Life and Work with Marianne Matar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Matar.

Marianne, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I used to dance in high school, so for my dance concerts, I would LOVE doing my makeup, you know, “Stage Makeup.” It was another thing I would look forward to when it came to my concerts. Then, my homegirls started asking to get their makeup done, and with no hesitation, I would do it! Then, I realized, that I loved doing this so much, it could possibly be my passion. Then, I decided I needed to start getting some money out of this that way I could afford different foundation shades, concealers, etc. So, when prom came, three friends reached out to me to get their makeup done and those were my first clients! Then, a couple of weeks later, I got booked for a wedding!

This was about 5 years ago and I wasn’t the best makeup artist obviously. Nor did I have the best makeup, but growing up, struggling with money, that’s all I could afford. So, I started getting extra hours at work, while I was trying to manage my classes (honors and AP) WHILE trying to maintain a 4.0 GPA, while dancing, etc. It was tough, but I also believed that if I kept practicing, I would better myself as a makeup artist.

And so I did! I slowly was able to afford taking classes from big makeup artists, and later on, got certified as a Professional Makeup Artist through Live Glam by my biggest makeup artist inspiration @iluvsarahii (Whom I’m now friends with!).

As of today, I am proud to look back at how I started, and recognize all the hard work I have put into this passion of mine. I am constantly getting booked for ALL types of events; weddings, prom, quinceaneras, you name it! I’ve been given the opportunity to travel places and glam people up! I just love it. There’s never a time that I don’t wake up happy that this, being a career, is also something I truly love doing. Slowly, I am reaching my ultimate goals!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve definitely experienced a lot of bumps in the road while trying to better myself as a Makeup Artist/ Influencer. Especially doing tutorials on YouTube, because I do everything myself! I have to make sure my back drop is set up good, my lights are good, my camera is focused on me, etc. Sometimes when I’m editing, I see all these mistakes and sometimes, I get discouraged because it’s so hard doing everything on your own, but then that’s what makes it so much more valuable.

On top of that, I’ve had many passings in my family. Two amazing uncles passed away, and then recently my grandpa passed away, which was my hardest one to get over. So, it’s like sh*t after sh*t (excuse my language!)

Please tell us about Marianne Matar (San Diego Professional Makeup Artist).
I am currently a Professional Makeup Artist/Freelancer. I am also a full-time student at Southwestern College and will be graduating next week with an Associate’s in Sociology. My full-time job is being a makeup artist and I specialize in all types of makeup; wedding, prom, quinceaneras, photoshoot, etc!

I also am a social media influencer and I collaborate with many brands to help expose and promote each other! I use Instagram as my main platform to show my work, upcoming projects, looks, etc.

Ever since I was in high school, people have known me as a makeup artist, but also as an entrepreneur, as I have built everything I’ve worked for myself! And that’s something I am extremely proud of.

I also love giving back, whether it is to people in needs, homeless, our environment, anything that I can do to help my community I will do! Recently, for the first time, I volunteered to do makeup for “A Night To Remember Prom” which is a prom for special needs kids. This was not only super emotional for me, but something that I will always be proud of. I cherished that day so much, and will be volunteering every year!

I think that all of that as a whole sets me apart from others. I am such a hard-worker, super independent thanks to my mom, a feminist, an activist, and I simply also just care for people, and for this world we live in.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
What helped me the most was going to different events and not necessarily beauty-related events, literally, any types of events where I was able to meet other people, network with them, talk to them about my aspirations and what my goals are, and I was also able to learn from them as well, and listen to their stories.

Pricing:

• $60 Full Face with lashes
• Stacked lashes- $2 more
• Mink Lashes – $10-$20 (depending on style)
• Mileage is extra depending on location (.56 c per mile)

Contact Info:

• Website: Instagram.com/mariannemmakeup
• Email: mariannemmakeup@gmail.com
• Instagram: @mariannematar_
• Facebook: @MarianneMMakeup
• Twitter: @mariannematar_

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