Meet Nicole Goulet

We recently connected with Nicole Goulet and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Impostor syndrome is a common challenge that many professionals face, myself included. To help myself overcome this feeling, I redirect my focus back to my skills and experience; reminding myself of the training I’ve received, projects I’ve completed, and the positive feedback I’ve received from clients. I also believe that artists should continue to learn and improve upon their craft; Staying updated on the latest trends, attending workshops/ classes, and seeking feedback from peers helps me build confidence in my artistry.

Another important technique that helps in overcoming impostor syndrome
is practicing self-care and mindfulness. Continuing to pursue hobbies outside my profession allows me to approach my work with a clear mind and a positive attitude!

Last, I’ve learned to embrace vulnerability and be open about my struggles with impostor syndrome. By sharing my feelings with trusted colleagues and seeking support when needed, I’ve found I’m not alone in feeling this way- it’s important to build a supportive network of peers & artists in the industry!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Originally, I grew up in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and started working as a licensed cosmetologist. The beauty industry had always intrigued me, so I moved to Los Angeles 4 years ago to train at Make-Up Designory, Burbank, for my Make-up Artist Certification. I’ve been working as a Professional Make-up artist & Licensed Cosmetologist in Los Angeles for 3 years now- and absolutely love it!

Working as a freelancer keeps things interesting; you’ll never know what your next job will be. I’m currently working towards joining the IATSE Local 706 Make-up Artist & Hairstylists union, so a majority of my jobs are based around film/ TV. Regardless, I’m always open to any job that comes my way. Being flexible and having the ability to work as a beauty, special effects make-up artist & hairstylist has allowed me to work in a wide range of media including: music videos, theatrical productions, live concerts, movie premieres, e-commerce, film, celebrity clientele, etc.

Making someone’s day is a special part of what I do- whether it be helping an actor get into character, making my client feel confident, or working with a team to create a film project. Seeing these things come to fruition is the best part of what I do!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

There are many different qualities and skills that were beneficial in improving & growing in my artistry. Some qualities I’ve found most impactful in my journey have been: Resilience, Creativity, and Compassion. Many of the jobs I work involve operating in larger teams, so it’s important to be respectful of others- kindness goes a long way! It’s important to maintain optimism & resilience when a problem arises. Looking at things in a positive light helps improve upon my critical thinking & problem-solving skills, and builds confidence in myself and those around me!

For those who are early in their makeup artistry journey, my advice would be to focus on nurturing these three aspects of your artistry; cultivate your creativity by experimenting with different styles and techniques, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries. Never stop learning- continue improving your skills with courses & online resources, or look into seeking mentorship from experienced artists. Success in this field comes from a combination of talent and hard work- stay passionate & stay dedicated!

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

A book that’s played a significant role in developing myself as a professional artist was ‘Crystal Wright’s The Hair, Make-up, & Fashion Styling Career Guide’. I find this book very insightful; Reading from the perspective of an established industry agent helped me gain a deeper understanding of the business aspect of freelancing, as well as how to successfully market myself as a hairstylist & make-up artist.

This book helped build a foundation for establishing myself as a professional make-up artist in the entertainment industry. It emphasizes the importance of networking, building professional relationships, & creating a strong personal brand. It also shares a lot of useful websites/ resources to help artists with building their portfolio, marketing it, and connecting with agencies to continue growing their brand.

Wright’s encouragement for artists to continue learning, and to stay updated with the newest trends & technique has been a guiding principle in my career. There are many books and online resources to help grow your business and artistry. Keep learning and continue fueling your passion & creativity!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: nicolegouletbeauty

Image Credits

Deverill Weekes
Jett Donlevy
Tucker Nicklas
3CS Agency
Line 8 Photography