Today we’d like to introduce you to the very talented Mecca Banks.
Born and raised in Inglewood, California Mecca discovered a love for makeup early on. During her high school years, she experimented with makeup by matching her eyeshadows and lipsticks to her outfits and jewelry creating a fetish with always being color coordinated. In 2007 after a traumatic experience with her prom makeup Mecca B. decided she wanted to pursue a career in the beauty industry. She began by assisting her peers in doing their prom makeup and eventually decided to further her knowledge by obtaining a certificate in Beauty Makeup Artistry. After receiving her certificate she began working non-stop creating connections with different photographers, models, and fashion designers to add to her resume and portfolio.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some of my biggest challenges were making the right connections and meeting the right people. Your network is your Networth and it allows your opportunities to blossom. A good portion of my opportunities come from my skills but it also comes from word of mouth. If you create good relationships with people and always stay professional people will admire that. They will advertise and market for you.
Another challenge would be making sure I always receive credit for my work. The hardest thing is taking your time, product, and skill to work with someone and they not give you credit as the makeup artist. I don’t think people realize how much goes into being a makeup artist. We have to invest in our skill, our kits, and so much more. Receiving credit for our work is so important to us.
What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
The beauty industry has already made some giant leaps with the access of social media sites like Instagram and YouTube. This platforms now allow beauty influencers to get more recognition and access to big name cosmetic companies. I think in the next 5 to 10 years the beauty industry will continue to advance but it will now get the recognition of being a money making career. Many people don’t give beauty professionals the recognition they deserve. Beauty professionals obtain years of education to succeed in the business.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge for you over the course of your career?
My biggest challenge would be going against the grain and staying on top of my creativity. With so many makeup artists in the industry, it’s very important to stand out. You have to find things like techniques, colors, and image ideas to make viewers draw into you out of the many makeup artists. You have to give clients reasons to want you as their makeup artist. So my challenge is always staying on top of the latest trends but never losing myself and my creativity. I always want to think outside of the box.
Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
Consistency is Key! Sometimes we get discouraged but no matter what just keep going. I’ve been working as a makeup artist for 8 years with ups and downs but no matter what I never gave up on my dreams and they are now coming to fruition. Find something you love to do so that you don’t mind spending day and night building that dream into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MeccaBbeauty.com
- Phone: (323) 620-4498
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: MeccaBbeauty
- Facebook: MeccaBbeauty
