Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Hamilton
Hi Toni, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Tampa, Florida and I have a degree in Textiles and Clothing from Florida State University. I originally thought I was going to work in fashion in some capacity. However, I’ve also always loved makeup but for some reason I never thought it was something I could make money doing. I college, I loved watching What Not to Wear on the Style Network where Carmindy was the makeup artist that would do the makeup transformations. Although the show’s focus was fashion I was intrigued by the makeup transformation. And in college like every paycheck I would reward myself with one MAC Cosmetics product. Before I knew it I had quite the collection for an average person that wasn’t a makeup artist. My sorority sisters nicknamed me the “MAC store” because I had all this MAC makeup and everyone would want to get ready at my house. Then my friends started wanting me to do their makeup up and I’m like I don’t know what I’m doing. After graduating, my sorority sister Jemier asked me to glam her mom for her wedding and my mind was blown that she would ask me to glam her mom on her most important day. I was terrified. But Jemier said she believed in me. So I did it and from their other people wanted to book and I’m like wait. I can really make money doing this. I really started studying makeup and learning about the greats like Pat McGrath, Sam Fine, and Kevyn Aucoin to name a few. And youtube was pivotal around that time and I used to watch and create my own videos. Then I got a job at MAC in Orlando, Florida, left their after 2 years. My friends convinced me to move to LA to further my makeup career and here I am!
Alright, 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?
I would say the challenges as a professional makeup artist can be handling the business side. I mainly want to show up and do the fun part which is glam. But at the end of the day you are a business. I also spend A LOT of time following up on payment from networks/campaigns. And another challenge is managing my money. I never know when I am going to get work or not. It can be very scary not having a steady paycheck. So as an artist you have to know when your seasons are for the most part to manage your money appropriately to get you through some dry months.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles. I specialize in women of color but I can work with all skin tones. I glam mainly for red carpet and tv and I’m looking to also get back into bridal. I really enjoy soft glam and enhancing the beautiful features of anyone who sits in my chair. I am also on the Product Development Team and one of the Global Makeup Artists for ONE/SIZE Beauty. And I am the current face of ONE/SIZE Beauty’s B12 Base Thinner which is a mixing medium serum for your foundation.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always looking to add new clients. I’m also looking to collab with a team for creative shoots since I haven’t done any in awhile.
You can reach me at www.toni-nicole.com in the booking section or Instagram @ToniNicoleBeauty
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toni-nicole.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toninicolebeauty/
Image Credits
Jesse Tam
Mood Photo
Sammi Smith
