Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubree Dovolis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Aubree. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was never an outgoing kids. I’d play basketball in our Palm Springs home with my teammates from space jam (Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny). Never considered being a girly girl. Basketball shorts, t-shirts, baseball caps any my favorite purple with orange fringe Pocahontas bathing peaking through was my daily attire. Becoming a Makeup Artist, Skin Expert and Health Guru was never my plan. I had always dreamt of being a WNBA player, a chef or ever a world traveling Photographer. It wasn’t until I turned 13 my mom bought my first eyeshadow palette. I want to say it was Covergirl and yes it was bright blue (probably not the best color choice for a 13 years old) During this time in my life I was dealing with issues of expressing myself, who I was as a young women and the constant comparing of other young women. As time went on heavier makeup made its way into my daily routine not only because I was hiding my insecurities but because I truly enjoyed the process of applying the makeup and the transformation that would be happening. In 2012, I was living in Colorado Springs, Co with my family. Down from our neighborhood they were building a stand-alone Sephora. It never registered that I should work at a place like that, a place that could fuel my passion for makeup more. My love for makeup was my escape, my outlet and not a place I like inviting people into. It wasn’t till a week later I was sitting in the local Starbucks finishing up my last and final interview. I waited almost two weeks to get that one call. When I did receive it, I ugly cried so hard in my parent’s arms. Fast forward 3 1/2 years my Sephora career had flourished. I was brought on originally as just a cashier but within six months, I became their Class Facilitator and Beauty Studio Coordinator (kind of like a head makeup artist).
Fast forward to 2015, I was living in Denver with my boyfriend Dillon in our 565 sq foot studio. He a freelance photographer and I, well I was getting ready to step down in my position with Sephora to pursue the next leveling up in my career with MAC Cosmetics. Mind you this MAC was located in Denver International Airport, let me tell you travel retail is a whole different beast. There were longer hours, my clientele was from all over the world but the growth and experience I received is unforgettable. What comes next in my life I wasn’t expecting. Dillon and I had recently traveled to Los Angeles to watch his brother graduate from dental school. After a few days there, I made my way back to Colorado to watch my sister graduate from high school. Not more than a full day being home Dillon came bursting through our studio yelling, “we are moving to LA in two months. Are you in?” Every sad, scared and overwhelming feeling rocked my body but I knew deep down it was our time. Those two months passed by quickly and next you know it, we were loading up out two cars, a mini Uhaul and squeezing our families tight as we were taking on this next chapter in our lives. Land of opportunities here we come! Now let me tell you I come from a family that always has a plan, well I came to LA with no job, yes you heard me no job. MAC at the time wanted to transfer me to a location I would not work at, LAX. Honestly, working at another airport mind you one of the biggest wasn’t on my to do list.
After we were settled in, I had to figure out what the hell I was going to do. When I was working for Sephora they carried a line called Make Up For Ever, they were my dream company! One day I happened to come across my first ever Make Up For Ever Boutique, so me being desperate, scared but excited I popped in. A week later, I was freelancing for them, two months later, I was their Head Make Up Artist. My position consisted of teaching Pro Classes, working on a variety of clientele and working closely to their Pro Artist/Educators. I felt that was my time, I had hit my mark this is where I was going to spend the rest of my career. Little did I know the universe had other plans. After being with Make Up For Ever for almost two years, I stepped down from my position. My mental, physical and emotional health had hit its breaking point. I took a year off to regroup, refocus and recharge. Freelancing for past clients, working next to Dillon with modeling agencies and honestly taking that time to figure out who I was as an artist.
It wasn’t until 2018 KORA Organics (Miranda Kerrs line) fell into my lap. I had always enjoyed skincare and anything health but never saw it as a career. I can honestly say KORA saved my life. I’ve become a stronger artist, a firm believer in great skincare and living a healthier lifestyle. With KORA I travel to Sephora locations to teach their Beauty Advisors about the brand and create awareness for organic skincare to their clientele. I never thought I’d be where I am today but I am so happy this is how my journey unfolded. So when I’m not traveling, I’m home researching upcoming clean makeup lines and what we should be feeding our skin/ bodies.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel like if the road was smooth there would never be any growth. The biggest struggle for me were/are self-doubt, letting my “inner mean girl” run the show. As an artist even as a human; we are our worst critics. I’d doubt myself so much that I was starting to fall out of love with my passion. The constant comparing of; is my work strong enough, will I make it big because I am not in with the “trend” and even the thought of should I change who I am as an artist just so people/companies will hire me. Awful I know, but its the world we live in now. But I can honestly say, through all the toxic work relationships, the empty promises and the daily comparing, Im glad that my road has been rocky without the struggles I wouldn’t be the artist I am today. So with that don’t ever change who you are, the work you produce and the person you want to become. Because you never know who is watching you and they want you for; well you.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’ve been a Professional Makeup Artist/Skin expert for seven years now. Working for some of the industries largest companies, my growth and experience has led me to work for Los Angeles biggest events and modeling agencies. The Espys, LAFW, Newmark Models and Aston Models to name a few. While I do enjoy ‘painting a face” education is a huge passion of mine. I’ve taught pro makeup/skin courses to other pro artists, beauty academies and amateur makeup artists.
I am most known for the warmth and personalization I bring to any clients. Whether its a client sitting in my chair, a young woman/man messaging me about their skin concerns or someone who is in need of a healthy healing recipe. This all ties into what sets me apart. When I am with a client the ultimate goal is that all their questions are answered, they feel confident/comfortable with the information I’m teaching them and they walk away feeling self-assured. I am not one to show up with an ego, act unauthentic or see you as just another “number” in my book.
I’m proud of the person I have become on this journey so far, I’ve always stayed Authentic to who I am. I’m thankful for the people I have met and learned from, the companies I have worked for and grew from, to the endless self-sabotaging that led into absolutely loving the woman I have become and continue to be.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success can be portrayed in many different ways. I see success as are you on the road to fulfilling your purpose, are you pursuing the person you want to become for your future, honestly are you happy. When someone says success; its human nature to think financially, personally being rich has nothing to do with money, are you rich in your well-being. Implementing personal development, podcast and continuous research plays a tremendous part in my markers to success.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7192713068
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubree_dovolis/
Image Credit:
Photography by: Dillon J Shook
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