Meet Makeup Artist: Anastasia Staley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Staley.

Born and raised in Hollywood, CA Anastasia’s parents are Icons of the Hollywood film industry. Her mother Penelope was one of the first women in the makeup artist union and a three-time Emmy nominated Makeup Artist with over 30 years in film and television. Her father Chuck, worked with Dan Rather as a Director for CBS news.

Throughout her childhood, Anastasia shadowed her mother on sets and assisted her with projects. At sixteen she came into a right of her own as an independent makeup artist. During the expansion the Japanese Shu Uemeura Beauty Boutique in the United States, Anastasia launched looks, artistically collaborated on fashion shows and represented the company as a makeup artist in the US.

She is currently working in the industry continuing to pursue a successful career in Print, Film, and Television. Most recently Anastasia has started working on a collaborative project entitled MILF.

Has it been a smooth road?
There are lots of struggles in freelance. Sometimes it means that you have to do things off the path in order to pursue your passion. Never giving up on your dreams is the key.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I am currently focusing on a passion project that is of great importance. ‘The MILF Project’ focuses on the importance and beauty of mothers. The journey to motherhood is a beautiful experience, and while it is very rewarding, the ‘mothers’ invariably tend to loose themselves to the needs of the child. The ‘MILF Project is focused on reminding these women how special and important they truly are as individuals and women. The project takes everyday women, specifically ‘Moms’ and transforms them into the beautiful individuals they have become since motherhood. MILF will be an amalgamation of women, amazing photography, and powerful and personal essays all wrapped together in a beautiful coffee table book that will benefit families all from all walks of life. MILF is a statement, a reminder of what mothers are capable of, what we can become and what we always will be.

We are currently in the development and fundraising stages of this program, which will be featured on my website anastasiastaley.com

Let’s explore some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way. What was the most difficult part of your career so far?
The biggest challenge that I have faced is staying focused on what I am most passionate about- for it is those passions that make me feel the most alive. It’s too easy for me to get lost in the minutia of the grind, and fall into depression as a result. The path to creative success is hardly glittered in gold, and it is extremely difficult sometimes to stay devoted to your craft. So, I find myself taking small victories, like being super excited about a shoot or a passion project.

Do you ever feel like “Wow, I’ve arrived” or “I’ve made it” or do you feel like the bulk of the story is still unwritten?
Every day on set is a wow moment for me. Getting a paycheck to do what I love is also a ‘wow’. Even a bad day on set is better than a great day doing a job that I hate. As long as those feelings persist, I will continue to take my work to the next level, and push myself harder to make all of those ‘wows’ bigger, better, and stronger.

Contact Info:

• Website: anastasiastaley.com
• Email: [email protected]