Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Dickinson.
Casey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a passion for makeup and the beauty industry but I never even considered that I would be able to make it a career. I grew up in a household that embraced creativity and self-expression and was taught by my parents that you have to pursue what you love (my father is an author and my mother is a theatre teacher, formally a figure skater).
While home from school during college and unsure about what I was even working towards, I applied for a stock position at MAC Cosmetics because the idea of being surrounded by makeup and creative people was exhilarating for me even if it only meant a summer job. After not getting the stock position at the location I applied to, I was asked if I was open to interviewing for a makeup artist position at a store nearby. I had NEVER applied makeup on anyone before other than a friends throughout the years but I wanted to be apart of that world so badly that I eagerly accepted the challenge and got the job. With my parent’s support, I decided to make MAC my full-time focus and 13 years later, I am a Regional Trainer for the brand.
Shortly after I started with the company, I began doing bridal freelance work on the side and have grown to love having my own personal business outside my regular job. While both consist of doing makeup and working with people, I love the bridal industry and the energy surrounding such a special occasion in peoples lives.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not always been smooth and that’s a good thing! The most disappointing, uncomfortable, and frustrating experiences lead to the biggest growth. I have been turned down for jobs (both within MAC and outside freelance jobs) many times and it’s going to happen again in the future. I have received feedback from my superiors that was hard to hear and have made mistakes along the way but without them, I never would have grown. It’s the tough times that get you to the big rewards and those tough times are the moments that you are going to look back and be the most grateful for! I promise.
My advice to anyone in the beauty industry is this… don’t take anything personally. Yes, it’s self-expression but this career is about people and making them feel their best. I feel grateful that I get to give people confidence and make people feel happy and beautiful-that;s a powerful job so don’t let your ego get in the way. There is also no such thing as knowing it all and we can always improve at something. Whether it’s graphic liner or knowing the newest trends or improving our communication style. It’s not just about makeup – it’s about being the total package.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about CD Artistry Chicago – what should we know?
My personal business, CD Artistry Chicago, is primarily bridal work but I’ve had the opportunity to work a lot of different occasions for my clients. I specialize in beauty trends and love creating customized looks for anyone in my chair.
I am most proud of the relationships that I have built with my clients over the years and the kind referrals that they give to their friends and family about the time we spent together. I am an artist that is confident that I can bring your vision to life but there are TONS of great artists out there! What I think sets me apart is my connection with my clients, my flexibility, and adaptability and my communication leading up to and on such a special day.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I am, of course, on Instagram and love seeing all of the new trends in hair and makeup but it’s so important to understand that social media trends are not the only trends. If you’re finding yourself only using IG, YouTube, etc. to find inspiration, I strongly urge you to put the phone down and go buy a Vogue or research other cultures around the world and learn what their definition of beauty is. Also, always watch award show red carpets and keep up with the newest music videos and artists-your clients will reference them!
I’m also a firm believer in self-reflection and self-improvement when it comes to who we are as human-beings, makeup aside. So, the more you know yourself and your strengths and opportunities, the better and more effective you’ll be for your clients and employers! I recommend meditation to everyone but especially those in the fast-paced beauty industry so the Headspace app is wonderful for that! And anytime you can go outside and be in nature, do it! It’s great for inspiration and for your soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cdartistrychicago.com
- Phone: 847-924-5089
- Email: cdartistrychicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: @cdartistrychicago
- Facebook: CDArtistryChicago
Image Credit:
Tim Tab Studios, Shutterwinks Photography, Rubaja – Photo & Studio, Dana Richards Photography
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