An Inspired Chat with Meli Burke of Wicker Park

We recently had the chance to connect with Meli Burke and have shared our conversation below.

Meli, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
When I moved to chicago a year and a half ago I am glad I didn’t rush the process of making connections and getting into my field as a makeup artist. I have spend time building real relationships and connections for my business and it has felt incredible to finally truly feel like I am a working MUA.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Meli Burke. I am a makeup artist! I started doing makeup in high school (Booker T Washington High School of the performing and visual arts) for our theater shows I would design for the productions and do makeup with a team. After high school I knew I wanted to continue to learn more about makeup artistry so I went to L Makeup Institue where I got certified in Beauty makeup, hair styling, airbrush, and SFX. I graduated Valedictorian and spent a year saving to move to Chicago while working on so many amazing things like weddings, airbrush tattoos at the State fair of Texas, and many events for the North Dallas Doula Association (NDDA). At the beginning of 2024 I moved to Chicago and I started trying to just get my name out there! I ended up getting to do makeup for the Fallout one Prime activation at SXSW film and tv festival in Austin! I spent a lot of time trying to find a good rhythm and trying to break into the industry here. I even face painted for the Lincoln Park Zoo! Now I am a contractor with an amazing company called Pin Me Up Chicago where I do bridal hair and makeup as well as makeup for events such as the Daisie Foundations Mothers Day Makeovers. I am continuing to break into the industry little by little and have been so happy doing what I love. I am currently still in Chicago with my amazing boyfriend Tremaine who I love so much and supports me in everything I do. I am looking forward to what the future brings!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents were both very big on working hard, but my dad (Pop) is the one who taught me the most about work. I played softball for a very long time and he coached me and always wanted me to know how important hard work is in life. He always encourages me to keep learning and working to get to where I want to be. He is definitely the reason I always know that I can do whatever I set my mind to if I work hard enough.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I think met younger self had a lot of self doubt and sadness and if I could say something I would say, “You deserve to be here, and one day you will be surrounded by people who think so too.”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Definitely my Mom! I turn to her for advice and on the hardest days and she is always there to help me through it. She is so smart and always has the answer when I need her most. No matter what happens in my life I will always call my mom if I am questioning something (or if I just need someone to talk to 🙂

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the story of a girl who was suicidal for a very long time and finally found her purpose in life. That being able to do makeup really helped save my life and that I am a creative person who makes people feel better. Whether that is by doing their makeup or by being there for them no matter what.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
BTS music video picture: Ari Sanchez @nsnyowvisual

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