Have you ever dreamt of a career filled with beauty and making people feel incredible on their special day? That's exactly what I've built with Danielle Louise Artistry! But my path wasn't always filled with Glamour and Success. Let me take you on a journey that shows why my experiences make me the perfect makeup artist for your wedding.
Glamorous Inspiration from a Young Age
It all started with a love for all things glamorous. My grandma wasn't just any grandma; she was an official Princess Margaret lookalike! Growing up surrounded by her diamonds, fur coats, and elegant gowns definitely planted a seed. My aunts, too, were makeup enthusiasts, I loved watching them apply their makeup at their dressing tables. I knew a career in weddings was somehow in my future. Back then, I would even draw wedding dresses, dreaming of becoming a designer.
High School Makeup Mishaps and Beauty School Basics
Fast forward to high school, and like most teenagers, I experimented with makeup. Let's just say the era of foundation lips, jet black eyeliner, and non existent brows wasn't my most graceful phase! Yet, even with those questionable choices, I was definitely the "makeup girl" at school.
After graduation, I pursued my passion by enrolling in beauty therapy and hairdressing courses. This knowledge is invaluable today! I can advise brides on skincare routines, provide mini pre-makeup facials, and even handle any last-minute hairstyling emergencies that might arise on their wedding day.
A Foray into Special Effects and Discovering My Passion
While I took beauty school seriously, my makeup journey took a detour when I fell in love with horror movies. I enrolled in a two-year Level 3 production arts makeup artistry program. This opened my eyes to the world of special effects, theatrical makeup, historical makeup, fashion and editorial looks, wig and extension making – and yes, even bridal makeup.
However, bridal makeup wasn't my calling back then. Honestly, the most valuable lessons I learned were about proper hygiene, professional care, and the basics of eye and face shapes – knowledge I still use to this day.
Facing Reality and Starting from Scratch
Graduation in 2011 left me hungry to dive into the industry. But reality hit hard. With no experience, no one would hire me. Social media wasn't the powerhouse it is today, and at 17years old, I lacked the confidence to build my own business. Back then, experience and a portfolio seemed like absolute necessities – and rightfully so. But if you were to ask me now i would tell a newbie artist to get practicing on friends and reach out to other artists as an assistant. Additionally, I didn't have my driver's license, another essential tool for a makeup artist.
So, with no makeup artist jobs available and no desire to return to college, I took a job at Debenhams. Sadly, it wasn't on the coveted cosmetics counters – another roadblock due to my lack of experience. I dreamt of being a glamorous counter artist, walking around in heels with perfect makeup (just like the Dior ladies in black suits or the Clinique ladies in white jackets).
Seven years and two children later, I still hadn't achieved my dream. Watching old makeup classmates excel with styled shoots, real brides and award wins fuelled my desire to finally take the leap. While I adored being a mom, a burning question kept nagging at me in 2018: "If I don't do this now, will I ever?"
Rekindling the Passion and Building a Dream
Juggling my Debenhams job, I spent every spare moment rekindling my makeup skills. I binge-watched tutorials from artists worldwide, devoured "A Day in the Life of a Makeup Artist" videos, and researched the best products within my budget. Slowly, I built my kit, starting with budget-friendly brands. I practiced on my sister and best friend, then took the plunge and started posting my work on Instagram.
It wasn't long before an old school friend reached out, asking me to do their makeup. The pride and joy I felt after doing that first client's makeup is a feeling I'll never forget. She re shared my work, which led to another incredible opportunity.
From Debenhams to Dream Weddings
From my work posted on Instagram of my ex school friend, A salon owner reached out, who happened to own a salon at a wedding venue. This hairdresser saw my work and reached out, asking if I could help out with a large wedding! This was my chance, and I jumped at it. I was still pretty embarrassed by my budget kit, so I asked my husband if I could take £500 from our savings. He immediately said yes (he's always been my biggest supporter). With my slightly upgraded kit, I went off to assist my first wedding and immediately caught the wedding bug.
I continued working at Debenhams on weekends and taking evening party makeup bookings. Then, in early 2019, the bridal salon offered me a job as an employed makeup artist. I'd finally done it! Instead of working weekends at Debenhams, I was now spending every weekend doing bridal makeup. My skills improved rapidly, and I gained valuable experience from countless weddings in my first year.
Lockdown, Reflection, and a New Path
Just as I was settling into this addictive blissful wedding bubble, March 2020 hit us with the COVID-19 lockdown. The wedding industry suffered, and just like many, my mental health took a toll. When weddings finally resumed, it was tough to get back into the swing of things. Something was missing. It wasn't a loss of passion, but rather a growing desire for more flexibility. I eventually realised that i was building someone else's dreams and I was ready to build my own.
After a year of juggling weddings and family life, I made the difficult decision to leave the bridal salon in 2022. While the stability of a full wedding schedule was appealing, it limited my flexibility with my family and hindered my personal goals. I wanted to be an award-winning artist, educate other makeup artists, and serve high-end luxury brides – something I couldn't fully achieve within the structure of salon life.
Birth of Danielle Louise Artistry
Thus, Danielle Louise Artistry was born. Self-employment wasn't easy. Invoices, accounting, and the constant uncertainty about bookings kept me up at night. The thought of driving to new locations filled me with anxiety. But my passion and determination kept me going.
In my first six months, I had only one wedding booking. I'd left my job mid-year with no clients and no portfolio, essentially starting from scratch. I had tons of experience but no brides knew it! With no images to show, i organised a styled shoot and booked onto my first wedding fayre, I got one booking from that fayre for a wedding 2 years later .I continued to post on social media and had immense support from friends and family, tagging me in recommendation posts which led to brides recommending me to their friends.
With continuous determination, By the end of my first full year in business, I'd earned more than i had ever earned before being employed. Even charging the extremely low rates i was charging. I had built incredible relationships with brides, and won my first award as a highly commended makeup artist. My diary was filling up, and my mental health was thriving.
From Strength to Strength
Now In 2024, The start of my third year in business, something truly clicked. I stepped into my CEO role, refining my services to provide the best possible experience for my brides. My diary is almost at full capacity, with brides inquiring about dates 3 years in advance. I've won another award for highly commended makeup artist for the second consecutive year, being among artists who work with celebrities. I've enjoyed collaborating on styled shoots and dabbling in more editorial style work, creating some beautiful looks for well known hair care brands. Investing in a business coach has elevated my knowledge and allowed me to offer even higher-quality services.
My kit now boasts luxury brands like Dior and Giorgio Armani, a far cry from my humble beginnings. My skills have reached new heights, enabling me to create timeless, elegant looks with a modern twist. I'm constantly learning and perfecting my craft, always striving for excellence.
Beyond business growth, my personal journey has also transformed. I'm working harder than ever, but my CEO role now has encouraged me to prioritize self-care, including fitness and self-confidence. In just two short years, I've built a thriving business and have exciting plans for the future.
I'm eager to introduce upcoming and future brides to the world of Danielle Louise Artistry, where timeless elegance meets modern glamour. If you're ready to experience Ultimate luxury on your wedding day, let's chat about creating your dream wedding look. Together, we can make your special day a celebration of beauty and confidence.
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