Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Pagan.
Rachel, Veteran makeup artist is the Founder, CEO and inspiration behind the The CoLab Beauty Group. Approaching nearly 15 years in the beauty industry, Rachel has established herself through her dedication to high-caliber artistry and a passion for collaborating with clients and artists alike. With a background in both makeup and skincare, Rachel has lent her talent and knowledge to a variety of television/film productions, fashion and editorial shoots, and has built a considerable roster of celebrity clients. Her commitment inevitably led her to create her first agency, The Heart of Makeup, through which she and her team provide high-end hair and makeup services for weddings and special events. Rachel has worked closely with upper echelon beauty brands including MAC, Ardell, and Kevyn Aucoin, and has had her work featured on E! The Hallmark Channel, BET Entertainment, Lifetime, MTV, NBC, and in People Magazine, to name a few.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some of the struggles along the way to establishing myself as a successful freelance makeup artist, would be allowing myself to trust the process. In the beginning of my career, I worked on certain projects that seemed promising, and allowed me to make connections. There were many feelings of defeat when first starting out (and sometimes there still are), for example, if a job/project fell through, or if an industry connection never actually leads me anywhere. I just continued to work towards my dream and knew I had to be ready for all of the ups and downs that come with freelancing. I believe in finding balance within everything, and that definitely applies to my freelance and entrepreneurial endeavors.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’ve always been a good planner, and I figured it would be smart to apply my strengths towards business. I started my mobile beauty business, specializing in bridal. Most of my clients came from referrals, and when I wanted to see more growth, I began advertising on The Knot. Most of my clients who come to me, comment on how natural and beautiful the makeup is. I can do any type of makeup from glam to soft and natural, but my specialty and what I’m most hired for is a clean beauty makeup application.
Aside from the bridal industry, I also work doing editorials shoots, tv/film and red carpet events, which is why I decided to create a Boutique Hair & Makeup Agency called, The Co Lab Beauty Group. The CoLab Beauty Group is a boutique agency comprised of diverse and talented hair and makeup artists. This seasoned team has been carefully curated to ensure that their clients receive the top tier in both beauty and professionalism. With expertise in red carpet, film, television, and editorial beauty, these artists thrive through collaboration with one another and, most importantly, their clients.
I am most proud of myself for listening to my heart and following my dreams. As an entrepreneur, it gets exhausting because I always feel that I am on the clock. But at the end of the day, I’m up for the challenge and it’s rewarding to accomplish my goals.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was always planning and dreaming up big things. I always organized birthdays, special events and would network like it was nobody’s business. I had an interest early on in makeup and skincare, and used to do all my friends makeup for prom, photo shoots, and most recently weddings and maternity shoots.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theheartofmakeup.com & www.thecolabbeautygroup.com
- Phone: 8183712926
- Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
- Instagram: @theheartofmakeup @thecolabbeautygroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCoLabBeautyGroup/ & https://www.facebook.com/TheHeartofMakeUp/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-heart-of-makeup-los-angeles
Image Credit:
Lacey Chabert (in red) Photographer Kyle Christy, http://www.kylechristy.com/
Bride-Photographer Logan Cole, http://www.logancole.com/
Rachel Pally Lookbook- https://www.rachelpally.com/
Bride-Shannon, Photographer Wild Whim http://www.wildwhim.com/
Megan+Bryan Wedding. Photographer Brian Leahy http://brianleahyphoto.com/
Courtnee+Kevin. Photographer Brett Butterstein http://www.brettbutterstein.com/
Rachel Boston. Photographer Nick Holmes http://nickholmesonline.com/photo/
Photo of me: Jeremy Lee Photo https://www.jeremyleephoto.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
