Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Walker.
Hi Carolyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It began when I was younger, a little girl to be exact. Looked in the mirror and felt like I was not enough. Growing up in a family that made you feel less than.
Aunts glorifying how their beauty was much grander than yours. But then, finally an escape, my refuge. Art was my refuge. My escape from my painful reality, allowed me to paint a world where I felt safe, loved, and where I felt I belonged.
You see, my father was a hairstylist. He introduced me to that beautiful world. Not realizing at that time that makeup could provide me an escape and provide for my family. Art to me back then was using other traditional mediums such as paint and paper.
It was when my father bought makeup of my own. I started painting my own face as a way to be expressive and honestly to feel pretty. I never felt pretty or that I was good enough. I was taught by close family members and even strangers how to point out my flaws first. As I continued to dive more into the makeup world, from wet and wild to MaryKay products, I became better and better at it.
People started noticing, eventually acquiring me for my makeup services. I was 18 years old when my makeup career began. A love and hate relationship, I’d like to call it. I was confused, a young mother then and I only wanted to provide for myself and my son. Years would go by, makeup on and off. Finally, something just clicked. At that time I was 24 years old.
What I did not know was that this road would truly become an emotional roller coaster. Some clients, to no clients, to some clients again, and then clients do not like my work. A lot of trial and error. A lot of tears and grit.
What you are not told, is that you will fall many many many times. People will take advantage of you, a lot of no-shows, and some want to get free services. We live in a world now where success is painted instantly. Success is a journey. Success takes time and you should allow it.
That is where the true magic happens. Your true strength. It was never meant to be easy and I am finally starting to get that phrase. The challenges are what make your story so interesting. This is the juicy part.
Fast forward to today, I am a mother to 2 handsome kings, a full-time MUA, and working on my bachelor’s in I/O Psychology. Mind you from a high school dropout, a single mama, and now a college kid. Life takes you on a ride, a very interesting ride. A ride I will never forget.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I must say there have been a lot of tears and fear. A lot of rejection and doubt. Being in the beauty world or any field at that is so competitive. When your foundation is not secure, you are so easily rattled. You tend to take things so personally when in reality it had nothing to do with you.
I will give you an example, some clients will absolutely love their makeup and some will hate it. I had a client that swore to me up and down expressing how much they loved their makeup to only be told by the photographer, “I hated my makeup and it was all Carolyn’s fault”.
There are many ways I could have taken that response! Calling the client and giving her a piece of my mind, 2. Giving up being a Makeup Artist and shutting down completely, 3. Taking that feedback and reminding myself I cannot please everyone. I gave my all and that is all I can do. It is not my job to make sure someone is happy, especially when they did not give me a chance to know and correct it.
Us MUA (Makeup artists) tend to experience this a lot. Come to find out those individuals were not having a positive mental day or dealing with something personally. So many factors that could have played a significant role. You have to know who you are, be honest with yourself, could I have improved? What can I do the next time?
Just know, you will have clients like this and that is ok. Keep believing in yourself and make sure to remind yourself very often of how valuable you are. You are enough, it is that simple. But of course, remain humble!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Professional Makeup Artist. I still feel cheesy when including the professional part, I smile so nervously. I specialize in all things makeup, if I do not know it, then I take the time to become familiar with it. Us artists get asked the most outrageous things and in order to fulfill that demand, we need to always be ready.
I am known for my glowy dewy look! More so my outrageous fashion sense. I realize that makeup is not my forever goal. My true love is fashion. I have my own fashion outlet in the works, so keep a lookout!!
I am most proud of not giving up. The many times I so desperately wanted to, I am so thankful I did not. Makeup showed me a world that I did not know even existed. I grew up in poverty and on food stamps. Being called upon by some of my wealthy clients has shown me, that anything is truly possible, as long as you believe!!!!
I think what sets me apart from others, is that I am the biggest kid adult you might even meet!!!! I always have some type of cool toy with me!!! Having a cute little toy gives me inspiration. 2 years ago, I became really interested in comic books!!! I have been on the hunt for many great finds!!
Might I add, my collection is getting bigger and bigger? Also, I am really big on interior design! I’m just into everything.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
You are going to do a lot of free stuff!!! Yes, it is ok to pay people with fries and cheeseburgers to model for you or collaborate with.
Remember to make as many mistakes as you can. Don’t run away from them. Make them and learn from them. Have fun!!! Don’t get so consumed with failure. Failing is not a bad thing, nor is rejection. Look at it as an invisible door, in order to see what’s on the other side, you have to go through that experience.
I wish someone would have told me that. Nowadays, it’s all about the likes, the followers, and the money you get. But we do not focus on embracing the challenges. It is what awakens the dragon within us. If it were easy, it would be so boring. The many friends you would not have met.
It’s about building relationships and loving yourself the whole way. There is only one you, we need that you!!! The world needs you!!! Remember, you are enough! Always have been and always will be.
Pricing:
- Natural Glam $150
- Smokey Glam $175
- Bridal Glam $275
- Photoshoot $250/ $60 per hour
- Eyebrow Tint & Wax $65 (special)
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.carolynwalkerartistry.com
- Instagram: @makeupbycarolynwalker
- Facebook: Carolyn Walker
Image Credits
Dara Green
