Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Mazzeo.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My career in makeup actually started almost 30 years ago in Philadelphia, PA. A Kiss-tribute band needed help with their makeup and that’s when my journey began. I tried my hand at Mary Kay Cosmetics and soon realized selling was not as interesting as actually doing makeup. So, I offered my emerging talent for weddings and special occasions.
In 1996, I moved from Allentown, PA to sunny Florida to escape the cold and snow and I began expanding out of weddings searching for photographers and offering my makeup services in exchange for images for my portfolio. After about ten years of working on models and brides, I had an opportunity to provide makeup services for a music video. This experience completely opened my eyes to the film and TV industry and with my developing skills, I was hired at Universal Studios Orlando for their annual Halloween Horror Nights event.
After six years in Florida, I ventured a move to California. The opportunities on the west coast put me in contact with a network of amazing industry folks. I now have the opportunity to travel back and forth between Florida and California providing a wide range of makeup services from brides to zombies and working on an array of projects providing makeup and SFX (special effects makeup) for film, TV, music videos, commercials, print, magazines, corporate videos and more.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I first began this journey, I found it difficult to network and connect with those needing my makeup services. Makeup schools were not readily available and my skills have been self-taught and most have been learned through trial and error.
Once the internet became more common place, it made it easier to find work. Over the years, makeup schools have sprouted up and new artists are in abundance and competition is high.
Networking is key to building a solid clientele and staying busy. I found being readily available with prompt response time provides a beneficial work ethic and helps me secure the job.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Over the years, I have perfected the “clean beauty look”. This has become extremely useful for commercial and corporate projects.
My experience on set has provided me with a solid knowledge of the motion picture industry and I am able to work efficiently with quality results whether it’s a two-day commercial or a five-month movie.
I have developed a tried-and-true method for tattoo cover up that resembles the skin without looking blotchy while adhering to the skin for several hours of dancing and sweating. This service is very popular for brides and theater actors.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If someone is looking to network or searching for a mentor, the best avenue they can take is to be prepared with what they personally have to offer. Understanding their skill level and knowing where they need to be is important when starting to offer services.
I feel being open to advice and suggestions will help an aspiring artists learn and grow in their careers. Focusing on the weak skills and being able to tackle these head-on is a necessity to achieve the end goal.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.stephaniemazzeo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniemazzeo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniemazzeomakeupartist
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/stephaniemazzeo
