Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
The one thing I’ve found that helps me more than anything is accountability! To keep the creative juices flowing, I love taking on different makeup projects. However, the only way I can ensure I’ll actually follow through is to share my project/work with others. For example, in 2019, I’d felt such burnout that all things makeup-related began to feel like a chore. In order to combat this and restore my love/passion for my craft, I embarked on a year-long project, which I shared via social media. This project – Operation 366 – involved posting a new makeup look every single day for the duration of 2020. While is was definitely challenging, I was able to complete the project in its entirety, with the encouragement and support of those following along. To this day, Operation 366 remains one of my proudest accomplishments! Plus, it reignited my love of all things makeup. Since then, I’ve loved engaging in collaborations with other creatives, as well as my own personal projects! Accountability keeps my creativity alive in each facet.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
What started as a way to cope with adolescent anxieties has flourished into a rewarding business! Growing up, I used makeup as a means of escape. I felt like Alice traversing Wonderland, with the limitless colors, shapes, and textures. Throughout the years, this has shifted into an expression of self, as well as a way to transform others into their most confident selves. Of course, I still love playing “dress up,” particularly through the use of special effects. Lately, however, I’ve found myself working most frequently with others to help bring their visions to life, and bring forth their innermost confidence; this has, without a doubt, been my most rewarding feat yet.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My number one piece of advice is to put yourself out there! Networking in any creative field is key to growing your brand, and making your name recognizable. Tap into your community, and meet other creatives! Not only is it an impactful piece of growing your business, but it’s also a wonderful way to find the support you may need in the future. So, lean into your community, and make those connections!
It’s also important to shirk the fear of taking risks. If you allow fear to paralyze you, you’ll never exactly how much you’re capable of – which is a lot! You will genuinely never know unless you try. Plus, there could be others out there who are also scared to take the same risk! Why not be the one to demonstrate and inspire others in your field? I think that much of the time, we’re worried about looking silly, or we put too much emphasis on how we’ll be perceived by others. However, if you are true to your craft, and you share your work in the best ways you know how – or in the ways that most align with your vision – your people will find you.
Finally, allow yourself time to rest. Burnout is real, and it can creep up quickly if you’re not careful. Growing a business is not easy, and it does take time! Regardless, it’s so important to carve out time to decompress and recuperate. Remember: the rest is just as important as the work!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I am currently facing is trying to balance a career that I love, while also being a present mother. My family is obviously my number one priority, but my career is a close second. Finding balance between the two can be a very fine line, but I’m doing everything I can to make sure my family comes first. Sometimes it’s trial and error, and I am so grateful for the patience and understanding of my loved ones. However, I’ve been more mindful in the boundaries I set and choose to uphold, which has made an astronomical difference!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Light Chasers Photography
Illuminate Photography
Sydney Miro Media
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
