be overwhelming.
Pricing:
- Bride 125.00
- Bridesmaids 75.00 and up
- MOB/MIL. 75.00 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 10 Prince Place
Suite 204A
Newburyport, MA 01950 - Website: Melissamackmakeup.com
- Phone: 978-394-8538
- Email: melissamackmakeup@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/367544540039482/melissa-mack-makeup/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melissamackmakeup/
Image Credit:
Melissa Mack
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