It is not too often, you meet up with someone for dinner, you’ve never met before and hit it off immediately. So when I did a call out for professional makeup artists in the area, and found out about Hannah, I was incredibly lucky. Our first meeting was over dinner at an amazing restaurant called Wine Country Bistro.
I am sure neither of us thought we would have stayed until almost close, but we connected right off the bat. Both military spouses, daughters the same age, and both just moved to Shreveport, LA. It was amazing getting to know each other, as we bonded over dinner, and we have been buddies ever since. Hannah now partners with me to provide my clients with professional hair and makeup prior to their sessions. It gives them that extra boost of confidence they need, so I can see that pretty little light from within each woman, and capture it in a portrait for all time. Hannah is amazingly talented, and great to work with!
Hannah I am so lucky to have met you and call you my friend!
MEET HANNAH:
Tell the viewers a bit about yourself:
Hi there! I’m a professional makeup artist, a licensed esthetician, a mother, military spouse, travel fanatic + enthusiastic wine drinker. I am originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota but have lived all over the country. My family and I are happy to call Shreveport home!
Q: What do you do? What is your business?
I am a professional freelance makeup artist. I work both in-studio (with the fabulous Heather McKinney!) as well as on site for photoshoots, events and of course, weddings! I offer traditional makeup application as well as airbrush. With my skincare background, I am very focused on selecting the best products to use on my clients to fit their specific and unique needs, concerns and desires.
Q: Where can people find your work?
A portfolio of my work can be found on my website, www.hannahkuhary.com, on my Instagram page, @hkmakeupartist or on my Facebook page, Facebook.com/hkuharymakeup
Q: How did you get started in your field of work?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and after graduating college, worked in the corporate sector in PR + Marketing for four years. I was feeling burnt out and uninspired by my work, so I made the decision to follow my artistic voice and go back to school to become a makeup artist. I graduated from the Paul Mitchell Academy and have trained with MAC Pro. I love that my career gives me the opportunity to do something new every day and there is almost more to learn as technology, products and trends change.
Q: Why is being your own BOSS, important to you? How do YOU define success?
Being my own boss is both rewarding and incredibly challenging. While I take feedback from my clients as the ultimate reward, at the end of the day, I am the only one who is pushing myself to achieve more, be better, learn as much as possible and stay focused. It can be difficult to juggle being a business owner and a mother at times, but I feel so fulfilled getting to do both. Success for me is a making my clients feel incredible – both with and without makeup on. I relish in the opportunity to connect on a personal level with my clients, hearing their stories and helping them to see their own beauty and self-worth.
Q: What do you find is the most challenging about your work?
Finding the extra time to devote to my business can be difficult. With weddings, I am usually working weekends, which means time away from my family. I’ve learned to make specific days and time “work only” so that I can separate work and personal life to achieve a balance and give myself fully + be present in my relationships with friends and family members.
Q: Tell us about the people you have met with your career?
Every client has a unique story to tell – and that is my favorite part of my makeup ritual! Some clients prefer to relax and remain quiet while I do their makeup, while others love to tell me all about themselves, their wedding, their family or their work. I love the bits + pieces they choose to share with me. It makes me feel a part of whatever day they are preparing for.
Q: Have you ever experienced gender discrimination, how did it effect you?
The cosmetic industry is a widely woman dominated field and I’m proud that there are so many amazing females who put their mark on it! On the flipside, I also marvel at the men who also work in this industry and the talent and unique perspective they bring to beauty.
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to start their own business?
Really take the time to think about what it is you want to do. The business-aspect to being your own boss isn’t always fun, but if the actual “work” is always rewarding, fun and inspiring, then it never really is work, is it? I strongly encourage new business owners to find a mentor who can help them within their desired field. Never be afraid to ask questions – a curious mind is a creative one! No one is expected to have all the answers right away. Learning is a lifelong journey and we should apply that perspective to or work, as well, so that we can always be our best.
Q: Where do you want to be in 2, 5, 10 years?
Within the next 2-5 years, I would like to be well-established as a makeup artist within our community. I hope to collaborate with other artists, as well! As for ten years, it’s hard to say. I love what I do currently and can only imagine doors will continue to open. A little mystery is OK!
Anything else you would like to say?
Thank you, Heather, for the opportunity to share a little bit more about myself and my work.
