Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Purser.
Carrie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was living in Utah, a mother of two children and in my early 30’s. One day I woke up said to myself “I want to go to Cosmetology school”. So I enrolled and graduated in 2002. From that day forward it has been one incredible journey. For the following seven years I built a large salon clientele and loved what I was doing, but always felt something was missing. During those seven years I became a network educator for Bumble and Bumble and it was there I realized there is more to the beauty industry than being behind a chair in the salon. This led to my interest to the makeup side of the industry and in 2009 I enrolled in a makeup academy in LA and since then my life has never been the same.
For a solid eight years, I was flying myself back and forth, Utah to LA, working to break into the industry. I would spend many weekends a month living out of a suitcase with my hair and makeup kit hustling up all the business I could while I was there. I was determined to create a name for myself in the LA market! My start came when I saw a call for a makeup artist from an artist who was looking for people to join a team to work on a reality wedding T.V. show. After a few episodes the network offered me my own episodes and from those moments my bridal business began in the LA market,
In 2011, I was fortunate to work a wedding doing hair and met Leslie Rodriquez (she was the makeup artist). We befriended one another quickly after and now she has become my biggest mentor! She has taught me everything I know when it comes to the industry and a life in it!
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road especially working from a secondary state in the beginning. All the while still keeping up with the demands with my clients in Utah.
Trying to get those solid connections to give you some advice or even a little help connecting you with the right people was very tough. This industry can be rather competitive and doing it from a secondary state has been my largest obstacle I have ever faced as in the beginning many of the jobs I did for free just to get the experience and the opportunity to network. Needless to say it has been a very costly journey for me, but my passion is why I did it!
I’ve learned over the years that testing is so important for your book, yet a big struggle has been just finding the right team to test with. Testing is still an everyday challenge for me, but I do remain hopeful. Building a respectable network is so valuable in the industry and one of the greatest gifts you are given once you find your tribe.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Hmm… What to say about how my career began as to this day, I still feel like it is in those brand new stages. I’m that artist who remains the student, always in the learning seat. I strive to find new opportunity to hone my skills and meet new mentors. Continuing education has always been a commitment to my career, without it I feel I would have lost the most important gift and that is the happy client who loves my work.
Carrie Purser Makeup and Hair Artistry started in 2009. With having the skills of a licensed cosmetologist and a certificate from a reputable makeup academy this crazy dream began. I had no idea what I was getting myself into or what I really wanted to create. In the beginning I did not like doing bridal hair so I would hire hair stylists to do the hair while I did the makeup. Learning the hard way realized that the creativity did not flow together, so I stepped out of my comfort zone and offered bridal hair along with my bridal makeup services. I think that has been one thing that has set me apart is that I am an artist who is skilled in both and also specializes in airbrush makeup.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, LA is the hub for the thriving artist! You definitely need a backbone and persistence to survive in the industry. but at the same time being true to who you are and your own creativity is very important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carriepurser.com
- Phone: 435-757-4204
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: beautybycarriepurser
- Facebook: Carrie Purser Makeup and Hair Artistry
- Yelp: Carrie Purser Makeup and Hair Artistry
Image Credit:
Jessicas Photography
Jesca Cluff Photography
Stephen Sun Photo
Erin Holmstead Photography
Stacie Larsen Photo
The Yodsukars Photography
Ciara Richardson
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