07 Oct From Human Resources to Makeup Artist and Entrepreneur: Laura’s Creative Career
Sometimes a career change begins when life does not go according to plan.
For Laura, a difficult breakup became a moment when she knew she needed a new direction. She had previously worked in Human Resources, but what came next could not have been more different.
Laura taught herself makeup artistry, walked up to a MAC Cosmetics counter and asked for a job.
They hired her.
Twenty six years later, Laura is still doing makeup, has added professional licensing to her skills, and has become an entrepreneur.
Teaching Herself Makeup Artistry
Laura did not begin by attending makeup school.
She learned by studying fashion magazines and books written by makeup artists. She practiced and continued developing her skills until she felt ready to pursue an opportunity professionally.
Then she took a chance.
Laura walked up to a MAC counter and simply asked if they were hiring.
That decision opened the door.
Coming from Human Resources, working in makeup gave Laura an opportunity to use a completely different side of herself. She could be creative, work directly with clients, and continue developing her artistic abilities.
MAC Became Her “Makeup University”
Getting hired was only the beginning of Laura’s education.
She describes working at MAC as being like attending “makeup university.”
Laura was surrounded by talented makeup artists, giving her the opportunity to watch how other professionals worked, ask questions, practice her craft, and continue improving.
That environment helped turn a self taught interest into a professional skill.
Laura has now been doing makeup for 26 years, and she still loves it.
Understanding Different Paths in Makeup
Laura encourages aspiring makeup artists to understand that there are different directions within the profession.
Special effects makeup, such as the work used for film, television, and theatrical productions, may involve specialized training. Laura chose a different direction.
Her focus is beauty makeup.
That can include makeup for weddings, family photographs, special occasions, and other moments when clients want to look and feel their best.
Her experience is a reminder to explore the different specialties within a profession before deciding which training path makes the most sense.
From Makeup Artist to Business Owner
Eventually, Laura took another major career step.
She and a former partner purchased The Dry Lounge in Yorba Linda, California, moving Laura from working in the beauty industry to owning a business within it.
The transition also required her to develop another professional skill. To provide salon services that required additional licensing, Laura went back to training and earned her aesthetician license.
Today, her business brings several beauty services together. Clients can visit for services such as a facial and then have their hair washed and styled.
Laura’s journey shows how one skill can become the foundation for another.
Human Resources led to a career change. Self taught makeup skills led to MAC. Years of experience led to entrepreneurship. Business ownership led her to pursue additional professional licensing.
At 56, Laura has spent more than two decades building a career around creativity and serving others.
And it all started because she was willing to change direction and ask one simple question: Are you hiring?
If you are in North Orange County, California, look up The Dry Lounge in Yorba Linda and see what Laura has built.
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