Today we’d like to introduce you to Marine Muradyan.
Hi Marine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started with just a passion for beauty and something I wanted to learn for myself because I loved makeup and fashion, I was enrolled to go to Fashion School but since the makeup course was a two months course, I decided to take it and thought to myself, I can maybe do makeup on the side while I’m in college to earn extra cash at the same time. That was the beginning of my journey. To be honest lot of the things I learned in makeup school didn’t make sense like the whole contouring and creating illusions, etc. so I wasn’t sure if I saw myself doing it. Today I felt like I was destined to do this, my first job was at (Naimie’s beauty supply) a make up store where a lot of industry used to shop at. I met so many people and my goal was to build my network and built a loyal clientele. Another benefit was that every Wednesday (Naimie’s) they offered product knowledge, so I just kept learning and learning. The more work I did in retail, the more I learned customer service, merchandising and how presenting and experience is so important. Till this day, I apply what I learned to my business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the beginning, it was defiantly not easy. I remember having a lot of anxiety and wanting to quit every time I had a bad experience or if something didn’t go the way that I had envisioned, but I also learned that this was my passion and I loved it and I was hungry to learn everything, I think what really worked for me was that I just didn’t quit, and I kept going only because I loved it. I mean back then, the options of learning were not that much, we had a couple of makeup schools, books, and assisting other artists and also, if you worked at a store or at a beauty counter that was a great help. Today the sky is the limit. There’s seminars, YouTube tutorials and so so so many ways to learn and become great faster. Some of my biggest struggles in the beginning was that I was super modest, and in this industry you gotta sell yourself and be your biggest fan in some ways. But I learned that with time and experience, your confidence grows. The more you know and the better you Get, your confidence grows bigger. Other struggles I want to say if finding yourself and where you see yourself. There’s so many placements for artistry and you gotta figure that out so you can market yourself the correct way. For example, do you want to work doing bridal and events or work on set with big production, etc. It took me years to really figure what I really wanted.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a makeup artist and hairstylist. I specialize in Beauty Makeup and Hair Styling. So what I did and decided for myself was to build a big clientele and build it in a couple of different areas so in case one didn’t work, I had something else to fall back on. For example, I have clients that have been coming to me for years, we grew together and I feel like I was a big part of their business as well because I created the look (image) they are known for. I do a lot of weddings and I basically specialize in the Bridal makeup and I make sure I provide the experience that I charge for which is a luxury package and it’s exclusive to only the bride. That’s one part of my career; I also have clients in television who are on shows that have been airing for years. and I have been with them since the beginning and I have taken part in creating the looks for their important appearances and occasions. So it is so broad there are so many other things that I do that’s a part of my business such as learning how to take great photos of my work for marketing and social media, as well as learning about marketing.
Some people might think it’s a very easy job because it’s so glamorous and fun, which yes it is. But its a lot of work, even if you are not working, you are still working, interacting with clients, booking appointments, posting on social media of different platforms, editing videos, working on promos or updating websites, creating contracts, etc. you constantly need to be on top of it because its easy to fall behind. It’s over capacitated industry so you need to find ways to stand out. I think what sets me different from others is that I have my own style, my clients feel the passion and the love I put into my work and you can always see it because the results are always on point. What I am most proud of is that I have made risks and maybe not always been successful at it but I learned a lot. I opened a beauty salon/studio in 2015, and my goal with the salon was to employ other artists, create jobs and also teach classes and teach and share my experience and techniques. I actually was obligated to close it due to the pandemic, so I am proud of myself for making an effort and taking the step, it was great for the first couple of years but I did make mistakes and learned from it and I am ready for the next big chapter of my career.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Hmm, I am originally from LA, growing up I had no idea it was such a famous place. It was bliss. Lol, what I do love is the drive people have in LA, there’s so much motivation to succeed and so much opportunity if you have an open mind of course. I love the diversity of so many different cultures there’s nothing like it, of course we have the best weather. What I like least about this city is that sometimes there’s a lot of inauthenticity; too many people pretending to be bigger than they are or just very fake. And I always say this I feel like I was from the east coast in my past life because I love real people and I love humble people. I have met so many different kinds of people all from different walks of life and my favorite one are the ones that are unfiltered, honest and real.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.makeupbymarine.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/makeupbymarine
- Youtube: makeupbymarire
Image Credits:
Photographer – Michael Oliveri photographer – Perla Diaz Photographer – Shamayim
