Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailee Burns.
Hi Hailee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My older sister, Azhanee, went to prom in 2012 where she was inspired to get into makeup. I admired watching her and of course like a younger sister would, I copied her. I asked my mom to pluck my brows and overtime began wearing lipstick. I’d use eyeshadow palettes to draw butterflies on my face and any color that brought me joy. Being creative is in my blood (Thank you Mommy!) and drawing and coloring were my heart. Makeup was just another creative thing I dove into. In addition to loving to play with makeup, it also made me feel good. Insecurities are striking and constant. I experienced a bit of bullying growing up which ignited these insecurities of mine. Makeup was my hero and shield in a way. It made me focus on what I do like about myself rather what I deplore. It was more than a hobby. In 2015, my best friends were going to prom and at the time, I’d never done makeup on someone else. They asked me to do their makeup and though I was nervous, I did it and was good at it. The feeling that I got from doing their makeup was indescribably heartwarming if that makes sense. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces. That’s what sparked Face By Hailee. I ended up being my friends’ go to makeup girl and I loved it. From there on, I turned my hobby into a business. I used social media to initially share my favorite art form and eventually build my clientele. I’ve been able to be a part of so many special days and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is extremely difficult for “smooth” to exist in an entrepreneur’s vocabulary. The beauty industry will always flourish, but as a makeup artist, I’ve noticed that there are seasons that can be busier than others. It is hard to remain consistent and have continuous motivation; it can be weary. Social media is a job in itself. But I think the hardest struggle I’ve experienced is understanding what makes me different from other makeup artists. I used to always compare myself to other artists and wish to be someone and produce art that wasn’t mine. I’ve understood that there is room in the industry for everyone and staying true to myself is most important. I appreciate these struggles because it’s those bumps in the road that make the ride worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a makeup artist and lash artist in the South Bay and my art is limitless. I specialize in whatever my client asks of me. Glam makeup is my expertise! I enhance natural beauty one face at a time and live by it. I am always most proud of the smiles I put on my clients’ faces and it’s important to me to make sure my client understands they are beautiful before makeup graces their skin and it is simply an enhancement, an accessory. You in your natural form is a work of art. Love you first.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’d say luck has all to do with the people who have been a part of my life because regardless of the good or bad they might’ve brought me, their experience has been of value to me. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. There is a reason why life got in the way of me taking certain opportunities or why I was even able to accept others. All you can do is learn and it’s my favorite part of luck. My business has had its up and downs, by controllable and uncontrollable factors, yet I’m still here. Good and bad luck continue to water me and I’m flourishing. With every interaction, I’ve been able to share my message and that’s what will always be of value to me. I’m grateful for luck.
Pricing:
- Full Glam $65
- Classic Lash Set $50
- Hybrid Lash Set $60
- Volume Lash Set $70
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: facebyhailee
Image Credits:
Pluria Marshall
