Meet North Hollywood Makeup & Hairstylist: Elsie Simone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsie Simone.

A true artist at heart, Elsie is a shining example of LA’s incredible talent pool of creatives.  Her portfolio speaks for itself, but her professional demeanor, her articulate nature and her work ethic make her a force to reckon with.  We’re super excited to watch her career as it blooms.

Below, you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with Elsie.

Elsie, please share your story with us.  How did you get to where you are today?

I have always been artistic and interested in the arts. I originally started working in the music industry doing music marketing but the company I was working for went under and I was left wondering what to do next. I had my college fund still since I never used it even for the two years I attended Cal State Northridge. I used it to attend Makeup Designory in Burbank and I completed their full program which includes extensive special effects training. I started freelancing directly out of school. I took every job no matter pay and worked as hard as I could. It took a couple years to really build a solid foundation and a solid client base. Every once in a while a job comes around that you can feel pushes you a little further along your career path. I “specialize” in natural makeup that pops and I am also known for being well versed in every kind of smoky eye. My inspirations in my career are Hung Vanngo and Ania Milczarczyk. Right now I am working on a ton of music videos, fashion campaigns, look books, ecommerce, and bridal and special event clients! 

Has it been a smooth road?

Freelancing is never a smooth road! There are always ebbs and flows and months that make you panic and consider a part time job. Luckily I haven’t had one of those in a while! Perseverance is the most important thing in building your own business. Never giving up no matter what is thrown in your path. I consider some of the bigger jobs I’ve worked on to be career milestones. I’ve worked with Miguel and Ed Sheeran I am working with Forever 21 and Show Me Your Mumu right now.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are just to keep building on the freelance career I’ve been building for the last 4 years! I would love to be a personal makeup artist to a musician on tour somewhere down the line.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story.  What was the hardest time you’ve had?
Freelancing is scary… There have definitely been times where I almost gave up. I signed up for Uber and Lyft one month (thankfully I’ve never had to use that backup plan!) in a panic. But in the last 6 months I’ve really begun to feel like I am where I should be. I’m fully booked up, almost all the time now and I haven’t had to look into back up plans in a while which is a good feeling!

Do you ever just stop and think WOW – I’ve made it?

I’m not sure I’ll ever feel like I’ve “made it” but being able to pay my bills easily doing what I love is sure close!

Pricing:

• Personal makeup (coming to you for an event) – $100
• Bridal makeup – $200
• Bridesmaid/mothers – $100
• Bridal trial – $200
• Inquire for photo shoot/video shoot rates as they depend on hours and a few other variables
• Personal makeup and hair – $150
• Bridal makeup and hair – $300
• $150 bridesmaids/mothers
• Bridal trial for makeup and hair – $300 

Contact Info:

• [email protected]
• 818.312.0025

Check out her work below: