Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Mazumdar.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My makeup story truly begins with a Caboodles makeup case and my sister. I insisted on doing her and her best friend’s makeup for their prom. While it sparked interest, I didn’t realize it could really be my path until I was studying film/TV at NYU, where I volunteered to do makeup for our student film. This was so exciting to me because I would get to create my first bruise! I grabbed that same Caboodles case and did my best with shimmery purple eyeshadow. I was so happy with my work. It was such a transformative moment. I called my parents and declared I would become a professional makeup artist! With their unwavering support, I enrolled in makeup boot camp courses in NYC. Shortly after, I moved home to LA and went to MUD. My first job after completing school was as an assistant on a non-union film starring a hugely famous rapper and his son. It was grueling, magical, and solidified my desire to be a makeup artist. In fact, grueling and magical are the perfect words to describe my journey up to this point. I am now celebrating 17 years in the industry as a makeup artist, and I have had the honor of working with some incredible figures on really important projects that I am proud to be part of. In addition to makeup artist, I have added entrepreneur to my resume as I have created my first beauty product, Lip Lūffa!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The makeup/beauty industry, to me, is sort of like the ocean. It can be welcoming, auspicious, and fruitful. It can also be brutal, devastating, and lonely. A smooth road or smooth sea only lasts for so long. I believe it is all about the community you surround yourself with. Finding people who will weather the tides with you. When I first started out, I didn’t know anyone in this business; social media didn’t exist, and I had to figure it out as I went. Over the years, I have cultivated an incredible network of artists and professionals that I can count on, and I am so grateful.
One of the major freelancing struggles is a with work/life balance. In my experience, this industry is hot or cold. Super busy stretches that have my schedule on fire, filled with clients, travel jobs, events, and, of course, the business side, including taxes, etc. It is all work, all the time with little room for your personal life. Inevitably, a cooling period comes around where weeks go by with only just a sprinkle. That slow season is an opportunity for me to re-organize my kits, spend quality time with my husband and loved ones, and gently strategize for the upcoming busy season. It always ebbs and flows. It can be a struggle to learn when your seasons are, but once you recognize them, it will help you find harmony.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Being a makeup artist means I get to be part of major moments in people’s lives, and I never take that for granted. Whether they are giving a keynote speech, being interviewed, taking photos for tour, or even getting married, my clients know that my glam station has the positive vibes, natural glam, and full discretion. Whatever we talk about during our session is always just between us. I don’t often post them on socials either, and I think all of that combined is what sets me apart from others. I recently had a new client attending her first red carpet event, and she was, of course, a little nervous. During our glam session, we talked, laughed, hugged, and off she went! Afterwards she kindly let me know how she felt glamorous and special. That I gave her calm confidence throughout the entire event, and thanked me. Those moments make me the proudest. And maybe calm confidence is actually what sets me apart.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My least favorite thing about LA is the public transportation. As someone who has lived in NYC and spent time in Europe, I would really benefit from improved ways to travel safely around this huge city. I don’t have the answers, but it would make a big difference to me as an artist who has to drive all around for work.
If you know me, you know I love LA! I love the Dodgers!!! I love the beach, the mountains, the sunny days. But I grew up here, so I am biased. One of the things I like best is our diversity. I believe it is one of our strengths, and I feel most comfortable among people from all over the world and from all walks of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephielashes.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/stephielashes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephielash
- Other: www.lipluffa.com
Image Credits
Courtney Lindberg
Heart of Invictus
David Billet-LA Times
Jesse DeYoung
Sela Shiloni
Lee Jameson
Ben Tsui
Alix Rae
