Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Chong.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After high school, I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew was that I enjoyed acting and that I was very much interested in what goes on behind and in front of the camera. So I majored in Film.
But while studying and searching for post-production editing internships, I still felt lost. I wanted to do something that I felt passionate about. A big dream. Something I would look forward to doing every morning.
Luckily, throughout college, I had become close friends with some of the biggest makeup and beauty enthusiasts I have ever known. I naturally grew to love and learn about makeup through their influence. Makeup initially started off as a small fun hobby with friends, and soon grew to an obsession as I grew increasingly fascinated by the artistry and creativity of makeup. I was amazed with the transformative nature of makeup, and how beautiful and powerful it could make people feel.
After graduation was when I seriously pursued my newfound passion. I enrolled in Couture Academy of Modern Make-up Artistry and received a certificate of proficiency. I started working and soon realized how often hair was requested to be done in the same session as makeup. So I enrolled in cosmetology school to learn hair.
Once I started the courses, I soon became completely immersed in learning about hair.
Doing hair became much more than a service I felt necessary to support my makeup business — it became a new, exhilarating pursuit in itself. Now my dream has changed to encompass exploring the artistry of both hair and makeup. I find it very interesting how things in life happen to lead you somewhere new. And I’m lucky to say that I have found two passions within the same industry that I can pursue in tandem.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think the struggles will always be there. Because I am at the early stages of trying to start up my business, it definitely isn’t easy. Building clientele is probably the most challenging aspect — as it usually is with any new business. Getting my name out there with other players within the industry, finding potential clients in person, and trying to garner greater visibility for my social media sites requires lot of persistence and, honestly, a bit of luck.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I provide makeup and hair services for any special events, engagements, productions, glamour, and fashion photoshoots.
I’m really proud to have had the chance to collaborate with some really talented artists and have gotten published in some great magazines, such as Glamour Magazine, Shine On Hollywood Magazine, Ellements Magazine, and Fashion Xchange Magazine.
I work very closely with clients, providing multiple consultations and practice sessions where necessary — I believe it is the level of customer service that sets me apart.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like L.A./OC is an ideal place to get a business like mine started. There are so many talented artists out here looking to work together and help one another get started. It’s a competitive market, but due to the abundance of makeup artists and hair stylists here in L.A., there are a lot of us here to support each other, looking for the same thing. To follow our dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahchongartistry.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahchongartistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahchongartistry
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sarah-chong-artistry-fullerton
Image Credit:
Photographers: (1)illumin8d imagery, (2)Michael Chu, (3)Frank Chen, (4-5)Manikandan Vijayakumar, (6-7)Fredrick Vang, (8)Rodel Valdez Photo
Cinema-photographer: (2-3)Andy Wong
Designers: (2-3)Dawn Sunflower Designs, (4-5)George Styler, (8)Sheri Loraine
Makeup Artists: (2,3,4,5,7)Yvonne Velasco, (4)Mimi Hojnikart, (8)Chelsea Giachello
Models: (1)Brittany Bilson, (2-3)Carla Nicholson, (3)Regina Lo, (4-5)Morgan Jensen, (4)Falon Durfield, (4)Elle Max, (6)Kathy Foley, (7)Michelle Thorland, (8)Sammie Molina
Locations: (2-3)The Hotel Temecula, (7)Sound-Tech Music Store, Lessons & Recording Studio, (8)French Estate
Event Coordinator: (8) Tawny Horton
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
