We recently connected with Hanna Marie Gambrell and have shared our conversation below.
Hanna Marie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose by accident I suppose you could say. In a previous interview, I had explained that my interest in makeup was a result of being badly bullied. Sure, I had a passion for makeup but at any given moment I was giving my time to acts of service. My grandmother had ALS, and I helped my mother take care of her. My principle was sad after her husband’s passing, and I drew her a picture to cheer her up..
I always knew I wanted to make a difference by helping others see the beauty and value in themselves and those around them. I never expected that I would find a deep passion and purpose through makeup.
Making people feel confident and seen has been a career that has been rewarding in unexpected ways.
Through my line of work, I’ve crossed paths with extraordinary people from all walks of life. Every time I’ve done makeup for a client, I’ve made the connection ordinal by listening wholeheartedly to their stories.
The reasons they’ve hired me are because they have an exciting event to attend – whether it be a photoshoot for personal branding headshots, a boudoir shoot, a magazine feature, a wedding, prom, a movie, a modeling portfolio, a play. No matter the occasion, there is always a backstory.
The mother who is battling post partum depression. The wife who’s husband doesn’t notice her anymore. The girl who is bullied for the way she looks. The woman who was victim of sexual assault or domestic abuse. The person who has visible scars or deformities due to surgery or other trauma. The actor or actress chasing his or her dreams without support.
It’s been said that when you look good, you feel good. Your attitude about yourself changes in such a way that you have no other option but to see yourself in positive way, if even for just that moment. You remember, or recognize that you are beautiful, worthy and deserving.
I’m not so sure that my purpose is to make people look good, as much as it is that I help them feel good. Confidence goes a long way, and kindness goes even further.
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?
Well, let’s see. My name is Hanna Marie. I am a professional makeup artist and the owner of Roses & Ravens, formerly BelleRose Vanity. I’m also a certified spray tan specialist with 5 years experience.
I provide makeup services primarily for magazine, runway, and film but I am always happy to provide services for bridal, prom, photoshoots and other special events.
Honestly, had you interviewed me 5 years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined I’d be answering questions as a small business owner in the beauty industry – I thought I was going to keep my career in the legal field. I’m so glad I changed my mind!
I have had some incredible opportunities to meet truly inspiring people as well as opportunities to do things such as providing makeup services for New York Fashion Week, Supermodels Unlimited Magazine, and TLC Network.
I just recently wrapped a 2 week production for a feature-film titled, Forgive, written by Bill Bermingham and directed by Silas James Rowland. The film, which is causing a lot of buzz in Asheville, is based on true events and filmed entirely in Western North Carolina. This movie is one of many projects I’m excited to add to my resume in 2025!
Follow @rosesandravens.mua on Instagram to keep up with my work and big announcements. You can also like and follow BelleRose Vanity on Facebook.
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?
The best way I can reply to this question is to give 3 experiences that I’m most proud of so far in my career journey, and what that experience taught.
In 2022, I had the incredible experience of being a makeup artist for New York Fashion Week. I was in awe the whole time. I couldn’t believe I was actually there, doing makeup at that caliber. I was there because my friend, and business mentor saw my potential and believed in me. I learned that sometimes all it takes is just one person believing in you. Ali was that person.
In 2024, I was hired to provide makeup services for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine and one of their fashion campaigns. At this point in my career, I felt like I had found my sweet spot. I was doing the work and seeing the fruits of my labor. Miss USA, Noelia Voigt was at this particular campaign – her makeup artist, Angel Samples, is an artist I have admired greatly. There was a moment during the SU fashion show where Miss USA and model, Brittany Kay, walked side by side down the red carpet. I had been Brittany’s makeup artist that day. When I saw my work on the red carpet beside Angel’s flawless work on Miss USA – I realized I’m exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I want to do. I was at that event because I believed in myself, and other people noticed.
The last example and most recent experience was being hired to be the a Makeup Artist for a project with the TLC Network. I’ve done film jobs here and there, but not at this capacity. Being a makeup artist in the film and television industry has been the ultimate goal for me as a makeup artist, that has always been where I want my career to gain the most attention. Being on this project solidified that I have leveled up and that the opportunities that are meant for me will always present themselves when the time is right.
The best advice I can give anyone seeking to find their purpose, or wanting to grow in all the right directions – pray. Seriously. Pray for guidance. Believe that opportunities are already yours, and do the work to prepare yourself to receive them.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Oh I’m definitely going to tell anyone work on their weaknesses more than they focus on their strengths, work on your strengths, too. A great of any kind knows that to master your craft, you always evaluate your craft and yourself to see how you can improve..even if you already believe yourself to be great.
There are people who will call themselves a master of their craft, and yet they believe there is no need for improving their experience. That is a foolish attitude to keep.
Practice your technique. Be grateful, be teachable, and keep a humble attitude.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rosesandravensbodybar
- Facebook: Bellerose Vanity
Image Credits
Michael Leche
Supermodels Unlimited
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