Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McNabb.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I will add my bio… it says everything!
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work with makeup. My own mother had a flair for fashion and beauty and would take me to makeup events around the DFW area. I took my first cosmetics job at the local makeup counter while balancing college. From there, my love of the makeup world blossomed and evolved even more. I kept working my way up from behind the counter of Neiman Marcus to the fast pace and most cut throat world of makeup artistry, NYC. There, in New York, I was trained by and worked with Trish McEvoy. She single handly picked me out of several artists to be on her New York team. I then moved on to be the National Makeup Artist, traveling all over as the face of NARS. I was shuffled in and out of department stores world wide. I was catching flights weekly to train, teach, and showcase my artistry skills. The most thrilling part however was the fashion shows and high profile photo shoots and movie sets. I worked in many New York Fashion Week (NYFW) shows including, Marc Jacobs, Philip Lim, Thakoon, Herve Leger, and Marchesa to name a few.
I have worked with many famous ladies including Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Lachey, Hillary Duff, Donatella Versace, and her daughter, Jordan Dunn, and many women from the Real Housewives Franchise.
My work has been featured in Vogue Online, Harpers Bazaar Online, Pop Sugar, WWD (Women’s Wear Daily), 360 West, 360 West Weddings, Paper City, Ft.Worth Weekly, Indulge, Getty Images, D Magazine, Dallas Observer, Junebug Weddings, Brides of North Texas, The Scout Guide Fort Worth, New York Fashion week blogs and publications, and many more.
I have nearly 20 years under my belt and countless happy clients. If you are looking for an extremely tenured and knowledgeable artist who is focused and expertise is true makeup artistry for your wedding or even just a makeup lesson, reach out and let’s chat!
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?
Is anything in life smooth? I feel as if your journey, at some point throws a fork in the road. I started out when I was 18 years old, I lost both my parents at fairly young ages. I’ve had doors shut in my face. I moved to New York City not knowing anybody! The number one thing I can encourage young entrepreneurs is to keep pushing through, keep the faith! Pray! Follow your heart and your dreams. It sounds cliché, but it is oh so true! Never stop, even when somebody tells you-you aren’t good enough. Prove them wrong!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ashley McNabb Artistry – what should we know?
I consider myself a true makeup artist. I have had extensive training all over the world. I have learned from the best of the best in the makeup field. From the legendary Diane Kendal to Kim Kardashian’s personal makeup artist Mario Danivanovic.
It’s frustrating these days to us old-school makeup artists, everybody who watched YouTube videos, claims to be a makeup artist. I am proud of the fact that I can call myself a true artist With a proven background. I pride myself on the fact that my clients are receiving top-notch care when in my hands.
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?
Absolutely! Women can do anything and everything. Don’t ever let media or a news programs tell you otherwise. Don’t let anybody deter you from following your dreams. I know some very powerful and strong women, we might have to fight a little harder but once again continue on and pursue your passions with grit! We all have started at the bottom!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleymcnabbartistry.com
- Phone: 817-808-7403
- Email: ashley@ashleymcnabbartistry.com
- Instagram: ashley_mcnabb_artistry
Image Credit:
Getty Images, Andrea Elizabeth Photography, Paul and Nanda Wedding Photography, Pape Weddings
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