Story & Lesson Highlights with Monica Halligan of West Hollywood

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Monica Halligan. Check out our conversation below.

Monica, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think most people look at my profession as a hobby and not a career. Artists are not always taken seriously, when our job is just as important with big dead lines, big gigs and a lot of chaos.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a makeup artist and Brow specialist. I work in t.v., red carpets, weddings and all things brows. What sets me apart from others is I can handle the eyebrows, hair removal and preparation for makeup as well as the makeup. It saves my clients time as well as they can rely on one person instead of several. I am always prepared and ready for the gig wether it is a brow clean up or red carpet makeup.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I truly believed it mattered where you came from. I thought growing up in rural america, meant I could never reach a larger playing field. I believed that my life had to be small because my world was small. I left home at 18 and quickly realized you can reach for ANYTHING!! I have lived in multiple amazing cities, met awesome people everywhere I have went, and my career in artistry has grown even bigger than I could have ever imagined. It has never, and will never matter where you come from, only what you build and create for yourself in this life. Once I broke free of that mental prison, the possibilities have been endless.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My biggest fear and struggle is imposter syndrome. I have always had some struggles with imposter syndrome, sometimes to the point of not completeing my work. I work hard and have worked hard at perfecting my craft, but somehow I can convince myself that I have not and that I do not belong. It has held me back in my career, especially when the “i’m not good enough” doubts creep in. I have over the years, learned some meditations and mantras to use when I am feeling this way. It helps me overcome the self doubt and remember who I am!

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies my industry tells, is that it’s all glitz and glamour. There is so much more to this industry, you aren’t just responsible for painting faces. We have tight deadlines, high product cost, therapy sessions, and handling the business side of your work, on top of painting faces. This industry is a grind and a lot of work and will never be easier than it is today. However, the pay off for getting to be an artist and do what you love, makes it all worth it.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am truly doing what I was born to do. Growing up I was an athlete and I played two sports at the collegiate level, where I obtained a degree in sports management. My whole life was sports. As much as I love sports, I knew the beauty industry was where I wanted to be. It always called to me and is truly where I am my most happy. As soon as I graduated college I went to cosmetology school and I have been working in the beauty industry ever since. I could not imagine doing anything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monicahalligan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monica.halligan?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Other: Tik Tok:

  https://www.tiktok.com/@monica.halligan?_t=ZP-90PYvXtwdJf&_r=1