Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlena Robbins.
Marlena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in makeup started when I was growing up performing in dance and theatre productions and having to wear makeup for those shows. It blossomed over the years and I began doing makeup on my fellow cast members. Once I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in makeup but didn’t yet have the money to go to school for it. My best friend who lived in Nashville came out to visit the summer after we graduated and wanted to go to a taping of The Price Is Right. Long story short, we went, I got on the show and I ended up winning a car! I sold that car right back to the dealership that was going to give it to me and with that money I went to makeup school. From there, I did all sorts of jobs within the beauty industry. From film production shoots, photo shoots, working as a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, eventually going back to school to get my esthetician’s license, working at a salon and now to where I am today, a celebrity makeup artist signed with Maven Artists Agency. The work I do now is mostly in publicity for television and film. I get to work with actors as they promote the projects they are apart of. I also do photo shoots and various other freelance jobs. I consider myself very lucky to have made a career out of something I love doing.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worthwhile comes easy. That saying could not be more accurate when looking back at the journey my career has been on so far. I’ve explored so many different ways that I could be a working makeup artist. I have gone through many setbacks of jobs not working out and disappointments of not booking certain jobs or losing clients along the way. It feels discouraging when that happens and truthfully, I still experience those struggles from time to time. What gets me through those tough moments is the love and support I receive from my amazing husband, my beautiful daughter, my wonderful family and friends and the reminder that they are just moments and not forever.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
Nothing seemed to be a good fit until I decided to fully pursue a career in makeup for the entertainment industry. Signing with my agent, Mishel Brownlee of Maven Artists Agency truly changed my life and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given because of her. I get to work on photo shoots, video shoots, press junkets, red carpet events, public appearances, and so many other fun jobs! I love working and collaborating with others and in my career, I get to do that all the time! I specialize in beauty makeup, hair styling, and men’s grooming. My approach to any client is to not overdo it. Bring out their natural beauty with the help of makeup and hairstyling rather than using those skills to mask it. I also treat my clients like I would treat any loved one. I always try and go above and beyond. Making sure that in addition to making them look their best, I want them to feel their best and have fun! I’m very proud of the career I’ve built. When I started I didn’t know anyone in the industry. Today I know many and some of them have even become some of my best friends. We help one another to thrive and support one another in our successes! I’m lucky to be in the same company as them.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like L.A. is one of the best cities to do the kind of beauty work I do simply because there is a ton of opportunity here to do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mavenartistsagency.com/marlena-makeup
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: BeautybyMarlena
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