Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Pisani Sousanis.
Lauren, please share your story with us.
I have always had a love for makeup and have been fortunate enough to grow my passion into a career.
After attending Depaul University and working in the entertainment industry and in media, I still wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do in my life. I knew I wanted to have a career doing something creative, but there are so many great creative routes you could take in Chicago and I wasn’t sure where to turn.
I would constantly receive compliments on my own makeup and would be asked why I wasn’t doing that for a living. After having a conversation with my mom, a cosmetologist, and one of her friends, a light bulb went off. Why couldn’t I do makeup for a living? I love doing it, I think it’s so much fun, it’s a creative outlet, and apparently, people thought I was good at it even before getting a makeup education.
I decided to pursue my passion for makeup artistry and enroll at Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry in Chicago. After completing the program and earning my state certification as an Illinois Approved makeup artist, I started Lauren Ashton Makeup.
Today, I work in media, but also work as a freelance makeup artist and have had some amazing opportunities right here in my hometown..
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to pursuing your passion is never easy. Understanding the business aspect of being a makeup artist is initially a struggle and you are constantly learning. When you think of a “makeup artist” you think of a glamorous job with models, celebrities, and gorgeous brides, but you don’t really realize all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. You have to be extremely organized in order to keep track of your contracts, meetings, and appointments. I’ve learned that there are a lot of makeup artists out there, but it’s a very small circle. Network, learn from others, know how to take constructive criticism, know your worth, and don’t be discouraged when you hear the word “no”.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lauren Ashton Makeup – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I have worked on set with Fox Sports and ABC, with Chicago athletes and politicians for photo shoots and television segments, have had some beautiful work published nationally, and have participated in countless weddings not only in the Chicagoland area but across the country.
I specialize in enhancing natural beauty and making people look and feel like the best version of themselves. Currently, I am doing mostly bridal makeup and love being part of a special time in someone’s life.
It doesn’t matter if I’m working on set, working with corporate clients, or preparing a bride for her big day, I’m passionate about making people feel great both inside and out.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I am lucky to have a very supportive family and a group of friends. My mom is a licensed cosmetologist, my cousin is a licensed cosmetologist, and I have friends who are in both the hair & makeup industry. It’s great to be surrounded by people who understand your passion and who support you along your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenashtonmakeup.com
- Phone: 847.312.7076
- Email: lauren@laurenashtonmakeup.com
- Instagram: @laurenashtonmakeup
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurenashtonmakeup
- Other: www.theknot.com/marketplace/lauren-ashton-makeup-chicago-il-824118
Image Credit:
Hallie Duesenberg Photography, True Grace Photography, Cage & Aquarium, Mary Rose Photography
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