Today we’d like to introduce you to Anh Nguyen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always enjoyed art growing up but never could I paint, draw, or even sketch a face. The closest face I could ever draw was/is a happy face haha yet I was determined to pursue my passion for artistry. So I thought why don’t I just use faces that’s already there? I began to practice my work on my own face, moving on to doing it on others shortly after. I started off with simple and glam makeup looks; however this past October, I was introduced to special effects makeup looks and fell in love! It brings out even more creativity and helps me express my imagination through my artistry.
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?
Not at all. Everything that we decide to do and commit to has a starting point. I did not do great with makeup when I first started. Even til this very day, I am constantly learning new things from other artists. It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I’ve been discouraged here and there, yet still focus on my work and strive to enhance my skills as this is my career goal. Recently, on December 25, 2016, my fiance, Andre and I were involved in a severe car accident in Los Angeles. We were rear-ended by a drunk driver. Andre was driving and I was in the passenger seat. Luckily, because he’s 6’5″ and was driving and the drunk driver swerved to my side, he only suffered a minor concussion and I was unconscious. I was in an induced coma for 8 days with a 22% chance to live. It’s a blessing to have another chance at life. Being discharged from the hospital and therapy 40 days later, I have looked at my makeup skills differently. Yes, it was a struggle learning colors and coordinating again, but I kept my mind strong and looked at the passed couple of months as a minor setback, a minor struggle. I knew that if I kept pushing myself and be patient, I will be able to not only get back on my feet and do what I love, but to also motivate others to achieve their goals and desires if they push through whatever it is they are going through and find all the positives in each situation. Again, we all start from somewhere and have minor setbacks or struggles. Having a positive mentality and patience will do more for us than we know. So as you can see, til this very day, there are still struggles and minor setbacks, but I still try my best to push through it and make whatever necessary changes while still maintaining my vision and goals.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a freelance makeup artist in the Los Angeles area, but can also travel to events in other locations such as Orange County, the Inland Empire and San Diego. I do makeovers for any occasion or events such as birthdays, dances, graduations, award ceremonies, weddings, bridal showers, halloween, photoshoots and videoshoots. I am known for making my clients feel more comfortable with my work and myself in general, as I strive to build a friendship with them by being personable and understanding their desired looks, rather than a client vs. artist relationship. This also sets me apart from others as I am there to work with them and be apart of their experience/event. I am very precise and take pride in accomplishing my work right the first time and aim to exceed their expectations.
Who have you been inspired by?
Women that doubt me, my passion and my career goals are who inspire me, especially in this field of work. I have been told that my dreams and goals of letting makeup artistry be my career is ridiculous. That that “job” is so rare and unattainable. That it is not realistic and I should be serious. Growing up, I was raised to do and be the opposite of any negative comments or ideas. For example, as a girl, it was frowned upon for girls to play sports or be as aggressive as boys — yet there I was, engaging in sports, running outside with my brothers and the other boys. In the aspect of makeup artistry, being around women who do not have the same passion for makeup, but are just in it for the sale and competition, inspire me to use my talent and skill to promote what makeup artistry is all about. I love enhancing others’ beauty and uplifting their confidence. The use of colors, the act of coordinating them and the creativity involved are so beautiful and brings out people’s uniqueness.
Pricing:
- Full Face (Lashes included) $120 + travel fee
Contact Info:
- Phone: 714.858.3491
- Email: ms.anhmakeup@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs__anh/
Image Credit:
Lawanda Robinson, Salena Michaud, Ashley Christy, Sydney Mcknight
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.
