Meet Ivey Parrish

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ivey Parrish a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ivey, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from my family. I grew up watching my parents/grandparents work hard. Not just to succeed, but to take care of the people they love. That taught me early on the importance of showing up, staying consistent, and taking pride in what you do. I’ve carried that with me ever since. I’m not afraid of the hustle, especially when it’s for something I truly care about.

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

I’m a makeup artist and licensed esthetician specializing in soft glam, bridal, and special event makeup. I’m all about enhancing natural beauty, with a focus on skin-first prep and thoughtful, detailed application. I work with all skin tones and take pride in really listening to my clients so they feel confident, comfortable, and celebrated.

What makes this work so special to me is the connection. Whether I’m glamming a bride for her big day, prepping a client for a special moment, or teaching someone how to do their own makeup, it’s always an honor to be a part of those meaningful experiences. Recently, I’ve also stepped into the world of runway makeup, which has been such an exciting creative challenge. I love the fast-paced energy and artistry that comes with working backstage. It’s pushed me to grow in new ways and tap into a different side of my creativity.

Right now, I’m expanding my offerings to include 1:1 makeup lessons for both beginners and aspiring artists, as well as small group classes. Education is such a passion of mine, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned, both from my hands-on experience and from the many masterclasses I’ve taken over the years.

At the core of my brand is care: care for skin, care for detail, and care for people. Whether I’m behind the brush or teaching someone how to use one, that will always be what drives my work.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Consistency has been everything. Even when I wasn’t sure where things were going, I kept showing up, practicing, creating, networking, and putting myself out there. In this industry, talent matters, but consistency is what builds trust, relationships, and momentum. My advice? Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Start where you are, keep going, and let the growth happen through experience.

A willingness to learn has also been huge for me. I’m self-taught at the core, but I’ve taken masterclasses, studied techniques from artists I admire, and continue to learn from every client and every project. This industry evolves constantly, so staying teachable is key. For anyone starting out, I’d say: stay curious. Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to try, mess up, and try again.

People skills are just as important as technical skills. Being a great artist means more than doing beautiful makeup. It means making your clients feel safe, heard, and celebrated. Building genuine connections is what keeps people coming back. If you’re just starting, practice not only your craft, but how you communicate, listen, and carry yourself.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I try to pause and come back to center. For me, that usually means stepping away from my phone, taking a few deep breaths, and getting clear on what actually needs my energy in that moment. I’ve learned that everything doesn’t have to be handled at once. It’s okay to slow down, prioritize, and give yourself permission to reset.

I also lean into routines that help keep me grounded. Things like listening to my favorite podcast, doing skin care as self care, playing with my dogs, or just making a really good cup of coffee and sitting with my thoughts. And sometimes, I just need to vent to a friend or give myself space to feel it all without judgment.

My advice: overwhelm is a signal, not a failure. Don’t ignore it, listen to it. Break things down into manageable steps, and remember that rest is productive too. You don’t have to earn your peace, you just have to protect it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lindanivey.com
• Instagram: @lindanivey
• Facebook: Lindan Ivey
• Other: TikTok – @lindanivey

Image Credits

Lana Baughman
Koyi Leung
Cristian Paez
Remi Vision
Mark Gunter