Check Out Stephanie Riley’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Riley.

Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my career 13 years ago in the cosmetic retail industry, where I discovered that I had a natural talent for makeup artistry. I’ve worked for some of the most prestigious cosmetic brands, which makes me the expert I am today.

I ended up leaving my retail job in 2019 to pursue my dream of working as a full-time Freelance Makeup Artist. I really didn’t have too much of a plan; I just knew that I didn’t want to stay any longer at that retail job.

So, I took the risk. I was working a lot of weddings, photoshoots, runway, and taking private clients. I even started to collab with different photographers to build my portfolio.

During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, it actually seemed like I made a terrible decision by leaving my management job in cosmetics. Going through a pandemic during the first real year of my freelance career was honestly soul-damaging it brought me to my lowest point. I felt as if I wouldn’t be able to work in this industry ever again.

At that point, I had to reflect on why I do what I do and the love I have for making people feel good about themselves. I realized in order for me to truly be successful I needed to also feel good about myself.

I then took that time to really build my kit, map out which direction I wanted my career to flow in, and invest in the things I knew would build the quality of my brand.

In January of 2021, I worked on my first short film which at that time I told myself that I will be working in production for the rest of the year. The production world was not fully open just yet so I continued to work on small projects over the next few months.

In June of 2021, I was offered the opportunity to work on a feature film as a day player (a day player is an artist who fills in for the makeup artist working on that film). The film was called “The Devil You Know “starring Omar Epps, Michael Ealy, Vanessa Bell Calloway, and many more A-list actors. This opportunity led to another short film and then a TV show after that which in result opened many other doors for me.

Since that moment through my passion, my drive, my work ethic, and persistence I’ve been blessed with many referrals and made connections that allowed me to walk through doors that I never thought were possible. With confidence, I can say I am now a full-time production makeup artist.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are a lot of pits and valleys of this industry. Some of the biggest struggles I experience of working in production is that it can be inconsistent at times.

I remember my first break after working 6 months continuously. I had 3 weeks off I was thinking OH NO, is it over! It definitely was not over and picked right back up for me. I now appreciate those downtimes and I like to look at them as the calm before the storm.

Another struggle is having to adapt to all types of personalities and different work conditions.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a production makeup artist, I specialize in beauty artistry, male cast grooming, and character makeup.

I am known for working in TV & Film. I am also known for working with all skin tones and skin types.

Some of my most proudest moments is working as a department head on a film with Garcelle Beauvais. Unfortunately, it is not out yet and I am not at liberty to share, but just hang tight it will be a good one.

What sets me apart from others is that I also went to school for Esthetics. I truly take pride in what products I keep in my kit and my talent always receives a special spa-like experience while sitting in my chair.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I meet people all the time and I really make an effort to network because it sometimes results in someone referring me or me looking for an assistant. The best way to support me is to keep calling me and keep me booked with work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephhausofbeauty/

Image Credits
My headshot photo is credited to Nicole Barton