Check Out Lauren Montgomery Williamson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Montgomery Williamson

Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I loved watching my mom get ready in the morning. The process of applying makeup was fascinating and therapeutic to me. Even at a young age, I could appreciate the power of makeup when I noticed her confidence and demeanor change.

In seventh grade, I used my allowance to buy my first makeup book, “Making Faces” by Kevyn Aucoin. This is when my love for makeup truly blossomed. I would recreate the looks from the book on myself or anyone who would let me. This was around the time I hit puberty, so it was an awkward phase in life, and being able to transform with makeup was incredibly satisfying.

After finishing high school, I toured the accredited makeup school MUD (Makeup Designory). My parents wanted me to attend community college first to ensure I was truly committed since the school was not cheap. I enrolled in community college and took courses off and on for two years while working part-time. I tried my hand as a project coordinator for my dad’s commercial flooring company, but office life was not for me. I worked retail at some fabulous local boutiques and, though I loved the social aspect and the beautiful clothes, my wallet wasn’t too happy, and my soul needed more.

By age 24, after encouragement from my family and friends, I decided to focus on makeup and attend MUD. I took out a student loan and enrolled in their six-month course, where I learned everything from basic beauty makeup to creating my own prosthetics. I enjoyed every minute and made some great friendships.

While in school, I started assisting a makeup artist named Rachel, who worked in TV and media. She did wonders for starting my career. I learned so much from her and was able to build up my resume and connections thanks to her.

I have been in this industry for over nine years now, and I continue to fall in love with it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The life of a freelancer is filled with many ups and downs! There have been numerous times when work was so slow that I thought about giving up.

Many of my struggles have stemmed from changes in my personal life. My husband and I moved to New York when my career was thriving in LA. Although we both wanted the move, we knew it would set my career back slightly. After a few months in the city, I managed to book some great gigs, and things were progressing well. Then, of course, COVID hit, and we experienced our first pandemic. I definitely thought about quitting then. I was pregnant with my first daughter, and like many other artists during COVID, I spent many days creating different looks on myself for social media. It was my only creative outlet at the time. My daughter was born in NYC, and when she was five weeks old, I received a call from my mom telling me that my dad had died. He had taken his own life. I was completely shattered but had to keep it together as best I could for my daughter and my family. We immediately packed up as much as we could and flew back to Redondo Beach the very next day to be with my family.

It took some time to return to work after having my daughter and losing my dad. Focusing during that first year was difficult. I eventually eased back into it, but it was a slow build after being out of the LA scene for so long.

I now have two daughters, both under four years old, but luckily this time, the road has been smoother, and we are fully settled back in the South Bay. Work still has its ups and downs, especially while juggling motherhood, but I am happy with the pace and direction things are going at the moment. I’m sure there will be more times in the future when I contemplate finding a more stable career, but I always come to my senses!!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a freelance makeup artist specializing in beauty. My career is multifaceted, encompassing work in TV/media, red carpet events, bridal makeup, and more. I strive to say yes to opportunities that will enhance my career and craft.

My approach to makeup varies depending on who is in my chair. Clients appreciate that they still feel like themselves, just an enhanced version. Makeup is a powerful tool and a form of self-expression. When a client leaves my chair, I want them to feel their best, whether it involves a dramatic makeup look or a no-makeup makeup. Everyone has a different comfort level with makeup and a unique way they want to present themselves to the world, and I love being the one to help create their look.

I have had several proud moments in my career. One highlight was when my makeup on actress Jessica Sula was featured on Vogue.com’s “VMAs 2017: Best of Beauty Looks on the Red Carpet.” Seeing my work in a magazine I admired since childhood was incredibly exciting. Another significant moment was being booked on a reality show that required working abroad for two months. It was my first time being away from home for that long on my own, and although I was nervous, it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone was beneficial and rewarding.

Growing up in the South Bay has given me a laid-back attitude that has been helpful in my career. Personality is a big part of this job; working in someone’s personal space requires making them feel comfortable and safe. My relaxed demeanor complements my makeup approach, as I tend to have a lighter hand and prefer to build up rather than cake on the makeup.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was painfully shy, sensitive, and very girly. I always had close friends with whom I felt comfortable being my quirky self. Drawing and writing served as outlets when my emotions overwhelmed me. Though I didn’t play sports, I loved the arts. I spent my time watching classic movies, listening to music, daydreaming, playing in nature, and devouring my mom’s fashion magazines, finding inspiration in all the beauty around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurencatherinebeauty.com
• Instagram: @laurencatherinebeauty

Image Credits
Elizabeth Kaminski
Dave Richards Photography
Getty Images
Jessie Sula
Isabel May
Kylie Cantrall