Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin MacKenzie.
Erin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started doing hair and make-up professionally in 2012 after getting my cosmetology license. I immersed myself into the world of weddings on the South Shore and eventually all over New England. This led to getting connected with other amazing artists and opportunities. I began doing hair and make-up for things like photoshoots, runway shows, editorial style shoots, and music videos. I landed an opportunity to style a music video for a well known Boston-based ska/punk band called Big D and the Kids Table in 2013 and casually mentioned that I am a trained singer too! Months later, I not only joined the band but I joined their female-fronted ska/soul/reggae band called The Doped Up Dollies. I’ve recorded two records with them and have toured all over the US. I also get to do the styling for all shoots, performances, and the album cover. Hair and make-up have given me chances at other creative things I enjoy doing. I frequently travel to New York for editorial hair-styling for some of the worlds best photographers including Lindsay Adler, and Boston’s own designer Lory Sun Artistry. There is some incredible talent in Boston and I love being a part of bringing it to light.
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 best thing about doing hair and make-up is you get to do something you love every day. You get to meet people and create with others making a bond like no other. As with any profession, it is easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged when things get tough or you don’t land an opportunity you dream of. The women and men that I have met from all over the world in this industry can be very supportive and positive. As long as you put a positive foot out there and stay humble, opportunities will pop up for you. Fail until you don’t.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Erin MacKenzie – what should we know?
I specialize in hair first and foremost. Hairstyling, finish styling, wedding styling, editorial styling. I have a love for hair coloring, men’s cutting, and make-up as well. Vintage styling, pin-up styling, and avant-garde styling have always been a passion. I started out my hair journey as a pin-up hair stylist as well as a model. That has always stuck with me and opened many more doors for me. I am most proud of my work with brides on their wedding day. I get to be a part of the most important day of their life and the most important pictures they will ever have taken of themselves. I set myself apart from others because I am creative in a way that I want you to stand out from the typical bride/model/performer. I want to make you feel comfortable, beautiful, and easy to work with. If you want Kim Kardashian’s hair I will make it happen!
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The hairstyling and make-up industry is known for being a female-oriented industry. Everywhere that I have worked whether it be a salon, or with an agency, it is both male and female. Having that dynamic I feel is very important. I love seeing someone else’s perspective on things and having both male and females eyes on styling make for beautiful outcomes. The amazing thing about this industry as well as the opportunity it presents girls, and women to feel empowered both by owning businesses and the power it gives you when you make someone else feel beautiful.
Pricing:
- Bride Hair $150 Bridesmaid $100 Make-Up $100 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erinmackenziehmua.com
- Phone: 781-733-2791
- Email: erinmack1213@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rinmackenzie
- Facebook: facebook.com/erinmackenziehmua
Image Credit:
Lindsay Adler Photography, Adam Avid Photography, Mark Stern Photography, Joseph Blume Photography, Frank Schemann
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