Daily Inspiration: Meet Lisa Teller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Teller.

Hi Lisa, 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 never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do for a career, all I knew was that a traditional 9-to-5 office job wasn’t for me. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure what my path would look like, which I think is a feeling many can relate to. I’ve always been drawn to doing things differently and taking the road less traveled, luckily, I grew up in an entrepreneurial family that always supported and encouraged my passions and how I’d dance to the beat of my own drum.

Creativity has always been at the core of who I am, I love exploring new music, movies old and new, literature, and the arts in general. I grew up drawing and taking art classes, scrapbooking, photography, doing dance and acting, taught myself macrame, and even tried a sewing class once, I’ve just always had an innate drive to express myself in unique ways. Even in school, while others dreaded projects, I loved them because they gave me a chance to think outside the box, and those opportunities to channel my creativity were far more exciting to me than writing research papers. In college, I studied acting, which led me to discover the world of independent filmmaking. During one class, we needed to create a realistic bruise for a scene, and I volunteered to figure it out, bought the supplies, experimented, and it turned out surprisingly well! That experience was a lightbulb moment for me—I realized there were countless creative roles behind the camera where I could contribute my artistic skills, and I’m pretty sure I went home that night and googled makeup artistry.

I always joke that I woke up one day and decided to become a makeup artist, but that’s not far from the truth! Once I set my mind to something, I go all in—sometimes just to prove it can be done. I began practicing makeup on anyone who would let me, building my kit, networking with industry professionals, and doing photoshoots to build my portfolio. I was mostly self-taught at first, learning from trial and error and watching hours of YouTube videos, but eventually branched out and starting taking makeup classes from other artists in the industry and business classes to refine my skills. By 20, I had started my own business, initially focusing on bridal makeup. While I enjoyed bridal work, my true passion was in production—being on set, collaborating with a team to bring the vision to life, and being able to be artistic and create with my hands was exhilarating and addicting! I began freelancing and eventually connected with a community of artists I admired. By assisting them on campaigns and e-commerce jobs, I gained invaluable experience and caught the attention of their agencies and started working as an assistant artist. It took eight years of hard work and persistence, but I finally signed with an agent as a lead artist. That journey taught me that dedication to your craft pays off, you’ll always be right on time for the opportunities meant for you—so long as you’re willing to work hard, stay passionate, and have faith.

Today, I’m proudly represented by See Management and have been doing hair and makeup for 15 years. My work has taken me to incredible places, from working with brands like Gap/Athleta, ESPN, and Sephora, to working on a Netflix production and having my work published in Harper’s Bazaar. I’ve even had the opportunity to work with a few celebrity clients.

Every day, I’m grateful for a career that doesn’t feel like work. I get to be creative, collaborate with other talented individuals, and pursue my passion. Looking back, I’m so proud of my younger self for taking that leap, believing in my dreams, and carving my own path. None of it would have been possible without taking risks, trusting my instincts, and following my heart—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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?
Being a freelancer comes with its fair share of obstacles and challenges. One of the toughest parts is the uncertainty—it’s not always clear when the next job will come or how consistent the work will be. Building a reputation and client base takes time, and the early years can feel like an uphill battle. You also have to wear many hats, managing everything from marketing and finances to networking and scheduling, all while honing your craft. There’s also the emotional challenge of handling rejection or quiet periods, which can test your confidence and resilience. But despite the hurdles, these challenges pushed me to grow, stay adaptable, and develop a strong work ethic. Overcoming them makes every achievement even more rewarding.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With 15 years of experience as a makeup artist, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse areas, including production for commercials, advertising, campaigns, film projects, and bridal beauty. I specialize in creating clean, “no-makeup” makeup looks, as well as more artistic styles like graphic liner. In bridal work, my focus is on natural, soft glowing looks that enhances clients’ natural features so they look elevated for the occasion while still looking and feeling like themselves. Known for my professionalism, reliability, efficiency, and personable approach, I pride myself on building strong relationships with both on-set teams and personal clients. My clientele has grown primarily through referrals and word-of-mouth—a testament to the quality of my work, my dedication to excellence, and the trust I’ve cultivated over the years.

What makes you happy?
For me, the greatest joy in my career comes from being part of something bigger than myself. Collaboration is where the magic happens—when a group of talented individuals comes together, each bringing their unique skills and vision to the table, to create something extraordinary. Whether it’s a brand campaign, a film set, or a photoshoot, there’s nothing more fulfilling than contributing my craft to a shared goal and seeing the collective vision come to life. The energy, creativity, and camaraderie of working with others inspire me daily, and it’s in those moments of connection and teamwork that I feel the happiest and most alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lisateller.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/lisatellermua
• Other: www.seemanagement.com/artists/lisateller

Image Credits
Image 1: Photo: Jeffry Raposas Model: Mollin H. of Look Model Agency Image 2: Photo: Jeffry Raposas Model: Alex Consani Image 3: Photo: Katie Thompson Model: Gabby of Stars Management Image 4: Photo: Katie Thompson Model: Michelle of Stetts Management Image 5: Photo: Jeffry Raposas Model: Cali V. of Look Model Agency Image 6: Photo: Jeffry Raposas Model: Sadie M. of The Industry NY Image 7: Photo: Jeffry Raposas Model: Clara