Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Rose.
Amber, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in Minnesota, 71 people to be exact, it’s called Walters. I wanted to be a model so bad when I was younger and begged my parents to enroll me into some classes and speak to an agency. We definitely didn’t have a ton of money but they made it happen and drove me 2 hours there and back every weekend for training/meetings. After realizing how much traveling to the city we had to do, that dream sort of dwindled away and my focus became on hair and makeup.
In 2004 I went to school for Cosmetology (Aveda Institute Minneapolis) right out of High School, I fell deeper in love with all things beauty and fashion. My goal was always to do hair and makeup for magazines, celebrities and events. I worked in a salon for 5 years and during that time I would freelance and work weddings and photo shoots on the weekends. Soon I got too busy and had to choose between the two and freelance gave me more opportunities, freedom and creative expression.
My biggest job opportunity and client was touring the world with Prince and his band 3rdeyegirl for an entire year. After that tour ended, it gave me the courage and confidence to move to Los Angeles. At the end of 2014 I sold everything except my car and my cat and moved to L.A. It’s been rough not knowing anyone, not having any family here and starting over completely- but it’s been totally worth it!
I’m now signed with Rouge Artists and get to work on some amazing jobs that I could only dream of back then when I started out. It’s been quite the journey!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve had my fair share of struggles and challenges but I look at everything as a learning experience. There are definitely jobs that I get passed up for because I don’t have a huge social media following and that can be a bummer.
In the past, I’ve had difficult clients and have been in some high-stress situations but I’m a very calm person and just remain that way and roll with the punches. I’ve been privileged enough to have great family and friends that support me and keep pushing me!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Amber Rose Hair + Makeup story. Tell us more about the business.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I am gifted at both hair and makeup.
Sometimes artists who do both are a little weaker at one or the other or they have a preference for one. I’m quite confident in both and prefer to do both! I also take pride in my quick timing and that comes from my many years in bridal hair and makeup (staying on schedule is important!). I specialize in clean, glowy natural looks- I love healthy looking skin and beachy textured hair.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I was SO lucky to be able to get the job with Prince and I acknowledge the heck out of that! Coming from such a small town and growing up pretty shy and sheltered, I mean, come on- it was a dream! I will always cherish that year of traveling around the world and am grateful for the opportunities that have come after.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amberrosehairandmakeup.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: amberrosehairandmakeup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberRoseHairMakeup/
Image Credit:
Main photo: Siouxzen Kang
Monica Cortes, John Schell, Jennifer Bobe, Inez and Vinoodh, Dazey LA, Ali Kvidt
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