Today we’d like to introduce you to the innovative Tammy Yi.
Tammy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the retail end of makeup 13 years ago, over my years I wore several different hats in the industry and climbed up the corporate latter. Working for varies cosmetic brands training, managing and facilitating special events, it was really great experience and I learned a lot. Makeup artistry has always been a passion of mine and the direction I was going was pulling me further and further away from my passion. I decided a little over 3 years ago I needed a change in lifestyle and realized I had learned everything I wanted to learn within the cosmetic industry to start on my own, so I moved down to Los Angeles to pursue the creative side of makeup. My journey here in Los Angeles has been a roller coaster but I don’t regret any minute of the move I made.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think anytime you pursue a different direction in your career there will always be roadblocks and challenges. That’s what makes you better. Moving down to Los Angeles I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I was prepared for that. Especially as a Makeup Artist, there is a lot of competition out here. It’s a humbling experience when you have to start all over. Not knowing when your next paycheck is coming from is a challenge that every freelance artist feels. In the beginning, I did a lot of free work and took every opportunity to test with photographers to network and get to know the industry. It’s a gamble sometimes cause you don’t know what you are walking into or its even worth your time working with new people.
Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
Growing up even as a young kid I always had an interest in art and drawing. I remember drawing eyes and eyebrows all over my notebooks. In my later years in high school, I became more and more interested in fashion. I started working at the age of 15 and would spend all of my money on clothes and makeup. Makeup and fashion have always been part of my interest for as long as I can remember.
Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
We grew up living next to a golf course and my sisters and I would go take garbage can lids and slide down the hills of the golf course when it was snowing.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Currently working on a project/business called Studio Artist Collective- our focus is to bring editorial aesthetic to the bridal world and give our clients access to the best commercial hair and makeup artists in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tammyyi.com
- Phone: 206-849-0477
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @tammyyi
- Facebook: Tammy Yi Makeup and Hair
- Other: www.studioartistcollective.com email [email protected]
