Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Cathey.
Maggie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started doing makeup when I was in high school. I went to a lot of dances and was always getting my makeup done and it didn’t take long for me to figure out that I liked the way that I did it better than when I went somewhere else. Senior year I did a lot of people’s makeup for dances and dance shows. When I went to college for Theater, I was friends with a lot of film majors and started working on their student films and eventually started on weddings. It wasn’t until I got married that I got to take the leap and start doing makeup full time. That’s when I started Mags Cathey, just over 4 years ago now. I’ve been doing bridal, photography, and editorial makeup ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been smooth but slow. When you’re starting your own company, especially and artistically based one, it takes time to build up a client base and get the word of mouth going. That was my biggest struggle but the more work I did, the more clients talked and shared and the more jobs I got.
Is there some part of you work that is particularly difficult?
The hardest part of my job is marketing and acquiring new clients. After so many years doing this, the technique side of things becomes easy and fun and I always had a knack for dealing with clients on a personal level. For some people, the stress of being involved in the bridal realm can be hard but I love it and thrive in it. But, like any small business, gaining new clients can be difficult. Knowing the best ways to market yourself and what to spend your money on is a learning experience.
What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
Success can mean so many things to so many people. For me, it will mean when I can provide enough to my family to help us get out of debt and eventually make some dreams come true. On the more measurable side, it will mean, being published consistently and doing high profile weddings and red carpet events.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have a lot of plans! I plan to keep building my bridal business and continuing to work with the ideal clients that I love. I plan on working on more editorial shoots and being more and more creative. As a makeup artist, the career paths you have to choose from vary greatly. Where the future ultimately leads, we’ll have to see!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.magscathey.com
- Email: maggie@magscathey.com
- Instagram: magscathey
- Facebook: magscathey
Image Credit:
Stephanie Simpson
Amanda VanVels
Leah Marie
Danielle Bacon
Nathan Worden
Austin O’Brien
Kacia Platt
