Daily Inspiration: Meet Melanie Radu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Radu.

Melanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a teenager, I had an obsession with makeup and how creative makeup artistry is. In my early 20s, it was something I started to actually explore as a career, I started working in hair salons and eventually attended makeup school. From 2010-2020, I would manage three different hair salons while pursuing makeup on the side, from years of salon experience I knew that editorial and fashion was the path I wanted to take in my makeup career. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I lost my salon job and knew that when I was able to get back to work, I was going to pursue my passion full force. I’ve been freelancing for the last three years and have been working primarily in fashion and production.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! When I started pursuing makeup, I was already on my own and fully supporting myself. Anyone who has pursued art as their career knows that you don’t make a lot of money right away, especially with the type of work I wanted to do. So there were a lot of years that I worked 6-7 days a week, maintaining a full job and taking makeup jobs on my days off. I was struggling a lot with comparison early on too, while I was really honing in my skills and finding my style it was really easy to get hard on myself and compare myself to others. Also building up your kit can take years and thousands of dollars, I’m really proud to see how I’ve come with my tools.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a freelance makeup artist, I work specifically on editorials and in the fashion world. I specialize in creating clean and out-of-the-box looks. This past March I was the key artist of art hearts fashion during LA fashion week. That’s is something I’m so proud of, I did my first fashion show 10 years prior and I knew that was the type of work I wanted to do. Being the key is a huge deal, a position I always wanted. You have a such a big responsibility to make sure every single look is perfect and cohesive. I think that’s my proudest moment of my career so far; it’s definitely not an easy job; it’s hectic, long days, you’re on your feet all day, there’s so many people and lots of things happening at once and that’s what I think sets me apart, the way I can navigate and juggle it all. I like to think I thrive in that chaotic environment, something about the fast-paced energy makes me do my best work.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I think becoming super secure in myself and my artistry, no longer giving in to imposter syndrome and learning how to trust myself and stop doubting my talent and abilities. Also learning the importance in community and being a better team player.

Contact Info:

• Website: Melanieradubeauty.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/miss_melanieelizabeth_