Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryelle O’Rourke.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maryelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My mother was my inspiration and is the reason I began my work in makeup and hair design. I was 8 years old as my mother was battling cancer. I would watch her transform her look every morning. Before going to work as she would apply her makeup, her wig and tie a scarf around her neck which covered up some of the physical results of her illness. Watching my mom perform her routine every day was fun and magical!!.. and it was also a process that she enjoyed. I think she partly enjoyed this because she knew how amazing I thought she was and how well she was able to create a look for herself that made her feel beautiful! In the end, it was always important to her to finish her look with a smile!… which I think is one of the biggest secrets to looking and feeling your best!
As a teenager, I got my first job in cosmetics at the Lancôme counter as a beauty advisor at Jordan Marsh in downtown Boston. They eventually promoted me to a regional artist. My new position allowed me to travel and work makeup events at many of their locations throughout New England.
I then took a position with Laura Mercier as a regional artist. Again traveling throughout New England for the next three years. I then signed with an agent that represented me as an artist for the next 6 years.
After many years of working for someone else, I decided it was time to go on my own. We now have a team of 10 artists that travel all over New England and beyond doing makeup for celebrities, pro-athletes, dignitaries, corporate, commercial and brides for a variety of photo shoots, press tours and special/bridal events.
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?
My journey was definitely not a smooth one. Being an artist on location for someone else is one thing but taking on the business aspect to managing clients and a team of an artist was a whole new skill set that I was not aware I needed until I needed it. Many of my skills were learned as I went, out of necessity I joined a program called EforAll (www.eforall.org) which is an accelerated business program filled with amazing people and information. It was a tremendous help to me and help me in growing my business and is a great resource I can always reach out to. Another great group I joined is a mother’s/women’s business group called Pepperlane (www.pepperlane.co). This organization is filled with mothers helping other mothers build their business as they support and learn from each other.
My advice for young women is to develop a great support system of other successful women and entrepreneurs such as Pepperlane and EforAll.
I would recommend both of these organization to any women starting out. You will gain not only knowledge but also great friendships and tons of support. Running a business is a lot of hard work and filled with constant issues that a more experienced person may have already dealt with so why not have a wonderful network to reach out to for advice and at the same time build relationships for friendship, support and to have fun with.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Maryelle Artistry – what should we know?
Maryelle Artistry is a team of Boston based, on-location, makeup artists and hair stylists. We work with top photographers, production houses, casting agents and event coordinators crafting looks for celebrities, dignitaries, commercial, corporate, editorial and bridal clients. Our team of artists is committed to creating makeup and hair designs to suit the occasion.
We are known for our work with many celebrities such as Channing Tatum, Taylor Schilling, Rob Gronkowski, Woody Harrelson, Jodie Foster, Meghan Markle and many more (to see our client’s list go to https://www.maryelleartistry.com/clients/).
We pride ourselves on our reputation and the service that we provide to our clients. We strive to create a unique experience for each of our clients and take great care in crafting a look to fit their style and also considering that it also is suitable for their event.
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 think women are well positioned for any opportunity that they feel passionate about!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maryelleartistry.com
- Email: contact@maryelleartistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryelleartistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryellemakeupartist/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryElleORourke
- Other: https://pepperlane.co/maryelle-o-rourke/projects
Image Credit:
Len Rubenstein, Michael Indresano, White House staff photographer
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