Meet Angela Cochran

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Cochran.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started into makeup through retail, a retail manager recruited me from a coffee shop. I believe she realized quickly I had a passion for connecting with people, sells came naturally and she realized I could draw. I come from a family of amazing artists, but no one ever professionally pursued artistry in my family because it was considered, “unrealistic” and kinda looked down on. I was always exposed to paint, paintings, sketchbooks, but makeup never crossed my mind. My sister and I always wanted to be fashion designers, originally.

I actually never truly wore makeup until I was about 22, I believe. My mother always embraced the “natural” look, it was learned behavior for me. Working into retail gave me such a rush, loved it, but I loved the more genuine part of my job v.s. just to meet my sales quota. Later, when I got promoted as a cosmetics business manager in retail, I remember thinking one day, “Why don’t I try this professionally, freelancing?” So, I did, and that was a roller coaster. Mentally, physically, financially and emotionally.

When I got into freelancing, my first makeup palette was a coastal scent $10 palette. I posted makeup looks every day on my Instagram. The one person who will always stand out to me was makeup artist Donald Simrock. He always liked my crazy looks and left brief words of encouragement. I literally still have those screenshots saved to this day. I remember thinking, someone like him believes in my work. That meant the world to me. So, I posted every day. If I could meet anyone in the world, it would be him for encouraging me.

My sisters were my main models and very supportive. For the longest, I didn’t get gigs as I expected. In fact, people weren’t the nicest, many doors were shut. I was told I had to have experience. So, I offered to do some trade work, even free work for my first year. I felt defeated and felt so surprised at the backlash I received I remember some of my friends, family members telling me, I was wasting my time, money got lower and times got hard. I knuckled down and worked two jobs and freelanced on my days off. I basically had no social life for two years and missed a lot of hangouts. I had a goal in mind, and I only wanted to accomplish it. So, I didn’t give up. I used the negative backlash to fuel towards my goals.

I sacrificed nights going out with the girls for nights reading and researching, I continuously did trade work, worked fashion shows, fashion weeks, attending networking classes, seminars and built an experienced portfolio until I felt I was ready. I started a spiritual health journey, listened to motivational coaches such as E.T., Les Brown and said many prayers. That experience has opened many doors such as MAC Cosmetics, Dior, Sephora. Those doors also helped me give with a group of other individuals, back to our communities, providing complimentary makeovers to moms and families in need before their holiday photos.

Currently, I am privileged to a talent agency as a makeup artist in the midwest called Talent Plus Agency. I work in the Four Seasons as an in-house makeup artist, have had the privilege to work with Dior National Artist Ricky Wilson, have worked published internationally, worked with Celebrity Michaele Schon, news anchors, models, fashion shows and published on the cover of L.A.’s ELEGANT Magazine (2x), just to name a few. I am networking and working with the Lead Makeup Artist of the L.A. Rams Monica Ruzicka for a project after the holidays and travel back to L.A.

I still have much to accomplish, but I truly hope my story from starting from nothing helps someone else. My only purpose in sharing my journey is not to boast but to remind anyone who feels like giving up that everyone starts from somewhere. We all need to support and inspire each other. Sometimes those closest to us will not believe, but please don’t give up because you could be inspiring someone else. Have faith, help another creative and continue to remain humble.

Great, 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?
Honestly, it hasn’t been a smooth road, at first. No one gave me a chance, I feel I literally had to knock on some doors and make calls. The first year and maybe a year in a half-ish, freelancing was a total life change.

I used to go out a lot with friends. My time got limited, and of course, investing in yourself took some adjusting. I love to shop, I love fashion, but I had to think about my goals and what I wanted to represent. Once I realized that was more important to me, the shift got better.

I literally would work two jobs to cover travel expenses, investing in products, bills and to keep money in my saving. I think once I realized, no one is going to hand you anything that’s when it became smoother, mentally and opportunity wise.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
What I stand for as an artist, my business and as a person is authenticity, quality, and genuine energy, I feel like that is so important.

I specialize in editorial looks, and I love working at the television station before a client goes on air. I love one on one connections. Fashion shows are fun the energy, but sometimes they can be much. I also, secretly love Avante Garde looks, I want to include those really cool looks in my portfolio in 2019, v.s. the traditional/commercial looks.

What am I most proud of? My first publication, I remember feeling the excitement of our whole team. We all worked so hard and felt proud. The cover is actually the photo on my business cards.

What sets me apart? I feel I am versatile, I’m myself yet professional with everyone, and I genuinely care about my clients. I always want the people around me to feel comfortable and feel something from each interaction.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Humility.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.angelacochranmua.jimdo.com
• Phone: 3145568750
• Email: acochran88.ac@mail.com
• Instagram: @AngMarieezy
• Other: www,talentpl.us

Image Credit:
Clarence Sumlin, Colleen Carney,Elegant Magazine, Volant Magazine

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