Today we’d like to introduce you to Anya Baker.
Anya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my make up artist’s career in 2008 absolutely randomly being recruited at first for Estée Lauder beauty as a fragrance model where from BOBBY Brown decided to interview me for an artistry position which was just so excited by my Painting background (four years of Fine Art School in Saint Petersburg, Russia).
Afterwards, I was invited to work with brands like YSL, Dior, and now I am with Tom Ford Beauty at Neiman Marcus and doing some projects in the side as a freelance.
My formal painting education and experience definitely influenced my makeup artistry skills and style. It’s just like painting but people’s faces are your canvas and I love it. It makes my day not just to see the result of my work but to educate my clients about skincare and makeup and teach them techniques of application which would be best for them. I thrive on seeing my clients flirting with their mirror face being confident that she looks amazing and feeling like a queen. I consider my job therapeutic for my clients. A beautiful face is in confidence of my client who is comfortable in her skin and her make up reflects who she is! I always ask questions about expectations with makeup and ideally like to see visual guidance to my client’s idea. It’s so so important to be on the same page and feel the client.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to work with everyday woman and models for a number of Fashion shows, and special events Neiman Marcus hosted last year which gives my creative outlet all the diversity with makeup styles and application.
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course not, there were many times when I was considering leaving the industry due to hard work affecting my body or being challenged with finding who I am and what I want to do next. There are so many great makeup artists in San Diego and competition is pretty tough, but I want to encourage everyone who is interested in just doing your best with the job you have to do now and things will fall into places themselves. People notice talent and the more you work the better you get and more amazing business connections you build and make new friends. Being punctual, good communication, listening to exactly what your client wants is crucial. It’s not about you and your idea of her beautiful self it’s mostly HER self image yuh are supposed to read and enhance!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Right now, I specialize in Tom Ford Beauty make up at Neiman Marcus and I am known for my make up a portfolio for special, fashion events, photo, video, weddings, etc… but my main passion lately is to educate and teach the everyday woman to look her best and how to transform! I love to teach my clients, empower them that it’s easy and they can do it too at home! Growing up in Saint Petersburg, Russia, I have traveled a lot all over the world and possess lots of cultural ideas and styles which I integrate with my work depends on the occasion and a client. I am very creative and each makeup application is a work of art for me with my client being the beautiful canvas.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Yes, one day, my life had turned upside down after an injury when I was forced to stay home alone for a while and started to paint oil a lot… that helped me to detach and stop comparing myself with other makeup artists. I just started doing things my way. I think it helped me to create my own style and way and recognition with it. Independence matters in our world, it. Rested your identity.
Pricing:
- $175 is an event make up charge per person
- Travel fee depend on location
Contact Info:
- Address: 4676 Hamilton street apt 6,
San Diego, CA 92116 - Website: Anyavisage.com
- Phone: 760-574-0471
- Email: bakeranya@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @anyabaker
- Facebook: Anya Baker
Image Credit:
La Models for Neiman Marcus Tom Ford Beauty, Paola Bravo, Gabriela Cabrera
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