Daily Inspiration: Meet Michelle Petty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Petty

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Michelle Petty – My Journey as a Makeup Artist

My name is Michelle Petty, I’m 21 years old, and I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. My love for makeup started when I was 13, watching YouTube videos. I was captivated by the artistry that was flourishing at the time, and it inspired me to buy my very first eyeshadow palette—the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette. This was the era when creative makeup and full glam were at their peak, though the beauty industry itself wasn’t as big as it is today. Influencers like Bretman Rock, NikkieTutorials, Jeffree Star, James Charles, and many others dominated the scene, shaping the beauty community.

At that time, my interest in makeup was unusual to those around me. My family and friends didn’t quite understand my passion, which often left me feeling like I was in my own little world. When I started doing my own makeup in middle school, it drew a lot of attention—both good and bad. Some people admired my creativity, while others judged me, saying I was too young for makeup or that it didn’t look good. But I never let the negativity stop me because deep down, I knew that one day, I would become the artist I aspired to be.

High School & My First Clients

By high school, I was still dedicated to makeup, and I started taking on my first clients—mainly girls preparing for prom and special events. At the time, I only charged $20 for a full glam, but I was beyond grateful for every person who trusted me to do their makeup.

After graduating high school, I decided to pursue nursing in college, keeping makeup as a side hobby. Like many others, I was told that makeup wasn’t a stable career and that I wouldn’t be able to build a future out of it. But no matter how much I tried to focus on school, makeup was always in the back of my mind.

I lasted one year in college before realizing it wasn’t for me. I fell into a deep depression, and the only thing that brought me comfort was makeup. I had always admired influencers who built their careers through content creation, and I knew that was something I wanted for myself. After my first year, I took a semester off and got my first makeup job at Sephora.

Working at Sephora & Finding My Path

Before Sephora, I thought I knew everything about being a makeup artist—but I quickly realized how much I still had to learn. I gained hands-on experience, learning the importance of sanitation, organization, and product knowledge. I also became familiar with some of the most viral beauty products on social media.

After that semester off, my parents gave me an ultimatum: I had to go back to school—either to a community college or an esthetician program. But deep down, I didn’t want either. I wanted to go to makeup school, but there wasn’t one near me.

I felt completely lost until July 2023, when I randomly came across a video on Instagram about a makeup school that completely caught my attention. That school was Artist Makeup Academy (AMA)—and the best part? It was located in New Jersey. For the first time, I felt like I had found a place that truly understood the artistry I was passionate about.

I begged my mom to let me go, and by this time, my parents started to see how serious I was about my career. They also saw that I was consistently building my makeup page and working as a UGC creator. Eventually, they accepted that this was my true calling.

Moving to New Jersey for Makeup School

By October 2023, I packed my bags and moved to New Jersey for a three-month semester at AMA. I didn’t expect much at first—I assumed I’d keep to myself and strictly focus on my artistry. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The school changed my life. I didn’t just improve as an artist—I found my people. I met talented makeup artists, photographers, and industry professionals who became family to me. I built real connections and collaborated with creatives who shared the same passion as I did. For the first time, I felt like I belonged.

After 12 weeks, I graduated from Artist Makeup Academy and moved back to Maryland. But something felt off—it wasn’t the same anymore.

Finding My Place in the Industry

At the start of 2024, I became a full-time makeup artist at The Pink Room Salon in Clarksburg, Maryland, where I worked alongside some of the top hairstylists in the DMV beauty industry. I continued creating with photographers and networking, but something was missing… I missed New Jersey.

The energy in New Jersey was different. The industry was thriving in a way that Maryland couldn’t match, and every time I visited my friends in NJ, I told myself: “This is where I need to be.”

By October 2024, I took a leap of faith and officially moved to New Jersey alone. It was bittersweet—I was leaving my family behind, but I knew I had so much potential waiting for me in NJ. My goal was simple: work hard and make my dreams a reality.

Growing as an Influencer & Makeup Artist

During this time, I was still creating content as an influencer. I had always wanted to grow my platform, but I also wanted to maintain a strong makeup clientele. I started posting consistently every single day, and my engagement skyrocketed—reaching over 1 million people on Instagram.

