Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Hoffmann
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Makeup has always been something I loved. My mom was a cosmetologist and she had a studio in our home in New York where she would take her clients. Seeing her do that definitely sparked an interest in all things beauty from a young age! At first I think my love for makeup started as a way to make myself feel better about the way I looked. It was a hobby and creative outlet for me. I went to college on Long Island and studied English and Art, always keeping makeup something I did on the side for friends and family. After a four year degree, I had no clue where to go next. I leaned back on makeup and began freelancing for a bridal company as an assistant makeup artist. I began to grow my kit and my product knowledge but soon realized I wanted more education in makeup application. I got my makeup certification in New York and soon after began freelancing for multiple bridal companies on the island. I also began working at Sephora part time which helped me expand my product knowledge and my makeup consulting skills, all I think are necessary to make a great makeup artist. Having so much going for me on Long Island, it was difficult to make the decision to start over in a new state, but moving to Texas in April of 2023 with my partner has made all the difference for my makeup career. I have since quit Sephora and am finally able to say I work as a makeup artist full time, freelancing with multiple bridal companies in Dallas, as well as taking personal clients. It is an accomplishment I never thought I would be able say out loud, with confidence in myself and my talent. But here I am. It has given me a freedom I hope everyone gets to experience one day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road! The first time I did someones makeup and they didn’t like it I cried like a baby and felt like I should just quit. Trust me, I wanted to. But my boss told me that there are going to be people out there that don’t enjoy your work, but that doesn’t mean your a bad artist. Those words have stuck with me always. A lot of my struggles were more internal. I think with any job in the creative sphere there is so much doubt and push back from others telling you ‘you will never amount to anything’ if you don’t do something stable and lucrative with your time. I struggled with a lot of doubt from others and self-doubt within myself to pursue a career that seemed very hit or miss. My family and partner have been super supportive of all my creative endeavors and that has helped tremendously in overcoming these feelings. But I still struggle with this often. I don’t know if it will ever go away. But I also know that I tried for so long to let go of my creative drive and numb myself in a job I hated just for the sake of earning a good living. It is not a way to live. You have to strive for what will make you happy. You have to put in the work and earn it. You have to do work for little pay in order to build up your portfolio. You have to invest in yourself. You have to work crazy hours. You have to get a strong backbone. You have to work multiple jobs until you can afford to do your creative dream full time. It takes time, but it is so worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional makeup artist who specializes in bridal and special occasion makeup. I would say I’m most known for my personality and my approach to makeup. My goal is to make everyone who sits in my chair feel beautiful and included, inside and out. I always strive to create a comforting space where my clients can have an open dialogue with me about their skin/makeup concerns. I really love talking to new people and getting to know them which I think sets me apart from other makeup artists. In a business that often preys on peoples insecurities, I try my hardest to uplift my clients by creating beautiful work but also connecting with them as a person, one on one. My clients aren’t simply just a canvas for me to work on. I take something away from every face I work on, whether that be a lesson or a laugh or a smile. By the end of the application, I hope to bring a smile to their face not just by them enjoying the way they look, but by the way they were treated as well.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was super creative as a child. I always loved drawing, painting, writing, creating things. My mom would paint ceramics and I would paint alongside her. I was an only child with a father who was often working so my mom became my best friend. She really helped my creativity grow. I was very happy and enjoyed making people laugh. I’m definitely an introverted extrovert. I enjoyed my alone time but also loved being around others. I suffered with anxiety and panic disorder from a young age which caused me to be shy at times, but thankfully, I didn’t let that stop me from being social and outgoing.
Pricing:
- Bridal Makeup: $150
- Makeup Application: $115
- Airbrush: $20
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @slaymysoulmua
