September 13, 2016

Meet Mid-City Makeup Artist: Heather Reinhardt

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Reinhardt.

Heather, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I fell in love with makeup around age nine as a competition dancer. Before each performance, I would sit in front of my Caboodle mirror and paint on my stage face – including red lips and false lashes. From there, I went on to apply make-up for my dance teammates, where everyone would ask me for help and advice on how to look their best on stage. At age 21, I started working at an Aveda store in Atlanta. I applied make-up for all types of occasions – from proms and weddings to women looking to change their style up a bit. It was there that I realized I could not only make a career out of my love for make-up, but also help inspire confidence in others while doing so. At age 22, I moved to LA to pursue a formal education in make-up at Joe Blasco and Cinema Makeup schools. Once trained, I began working in LA on photo shoots and film and television sets and have been doing so for the last eight years.

Has it been a smooth road?
I work as a freelance artist so it was a bit challenging at first to understand the flow of what that’s like. Each day is different – some days I’m on photo shoots, other days I’m flying out with a client for their gig. I had to learn that some months are back to back bookings and other months are less booked – and in the less booked months, I try to relax and remember that it’s a flow – the crazy schedule will return before I know it!

Has there been people or an institution that has played a pivotal role in your career?
My friend and mentor, David Norwood. David and I met in Atlanta years ago when I was thirteen and he was my dance teacher. We reunited once both living in LA over the last few years. He is the person I run all my ideas and even challenges by – whether business or personal. He helps me dissect things and discover my best options. He always roots for me which I have learned is so invaluable to have a person in your life to be uplifting and supportive.

Do you have a favorite type of client or project?
It may sound like not much of a thrill but I am always excited to work on headshots. I work often with photographer Robert Kazandjian – I love setting up at the make-up station and getting to work with actors who are either updating their look or are brand new to Hollywood. The newbies are my favorite because it’s such an exciting time for them as they embark on their dreams. I love being a part of the process on their steps to success.

I am also excited to team up with Stylisted – an “on demand” hair and make-up service. They are different than other similar companies as they allow their stylists to set their own prices, which makes me as an artist feel valued and respected. They recently launched in LA and I’m excited to see what the future holds with them!

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
I would have set my price and stuck to it rather than been flexible, often lowering it due to fear of losing the job. I’ve learned that it’s best to work with people who respect your worth.

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