This led to paid collaborations with some of the biggest beauty brands in the industry. I also joined three bridal teams in New Jersey, which allowed me to build even more connections with makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, and influencers.

Where I Am Today

Today, I work with beauty brands both in-person and online, have built my own clientele, and am officially a New Jersey resident. I’m surrounded by like-minded artists who inspire and uplift me every single day.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I took risks, followed my passion, and proved to myself that I could turn my dream into a reality. And this is only the beginning.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I firmly believe that the road to success is never easy. There will always be challenges along the way. There were so many times when I wanted to give up—both as a creator and an artist—especially during slow seasons or when I saw others fully booked while I had no clients. It made me doubt myself and compare my progress to others, which only held me back.

Over time, I learned that comparison leads nowhere—mentally or physically. The best thing I could do was focus on myself, promote my work, and trust the process. I had to remind myself that my time will come when it’s meant to, and that success requires patience. Being patient not only helps as an artist but also in life in general.

When I started creating content on social media, it was tough. I felt like no brands were noticing me, and with how much the beauty industry has grown, it often felt impossible to stand out. But I had to remind myself that this isn’t a competition. There will always be people with more followers, similar content, and seemingly perfect lives. But the reality is—social media is just a highlight reel. People only show what they want others to see, while the real struggles remain behind closed doors.

Once I accepted this, I realized that all the stress and self-doubt weren’t worth it. Instead, I started looking at challenges as lessons—opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up.

One of the biggest struggles that I don’t think many people talk about in this industry is losing connections with those who aren’t in the same field. As you grow, you might drift apart from childhood friends or people who don’t share the same passion. And that’s okay. Not everyone will understand or relate to your journey—and they don’t have to. What truly matters is surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you, no matter what path they’re on.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
There are many challenges that makeup artists face in this industry. As a makeup artist who works with clients, I specialize in soft glam, full glam, editorial, and bridal makeup. I’ve also noticed that makeup trends vary depending on location. For example, in New Jersey and New York, the most popular styles tend to be natural and soft glam. However, I take pride in being versatile, which allows me to adapt to any client’s needs.

One of my most memorable experiences was in February 2024, when I participated in my first-ever New York Fashion Week. It was an incredible opportunity—I got to create looks for various designers, work alongside talented photographers, and connect with other artists in the industry.

As a content creator, I find myself drawn to both full creative looks and soft glam. I love experimenting with different styles that make my work stand out. My artistry is not just about technique—it’s a form of self-expression. Whenever I feel lost, sad, or overwhelmed, creating makeup looks allows me to escape into my own world.

I believe my strength lies in my ability to do it all—from different styles to unique themes and artistic concepts. This is what truly sets me apart and defines me as an artist.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists

Whether you’re just starting out with makeup on yourself or working on clients, my biggest piece of advice is this: don’t let other people’s opinions hold you back. If makeup is something you truly love—whether as a career or a passion—go for it. The beauty industry is worth $40 billion, and there is room for everyone to succeed.

One of the best things you can do is document your progress. Take pictures of every single look you create—even if you don’t think it’s perfect—because one day, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. We all start somewhere, and growth is a journey.

And remember, it doesn’t have to be just makeup. Your passion might be hair, lashes, nails, or something entirely different within the beauty industry. Whatever inspires you is what will shape you into the best version of yourself.

For me, one of the hardest things was dealing with judgment from others—friends, family, and people who didn’t understand my passion. Starting so young, I faced criticism and doubt, but I pushed through because I knew this was what I loved. Now, many of those same people message me saying, “I’m so proud of you. You’re doing amazing.”

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: never stop doing what you love because of what others think. Your journey is about you—not them. Everything I went through, the people who came and went, and the challenges I faced all happened for a reason. Makeup was always in the back of my mind for a reason—it was my first love, and it’s what shaped me into the artist and person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/michellexpetty
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facedbymichy

Image Credits
Hassan Mahmood
Niya Troi
Astrid Com
Alice Plati
Tyler Wigglesworth