We recently connected with Alissa Wieman and have shared our conversation below.
Alissa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose after having my son. It’s not how you would think, though. I am a teacher and makeup artist. I started my makeup artistry business after I had my son. I realized I was not happy with teaching and that it was taking away too much of my energy that I needed for my son. I knew I had a love for makeup and had wanted to become a makeup artist since college but always felt teaching needed to take the forefront because it was my degree and I also loved that. Then, I started teaching and had very little time to venture into it. After having my son, I realized I was unhappy with teaching and thought what better time to start this business than now? Once I started, I realized quickly how much joy it brought me. The artistry, making people feel beautiful, and the genuine connections. I put in so much work to get to where I am today. I actually do still teach (a story for another time) but feel that makeup is definitely a big part of my purpose. Juggling my business, teaching, and being a mother has been a challenge. But I have a supportive partner, amazing clients, and a true passion for makeup artistry.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Alissa, owner of Makeup by Alissa. I am a makeup artist based in Southwest Florida. I have been doing makeup on models and clients for about a year but have been working on family and friends for years. I decided to take the leap last year after a lot of thought and conversations with loved ones. This was the best decision I could have made. I have found so much passion and joy in this career. I have decided to focus on the bridal industry along with every day photoshoots and boudoir because I love working with the average woman. The reaction the client gives after they see the finished look is unmatched. Makeup also is truly an art. I started art classes when I was 5 and took them on and off through college. So much of what I learned in class closely relates to makeup. I also get to show my creative side when working on models. It’s truly a passion and feels like a full circle moment when I “paint” faces.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
To be honest, I am still very early in my journey. Talking to my past self a year ago, I would say to not be so hard on myself. It’s all a learning process to not only build a kit but find what products work well together and which techniques are best for different skin types and skin tones. Having a background in art helped with my color theory and techniques. Also, my background in teaching has greatly helped me with giving makeup lessons and knowing how to effectively communicate with everyone in my chair.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking to collaborate with other makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, and other wedding vendors. My Instagram is @makeupby_alissa , shoot me a dm!
Contact Info:
- Website: makeupbyalissa.square.site
- Instagram: @makeupby_alissa
- Facebook: Makeup by Alissa
Image Credits
Amanda Feltz Photography
