Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Tani.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love of makeup and beauty started when I was in high school. I was bullied a lot when I was younger for how I looked so making people (including myself) feel more confident has been a passion of mine for a long time. I wasn’t sure I could really make a career out of it but I also couldn’t find anything I loved more. So when I was 21, I decided to go to cosmetology school and take this seriously as a career. During my time at school, I met my good friend Genie Chung who had started her own bridal hair and makeup team, E2 Beauty. She hired me as soon as I graduated and, fast forward almost 5 years, that ended up being one of the best decisions of my life! I owe so much of my career to Genie and E2 Beauty. Working weddings has taught me so many things: the art of customer service, my speed, making makeup last 12+ hours, and how to work off of 3 hours of sleep (5am call times are no joke!). I’ve taken all that with me as I continue to grow in other areas of the industry. I’m still a lead artist with her company to this day, but I also get to work with fashion brands, magazines, musical artists, and everything in between! Every day is a new adventure and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about being an artist is smooth. It’s such a scary leap of faith to take because this is an industry where who you know is everything and your next job is never guaranteed. I’m not really a risk-taker so I had a hard time learning to embrace this fact. It’s financially hard, especially in the beginning, but I was super lucky to be able to have other jobs that were flexible with my schedule. I could work a few days a week and chase my dreams the other days. And when it came to makeup, I almost never said no to a job-even if it was unpaid. It’s tiring, but through that I was able to work on a wide array of faces and build my portfolio.
To women starting their journey, I am cheering for you! I know it’s easier said than done, but do not compare your journey to others. Social media is just a highlight reel and everyone struggles at times so remember that you are not alone. Work with people who are better and faster than you. They will make you better and faster. Ask questions and learn from everyone around you and at the same time, if someone wants to learn from you, let them. Teaching helps you learn too.
What should we know about Makeup By Ashley Tani? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in bridal, editorial, and commercial makeup and I mostly work on weddings and fashion/beauty shoots. Most brands and brides seek me out for my fresh, glowing skin looks. I love making my clients look beautiful and radiant! That being said, I’ve also worked very hard to create an eclectic portfolio. I’m proud that I can take a look from soft and romantic to smoky and sultry to bold and colorful. I’m never afraid to try new things and I’m constantly researching new styles and techniques. But most importantly, I want every person who sits in my makeup chair to feel more confident and beautiful by the time they get up.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I highly recommend working for a wedding company as I did. It’s a great place to meet other artists and get a ton of practice in. I also continue to do a lot of test/TFP (trade for press) shoots. They aren’t typically paid but you get the chance to meet/work with a ton of different photographers, models, and stylists. I’ve gotten so much paid work from referrals that came from the people I’ve met on those shoots.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleytani.com
- Email: makeupbyashleytani@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/makeupbyashleytani
Image Credit:
Rose In Good Faith, Branch and Cole, Sergio Necoechea, Angie Menze, Cameron Mackey, Elle-May Leckenby, Jen Sosa
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