Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Talarico.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
5 years ago, I decided to create a documentary about the makeup and special FX industry, my vision was to document what it takes to become a successful makeup artist as there are so many ups and downs in the process of getting there. I am a professional makeup artist of over 10 years in the industry, and this topic is something I could talk about for days on end!
Over the span of 5 years filming “What It Takes,” I was blessed to work with some amazingly talented crew members, and interview over 40 makeup artists at all stages of their careers, 26 in which are Emmy or Oscar winning makeup artists. Directing and producing my film, “What It Takes,” was no easy feat, but the experience is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
When we released the film, the positive feedback was overwhelming, so we decided to have a 4-city screening tour. We screened in Los Angeles (twice), Seattle, Portland, and my hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana. I realized that something I truly enjoy doing is inspiring artists to go for their dreams and educate them on how they can get there.
Over time, I began to slowly develop an online platform that brings together artistry, motivation, inspiration and wellness. My philosophy on becoming successful and STAYING successful is that you must have the right mindset to do so. Sometimes our biggest setback is ourselves and fear of failure can bring us to never actually reaching our fullest potential. Being healthy and taking care of ourselves (especially our poor backs!!), is something that seems to be overlooked in our community. So, it is my goal to bring awareness to this through my platform. Nothing brings me more joy than inspiring artists on a global level to do amazing things in their careers!
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?
No, this has not been a smooth road at all! Ha! Being a full time freelance makeup artist, it is sometimes exhausting to have a grassroots film and business on the side with little to no startup money. Over the last 2 years, I have taken roughly 8 online business courses to truly understand how to create a legitimate online business. I haven’t had much of a social life for quite a while! haha! For the longest time, I thought I was getting no where…. the trainings on Facebook ads, Instagram growth, Pinterest Pins, etc. started to all collide together into a big pile of mush in my brain. But things have started to shift recently and have begun to gain some great traction! It’s tough starting a new business, and no one really tells you how lonely it can be at times. But the payoff is always worth it in the end!
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the What It Takes story. Tell us more about the business.
What It Takes is a brand that I have created for freelance makeup and special FX artists around the world. After releasing my documentary film, “What It Takes,” I have brought the concept of the film into an online platform that offers free workshops, podcasts, a blog, online videos, etc. that inspire and empower makeup and special FX artists around the world. We also conduct makeup challenges throughout the year in which we have celebrity makeup artists as our judges. It’s so much fun!
Over the next 6 months, we will be developing masterclasses and an online membership site that will offer trainings for makeup, health and wellness. This is something we are ecstatic about and cannot wait to release!
What It Takes is known for inspiring makeup artists to do big things with their careers and lives, to never give up on their dreams, and motivate them pursue their dreams to matter what struggles come along the way. We are so proud of how many lives we have touched globally; artists who have reached out telling us that they have started working as a makeup artist again after seeing our film, one artist who came up to me crying after she saw the documentary saying, “This is exactly what I needed to see right now. My parents have always told me that I could never make it in this type of industry. I want to show them this film!” It is incredibly humbling to hear these stories, and I am so honored to say we get them quite often.
I feel that what sets us apart from others is that we truly incorporate positivity, wellness, mindset and inspiration in everything we do. There are some amazing artists out there who have great online platforms for makeup artists, but I haven’t come across any that will offer mindset/wellness for artists. For instance, yoga is something that every makeup artist should invest in. Whether that be a financial investment to take classes or simply just a time investment by doing online videos at home. We, as artists, are standing ALL day, and this effect our back significantly! It can cause serious damage to our spine, which is something that I don’t see very many artists talking about.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
just play it day by day. I don’t know that I believe in “luck” or “bad luck.” I think that anyone who wants to do something big has to do it with purpose. If you are haphazardly creating a business, the chance of succeeding is very slim. Having a solid plan with very specific goals is a great starting point, and then consistency is what will drive the growth for any business.
Pricing:
- What It Takes Film Extended DVD $14.99
- What It Takes Film Digital Download $9.99
- What It Takes Film Rental $4.99
- What It Takes Monster Graphic T’s $12.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whatittakesfilm.com
- Email: whatittakesfilm@gmail.com
- Instagram: @whatittakes_mua
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatittakesfilm
Image Credit:
Kristin Lai, Amber Talarico, David Dastmalchian, Graphic T-shirts designed by Kenneth Alexander, Poster work done by Wesley Benjamin, edited by Marcos F.
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.
