Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcy Harrington
Hi Darcy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story started when I was two years old and knocked out my front teeth, reaching for my mom’s lipstick. I’ve always had a passion for beauty since I was a little girl and always knew how I wanted to look and feel. I always had to go to school with my hair curled and lip gloss on, and by school I mean pre-k. When I got a little older, I would do my aunts hair and makeup during family gatherings. I loved going to MAC and getting my makeup done. Once I started a high school job, I would buy a weekly lipstick. Beauty and make up was always my passion but I found myself enrolled at San Francisco State University during my college years. I finished my degree in Liberal Arts with a minor in Education. I was accepted into Teach for America, and had prepped myself to become a teacher. While this was a honorable profession, I knew I was called to help others in a different format. I was on this completely different life path, when I had the revelation that teaching just wasn’t where I needed to be. That very same week I enrolled in Paul Mitchell San Diego cosmetology school. This felt truer to myself, and like the road I always knew I should be on. Once your in the beauty field theres so many routes you can take so I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I started in a salon as an assistant doing hair, and also worked in Nordstrom Beauty for several different companies. I wanted to explore more avenues as an independent creative. So I started my own company called Álainn Artistry, freelancing makeup and hair. I am so glad I took the leap of faith and believed in myself because it has provided me so many opportunities, experiences, and connections with wonderful people. Starting my own business has helped me grow as an individual and an artist, which is what I hope to continue to do. I love making people feel good about themselves, and I hope to encourage other beauty industry creatives to trust their skills and make that leap.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There’s been lots of struggles along the way but that’s a given in any endeavor. If it was easy everybody would do it. One of my biggest struggles was just taking that first step. I was on my way to becoming a teacher, had the degree and everything for it, but deep down I knew it wasn’t my true calling. I had let other voices dictate my career route, but had to muster the courage to make that change. Another struggle was the financial burden of start up costs. Building a makeup kit and hair kit is thousands of dollars because you have to have every shade of foundation, concealer, eyeshadow palettes, lip liners etc. The cost of the make up is in addition to makeup bags, chairs, lights, marketing, etc. Fortunately, I worked in Nordstrom beauty and would get rewarded in makeup, and thats how I slowly started building my kit. I think I started with around 3 different lipstick shades, and 3 different foundation colors and simply had to be very creative to work with what I had. This felt scary at the time, because it truly didn’t feel like I had what I needed to feel confident in my craft. Once I started gaining clients and making more money, I slowly started expanding my kit. This is something i’ll forever be adding to, it is a process that never stops. Like all artists I sometimes struggle with self doubt and being vulnerable enough to put my work out there. One thing I’ve learned is to not compare your work to others, and to never try to be the same as someone else. My strive to be authentic in my artistry and to respect all creatives in the same light.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do professional makeup and hair styling, specializing in Bridal, Commercial, & Magazine Shoots. As far as makeup I am known for creating both natural and soft glam looks. I specialize in hot tools, blowouts, and bridal hair styling. I accept individual clients as well as group events. I’ve worked on set with Magnetic Creative Productions, doing commercials for Chilis Restaurant, Naturvet, Nexgrill, Alma Lasers, and Brave Books. I’ve done makeup for the cover of San Diego Women’s Magazine, and Exploring Lafayette Life Financial magazine. My work has been seen on the face of professional athlete, Kerri Walsh Jennings. I’m very proud of all these accomplishments, and I’m most proud of the fact that never giving up on myself is what led me to all these memorable experiences. I followed my heart, took a leap of faith and trusted myself. I went all or nothing on my craft and its taken me to places I’ve dreamed of. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to be open minded with other artist, and humbly learn from everyone I meet. Whether an artist is just starting out, or they’ve been an artist for 25 years I know there is something to learn. As a person I accept everyone for who they are, and try to truly connect with all my clients. I appreciate greatly anyone who allows me the opportunity to work with them, and feel so blessed that my artistry can make a difference in my community and the lives of others.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I think most importantly would be to have an open mindset, say yes to everything, and any interested client. Even if I wasn’t 100% confident approaching a job, I’d still say yes because I knew it was the only way to learn more, and to gain that confidence. When you have openness to grow you learn new tricks and skills with each challenge you are presented. I practiced a lot on doll heads, I did a ton of free work, and I stayed true to myself always while building up my clientele. I never compare my work to others. Everyone is on their own journey as artists and everyone approaches their canvas in a way that works for them. My advice to new artists is to never give up even when you’re feeling discouraged because there will be times when you feel defeat. In those times, do everything you can to stay engaged with your craft and lean on others that have been in the industry for a long time. Say yes to every opportunity at your door, say yes to learning, and focus on enjoying the moment in your artistry. Authenticity and a willingness to grow will take you far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alainnartistry.com
- Instagram: Alainnxartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alainnartistry
Image Credits
Sabrina Lynn Photo
Niki Sharie Photo Film
