Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mandie Fenrich. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mandie, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My journey to confidence and healthy self-esteem wasn’t easy. Born with a cleft lip and palate, I underwent 10 surgeries between the ages of 10 days and 12 years to correct the condition. Growing up, I felt different from other kids. My speech was impaired, my teeth were crooked, and I had awkward haircuts and growth spurts, which made it difficult to feel confident or make friends.
Despite these challenges, I always had compassion for others and a strong sense of empathy. My artistic talents, which blossomed later in life, became a key source of strength. From a young age, I found that while I might not have always felt good about my appearance, I could take pride in my talents and my ability to be kind. Even though I was bullied for my differences, I tried to stay positive.
In high school, I found a stronger group of friends, my growth spurts evened out, and I got braces. I also started experimenting with makeup, blending my love for art with a desire to express myself. A year after high school, I began my career in the beauty industry as a makeup artist at MAC Cosmetics, where I quickly became one of the top artists at my location. I went on to work for several more brands before finally branching out on my own over ten years ago.
Since then, I’ve worked with thousands of clients, helping them feel better about themselves and build their own confidence. I serve people from all walks of life, and I take each client seriously. It’s my life’s mission to ensure people feel good on the inside, and that inner positivity shines through on the outside. In helping others, I’ve found my own confidence strengthened along the way.
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’ve been a professional makeup artist for 21 years based in Sacramento, CA, and have been running my own business for over 10 years. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various commercial productions, music videos, short films, corporate shoots, sports teams, politicians, magazine shoots, fashion shows, and, of course, weddings. I love the variety in my work, which keeps it exciting, and I enjoy meeting new people along the way.
Networking with others in the beauty industry is something I truly value, and I’m always happy to be the go-to person for beauty advice. In addition to makeup artistry, I’m also a licensed esthetician, specializing in natural, classic-style lash extensions, facial waxing, brow shaping and tinting, and lash tinting.
One of the aspects of my work that I’m most passionate about is cosmetic tattooing. I offer natural tattoos for eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and more recently, areola tattooing for clients who have undergone mastectomies and lost their nipples. This has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Helping clients regain their confidence after battling breast cancer—through something as personal as realistic, three-dimensional nipple tattoos—means everything to me. After all they’ve been through treatments, surgeries, and emotional challenges, being able to restore a piece of their identity is incredibly fulfilling.
I feel so fortunate and blessed to have worked professionally in this career for 21 years, with over a decade of running my own business. I love the creativity my work allows me and the opportunity to help people regain their confidence. I’m especially grateful for the “tough cases,” when I’m able to help clients who have struggled to feel their best until I’ve helped them reconnect with their self-esteem.
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?
My journey is not just about my career; it’s also shaped by my experience with chronic illness. Every day, I face adversity, yet I continue to push forward and never give up. In this journey, three qualities have been most important: resilience, the pursuit of knowledge, and empathy.
Resilience is the ability to rise every day and work towards your goals, no matter the challenges life throws at you. I’ve faced health struggles, divorce, miscarriage, family issues, and financial hardships (thanks to the pandemic!), yet I continue to persevere. In my career, this means working smarter, not harder, by finding clients and networking within my community. When it comes to my health, resilience involves eating well, staying fit, taking care of my mental and physical health, and avoiding harmful vices.
The pursuit of knowledge is about being a lifelong student of your craft. They say you’re not an expert until you’ve invested 10,000 hours into your career, and I’m sure I’ve surpassed that mark multiple times. I am constantly learning from others, and I’ve also had the privilege of teaching. This industry is always evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. One area in which I consider myself an expert is color theory, and I love sharing this skill with others. I firmly believe that continuous learning is essential—without it, you risk becoming stagnant and complacent.
Lastly, empathy is crucial, especially when working with people. Every client comes with their own story, and it’s important to approach each person with kindness and understanding. You never know whose heart you might touch, so it’s essential to be genuine with your kindness and expect nothing in return. Good karma has a way of coming back to you when you least expect it.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I can only work when I feel well, and because I live with an autoimmune disease, I have to dedicate significant time and effort to staying healthy and getting enough rest. My autoimmune arthritis presents daily challenges—I never quite know how I’ll feel from one day to the next. Additionally, the medication I take weakens my immune system, which makes me more susceptible to illness and infection. This often leaves me feeling fatigued, so it’s crucial that I know when to slow down and prioritize recovery.
While some people can thrive working 12-hour days back-to-back, that simply doesn’t work for me. I have to find a balance between working hard and caring for my health. Living with this condition means I often have to say no or set firm boundaries with clients. That’s not always easy—I genuinely love what I do and would love to take on every opportunity—but it’s just not realistic.
Along with chronic fatigue, my energy is limited and needs to be managed carefully. This means certain areas of my business might occasionally feel like they’re falling short. In an industry that heavily relies on marketing and self-promotion, it can be difficult to find the energy for content creation when I’m focused on client work. I’m currently working toward hiring someone to help with that side of the business. Delegating those tasks will allow me to concentrate more on the creative work I love and less on the behind-the-scenes effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupbymandie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_by_mandie
Image Credits
Allison Herbert, Raul Gonzo
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