June 3, 2016

Meet Sherman Oaks Makeup Artist: Cathy Wallace

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Wallace.

Cathy is a talented mobile-makeup artist from Canada. She moved to the LA just a few months back and has been making a name for herself ever since. Below you’ll find edited excepts of our interview with her.

Cathy, walk us through your journey. How did you find yourself in LA?

I am a French Canadian, I’m from Quebec! I’m 31 years old. I drove across the country 3 and a half years ago to follow my dream – attending the prestigious Cinema Makeup School to learn more about different techniques about fx-makeup and special-effects. That was the first time I saw a palm tree and the ocean! I was barely speaking English at that time! So my goal was to learn a new language, new people and makeup opportunity! At that time, I had a student visa for 4 months, so I was supposed to return to Quebec with new memories and knowledge… But then something happened, I met a guy, the guy, the one, you know what I mean!! Long story short, even with the language barrier, we fell in love! I did not want to go back anymore… But I sadly had to! Close to 6 months, the time to complete a fiancé visa in order for me to be able to come back in the USA legally… We made it through and here I am married at the man of my dreams for 2 years, together for 3, I received my green card 4 months ago! I met wonderful people; I am simply loving my life out here! I’m a mobile freelance makeup artist, I am looking forward to show the world my passion, my art, my heart!

That’s phenomenal. Congrats on the heartwarming love story! So what are your plans now that you are finally in Los Angeles on a permanent basis?

My plans for the future are to become well-known in the beauty makeup, fx and cinema makeup… I came in LA to build a career as a cinema makeup artist. I want to use all my skills and I want to be able to bring something new to my profession.

I would also like to start my cosmetic-makeup brand. If you look at my instagram, you can see that I love doing different kind of artistic things. I love doing murals and faux finish, drawing, painting, beauty makeup, eyelash extensions, fx makeup, I am also doing my own prosthetic… that includes sculpting, molding and painting, then applying the silicone prosthetic on the person followed by the makeup! I love being able to do everything myself. The sky is the limit. I truly believe that when you’ve got a dream, you need to do everything you can to make it happen.I am not there yet but I will put all energy and effort to do so. I mean, I have already come so far – not just that I’m from another country and I had to learn English, but I’ve also had to go through the rigorous visa and green card processes. I view each of those stepsas very important and little victory.

I love your spirit – full of positivity, optimism and enthusiasm. Other than the green-card/visa issues – any other significant struggles along the way?

It’s been stressful and difficult to leave everything behind in Quebec.My family, my friends, my job in a prestigious beauty center, but Iknow that this was my destiny and I have no regrets! I am now happily married, his family accepted me like I am their own daughter-sister, I am so grateful for the new people in my life! I made new friends and contact in the business! I for sure not miss the cold Quebec winter! And thanks to Skype, I can keep in touch with my Quebec people!

Fantastic – you’ve been fortunate to have such great luck! Do you consider yourself particularly lucky?

Yes. In fact, 4 years ago, Iwaschosen to be a candidate on the TV show deal or no deal… They took me because I had a dream to become a cinema makeup artist and wanted to take a class at cinema makeup school here in LA… They loved my Halloween concept that I brought on the show and the video I did for the audition… Over 2 million people saw the episode! So I won $50,000 and they gave me a house value at $250,000 that I sold… so I traveled with my car across the country, it took me 55 hours in 5 days, mostly in the snow, but it was worth it. I made it to Cinema Makeup School, met the man of my dreams and now I’m happily married and following my dream career in Los Angeles!

Contact Info: