Meet Ashley Tani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Tani.

Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I had a lot of body image issues and was bullied a lot for the way that I looked so I always gravitated towards things where size didn’t matter. From there, I realized how passionate I was about making people feel beautiful in their own skin and doing makeup was the perfect outlet for that. I know that may sound weird like, “Aren’t you covering up what they look like with makeup?” And that can definitely be the case for some artists which is also such an art form but for me, I aim to enhance each client’s natural beauty and allow them to see what everyone else already can. We are always our harshest critics so maybe it takes an extra bit of blush or eyeshadow to get there but I want you to know that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a freelance artist is NEVER smooth or easy. Even after eight years, I definitely don’t have everything figured out. It’s definitely a leap of faith. It’s so scary to knowingly enter an industry where your next job is not guaranteed and you don’t always know when your next paycheck is coming. I also struggled with knowing my worth. I undercharged for YEARS. And it’s still something that’s hard for me but I have to remember how hard I’ve worked to be the artist that I am now. There’s often an air of “competition” in the beauty industry but it’s important to understand that no one can be you and there is truly room for everyone at the table.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been a freelance makeup artist since 2014. I specialize mostly in beauty, bridal, and commercial makeup. I think most clients seek me out for my glowy, natural looks but I also work with a lot of musical artists and love getting the chance to work with fun colors and glitter/rhinestones as well. I am most proud that I can work on a wide variety of skin tones and eye shapes very comfortably. Because I am working to enhance, and not change, their existing features, I can take any makeup style and best suit it to the face that I’m working on.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think one of the best qualities I have is that I am very adaptable. I learn quickly and can match energies with the best of them and I think that comes through in my work. You want to feel like you’re barely wearing makeup? I got you. You want a full beat with a highlight you can see from down the block? Let’s take you there! Being able to do those things while still making each look my own and best suited for the face I’m working on is a skill that I am always strengthening.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: ashleytani.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/makeupbyashleytani

Image Credits:
Angie Menze, Kele Maxwell, Tony Escalera, Alex Mari, Rose In Good Faith, The CW