Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Worada Beau Lehman-Elchert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Worada Beau, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
As an experienced makeup artist, I have never thought to myself that I already know everything there is to know about makeup or being a makeup artist (that would be presumptuous!). I feel there’s always room to grow and improve my skills; being open-minded to continuing to learn and accepting challenges is what keeps my creativity alive. I feel I am constantly growing as an artist. Whether it be trying or mastering new skills, learning from other artists, or keeping up with newest and latest makeup trends.
I’m all about taking on challenges when it comes to mastering a new skill or executing a specific makeup look. Whenever clients request makeup looks that may be challenging, I sometimes feel a little anxious that I won’t be able to execute the look, but at the same time, it feels exhilarating to be able to step outside of my comfort zone. Low and behold, it always works out in the end and I’m always glad that I allow myself to be open to try any creative challenges.
When it comes to learning, I love learning from other makeup artists. When I say learning from other makeup artists, I don’t mean copying their makeup styles (although sometimes it could be an amazing look that needs to be tried!), I mean being inspired by their organizational skills, trying a new product that they have raved about, trying a makeup technique or hack that they shared…etc. Other makeup artists can be so inspiring and can really influence my own creativity.
Keeping up with current makeup trends is probably the most influential aspect when it comes to enhancing my creativity. Makeup trends are constantly evolving, rotating, and sometimes repeating as the years go by. I think it’s important to know the current season trends as a makeup artist as it’s usually what’s in demand or requested by clients. Whether it’s learning the trends from fashion magazines, runway shows, cosmetic companies’ social media, or from other makeup artists, knowing these trends can have such an impact on inspiring creativity and keeping it alive.
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?
My name is Worada, but I’m also known as Makeup Ma’am.
I’m a professional makeup artist with 18 years of experience in the beauty industry (Event/Special Occasion, Bridal/Wedding, Photography, Film, Commercial…etc). I’m certified by Make-up Designory of Los Angeles and Mac Cosmetics. As a Mobile makeup artist, I travel to clients for on-site makeup services (Home, business, studio, desired location…etc) for client convenience in Toledo, OH and surrounding areas.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Being professional and courteous. Being a freelance makeup artist isn’t just about doing makeup. It’s also checking and responding to emails, returning phone calls, scheduling appointments…etc. I unconsciously turned my makeup side hustle into a professional makeup business by doing these things and it’s helped shape my journey professionally. My advice: Make a positive impression.
2. Promoting myself. I hate to admit it, but it took me awhile to put myself out there as a makeup artist. Sometimes I regret it and think about the opportunities I might have missed because I never promoted myself. However, the moment I did, is the moment I realized how much of an impact self promotion made on my makeup artist journey. My advice: Share your work and put yourself out there. Posting on social media is the way to go (it’s pretty much free advertisement for yourself). It allows others to see your work and what you have to offer.
3. Networking. Connecting with others who are also working in the same industry has definitely been impactful during my makeup artist journey. Not only does networking create trust and new friendships, but also new clients. I’ve had new clients referred by other makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers…etc and vice versa; there’s a professional level of trust and connection that’s formed. My advice: Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to others and make that connection!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I mostly do makeup for weddings and events, but I would love to be able to collaborate with photographers! It would be ideal to work with photographers from time to time for makeup for fashion photography, professional headshots, engagement photos, senior photos, etc. If any photographers that are reading this who would love to collaborate, feel free to send me an email, message through my website, or DM through Instagram (info listed below).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupmaam.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_maam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupmaam
