Meet Mackenzie Morey

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mackenzie Morey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mackenzie, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

It all started in 2016. I was a senior in high school passionate about makeup. I have been told time and time again that “you’ll never make a living doing makeup”. I struggled with that narrative but still persisted. I began by doing makeup on the side for friends and family. It was more of a hobby than a business at that point because I certainly wasn’t making much income from it. My parents were weary of me going to beauty school after high school. So I pursued a 4-year degree.

Even though I was going the “traditional college” route I kept thinking how can I spin this degree to help me as a makeup artist? I started out as a business major but the curriculum wasn’t sparking my interest. I switch to a communication degree with an emphasis on social media strategy. I developed a passion for marketing and advertising although I still longed for a career in the beauty industry. I took a job at Sephora and worked in cosmetic retail to fill the void. I loved working there and learned so much about sanitation, application techniques, and different brands. I finally felt like I was on the right track by pursuing a “worthwhile” degree while also still working with cosmetics. Then, COVID-19 happened. My schooling was transitioned online and I was furloughed from my job.

As scary as the world was, an opportunity opened for me. Bridal makeup artists were canceling left and right because of the pandemic. Brides were reaching out to me in a panic for a new artist. I was determined to help them. I researched safety regulations and took all the necessary precautions like masks, sanitizer, gloves, etc. My side business was now booming. So, I took the risk to work for myself full-time.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelors Degree in 2021. I graduated with my technical diploma in esthetics in 2023 and got licensed in esthetics that same year. I now offer even more than just makeup at my studio. In 2024 I was nominated for “best skincare services” by Wisconsin Bride Magazine. I am so happy I took the plunge to working on my own but I am also so proud of all the work I put in to get where I am today.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a licensed esthetician and bridal makeup artist in Appleton, Wisconsin. I specialize in natural services, whether that be a natural makeup look or facials with natural skincare ingredients, I think my clients deserve to feel naturally beautiful in their own skin.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think the three most important qualities I carry in my business are communication, professionalism, and natural beauty. I don’t regret my bachelor’s degree at all, it taught me the necessary communication skills needed to run my business successfully. When representing yourself it is so important to carry yourself professionally. Enhancing natural beauty is my niche as a business in the beauty industry.

My advice to those wanting to pursue a similar career is to always keep learning because life never stops teaching. Don’t settle for your beauty license and never continue education. There are always ways to keep developing your skills and growing as a professional!

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When working for yourself it can be difficult to be “unplugged” at times. When we have the world at our fingertips and resting in the palms of our hands, it can be a struggle to find work-life balance. Personally, I try to remind myself that just because I received an email or text that’s work-related, I don’t need to respond asap. If it is past 8pm, that message can wait until the morning. Communicating effectively is important but so are boundaries. Try to keep my work during “work hours” and then unwind with “me time”.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Johnna with jccobranding
www.instagram.com/jccobranding/

Jessie with June Taylor Photogrpahy
https://www.instagram.com/june_taylor_photography_/

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