Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Koo.
Hi Cathy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From an early age, I cultivated my artistic skills and later pursued a formal art and design education in college. After graduation, I took on an art graphic designer role at the largest advertising company in Shanghai. While there, I gained valuable life skills, but I found my passion was in beauty, and I decided to study makeup artistry.
Subsequently, I moved to Los Angeles and formed a partnership with my husband, a director and videographer. This marked the start of my professional journey as a makeup artist. Although returning to education was essentially starting anew, I found this field incredibly appealing, and I concentrated on my passion as a makeup artist.
While focusing on my career as a professional makeup artist, my previous experience also led me to be involved in the production of commercials and event planning management, particularly for beauty products.
In addition to this, I also teach makeup courses at a beauty school, and I find great joy in helping individuals enhance their beauty and confidence.
I also like helping disadvantaged people, so two years ago, I registered an NPO with colleagues who share my passion. Our mission is to assist special needs individuals, such as sick children and disadvantaged children, by creating public service advertisements.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In general, I have been relatively successful, and I have met many people who helped me in my work. Because I have many friends who help me, I also want to help those who need help.
As a makeup artist, I think it is very important to communicate with the client in the early planning stages. Only by understanding the needs of the client can we achieve the desired effect.
As a commercial producer and event planner, it is very important to guide the needs of the client and coordinate the conditions that can be achieved on site. I am very lucky. In my past work, there were many unforeseen challenges that happened, but my team and I were able to solve the various emergencies in the end. In addition to my personal ability, the help of my teammates is also indispensable.
As a teacher, I instruct students in accordance with their aptitude, and I hope that every student can go out with confidence and become a makeup artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional producer, event planner, makeup artist, and makeup teacher based in Hollywood, California. I am also the founder of the charity Mairin Clarity.
With strong event execution capabilities and a keen aesthetic sense that aligns with current trends, my extensive experience spans film and television, fashion model image design, and body painting. My work frequently appears in fashion events, television, movies, and digital advertisements.
Currently, my focus is shifting towards producing fashion charity events. My hope is to leverage the power of social media to raise awareness and increase attention towards those in need.
Last year, we had a successful collaboration with cancer survivor Sarah Quiriconi, producing two fashion photo series, The Weight of Lightness and Unveiling the Darkness Within. I am happy to report that both series garnered significant recognition, with The Weight of Lightness featured in
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am grateful for the unwavering support of my husband, Isaac Koo, especially when I am stressed. I know he will always stand behind me and provide a steady hand.
My three older sisters have been invaluable to me since I was a child. They have supported me financially and mentally in my artistic studies.
My best friend Sammy Zhang provides me with a space for open and understanding dialogue, and we often find that our views are aligned. I believe we have a similar understanding of fashion. We have collaborated on many high-quality commercial shoots. She is also the founder of Mairin Clarity and, like me, she is passionate about charity work.
The seamless execution of our events is largely due to Agnes, Jackie, Kira, and Helen, who are integral members of our makeup team.
I would also like to thank my family and friends. Due to the nature of our work, Isaac and I are sometimes unable to pick up our children from school on time. Many friends have helped pick up the children and take care of them. In addition, my friend Robert taught me to write more authentic English. I am grateful for their support in my work.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photographer: Xinyu Liu
