Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcy Harrington
Hi Darcy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
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.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
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.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is when I was a little girl, and my dad took me to the Macys Day Parade in Time Square. We flew to New York, woke up at 3am and hopped on the Long Island Railroad to Manhattan. We were some of the first people at the parade barricades because my dad wanted to make sure I would be able to see the floats. I remember not even being tall enough to see over the metal gates, but overall that was a magical experience for me. Fortunately, I’ve been able to experience many beautiful times with my family, and have felt that awe like feeling more than once. For that I thank my parents. As an artist, I have a huge appreciation for big cities filled with so much diversity, and energy, and life. My parents ensured that so many of my life experiences included the cultures, lifestyles, and awareness of others around me, which is eccentricity I channel into my craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alainnartistry.com
- Instagram: alainnxartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alainnartistry
Image Credits
Niki Sharie Photo & Film
Dena Meeder Portraits
Sabrina Lynn Photo
