My Interview With Celebrity Makeup Artist Tia Dantzler!

Celebrity Makeup Artist Tia Dantzler

Celebrity Makeup Artist Tia Dantzler, where do I begin! So many amazing things I can say about this beautiful, warm hearted and genuine person.  I have been following Tia and her work for a long time, admiring her undeniable talent to beat a face to the gods and to simply enhance one's natural beauty.  Last year she held her first Beauty Elixir Workshop in Chicago which was hugely successful, this year she was one of the keynote speakers at The Makeup Show in Chicago which is one of the biggest makeup tradeshows and beauty education events ever, she's done countless commercials, magazine shoots, she offers beauty advice in magazines such as Essence, Juicy Magazine, Centric TV.com and if I even began to start listing her celebrity clients that she's done makeup for, you might as well get real relaxed because  her resume is extensive, she has worked with the best of the best in the entertainment industry, including none other than the  President of the United States, Barack Obama! Tia is such an amazing talent but most of all she is genuine, humble and always willing to share her priceless advice with others.  I now introduce you to the incomparable, Tia Dantzler!!  

Tia with Jennifer Hudson

Me:  Everyone who is anyone knows you're one of the best celebrity makeup artist out there. Can you tell us what was a defining moment in your career that took you over in to the category of celebrity makeup artist?

Tia: I've had so many defining moments throughout my career as an artist so I'll share a few but definitely to be continued.  When I saw my work grace the cover of a national magazine which was Sports Illustrated.  Accompanying Jennifer Hudson backstage at the Academy Awards and seeing my work on scene during her acceptance speech.  And working with President Barack Obama was definitely moments I will not soon forget.

President Obama, Grooming done by Tia

Grooming done by Tia

Me: You offer the best tips ever, as seen in magazines such as Essence and Upscale. Many celebrity makeup artists don't usually give out their tips, not for free at least. But why is it important for you to share your Tia Tips with the world? What has been  the response you've been getting in regards to the tips you offer?

Tia: I believe it's so important to reach back and help others because when I first started out I didn't have a network of people to ask so my experience has been trial and error. I'm a giver by nature and it gives me great joy to share and encourage others along the way. The response to Tiatips has been overwhelmingly great. It's brings a smile to my face when I'm asked for more Tiatips.

Tia shares her Fall beauty tips in Juicy Magazine's September 2012 Issue

Me:  Working with so many celebrities, high profile photographers, hairstylists, etc, how important is good 'on set' etiquette? Being friendly, down to earth with your celeb clients yet  maintaining your professionalism? Also how important is what you wear to photoshoots, celeb events, etc.

Tia:  Having the proper set etiquette is very important not only for your client(s) but for also receiving a call back. You have to know your place and position on set. I'm in the finishing stages of releasing my book early 2013 and I cover set etiquette because it's vital to us as artist. Should we keep it personal or professional or both is one of my favorite subjects that I wrote about in my book. I'm writing my book from my eyes and experience so I spill the beans. I would prefer professional over personal for so many reasons. On set attire should always look well put together whether you wear all black or not. This industry is very trendy so I always try to infuse my style for a fun, comfortable look.

Nene Leakes, Makeup by Tia

Me:  You did makeup for President Obama for GQ magazine. Can you tell us how that experience was for you? In addition, what are some necessary tools/products you need when doing mens makeup/grooming?

Tia: Meeting President Obama was definitely a nerve-wrecking moment however, his personality is so great that it put me at ease to re-focus and do my job. For male grooming you want to make sure to have some eye drops on hand as well as a great mattifier to combat oiliness. Also a must is a no-shine lip balm, a non-oily moisturizer, clear brow set, hand lotion, concealer & setting powder. I can't forget a setting spray to set the makeup & to keep it natural looking.

Celebrity Clients Maxwell, Jim Belushi and Mel Jackson Men's grooming/makeup done by Tia.

Tia on set with C.O.L.O.U.R.S. Male grooming by Tia

Me:  You have done so much in your career as a celebrity makeup artist and I know that you are far from over.  But as you look back on your career and all that you have done so far, what moments are the most memorable and life changing?

Tia: Seeing my career take a shift from makeup artist to beauty expert to brand ambassador has truly been rewarding.

Tia is a Brand Ambassador for the Johnson's Brand! Click here to read about her visit to their headquarters in NJ!

Me:  So you are working on a DVD! Yay! (I cannot wait!) What made you decide to work on a DVD? When will it be available to purchase? What can we expect to see or learn from your DVD? Besides your DVD, are you working on any other super cool projects that you can share with us? A new makeup line possibly? :)

Tia: God laid it on my heart to do a DVD over six years ago and I ran from the idea for as long as I could. I'm so happy that I was obedient because I can't wait to release it. The Title of my DVD is, "Tia Dantzler's Red Carpet Beauty Secrets." It's a step by step guide to a flawless look. I'm teaching techniques and sharing tips as I complete a full face. I also have a cool booklet full of red carpet tips inside the dvd as a bonus. My DVD will be ready for purchase the first of October and I will be sharing how to purchase the dvd on my twitter, facebook fan page as well as my blog in the coming weeks. I'm super excited over my book because again I get to share from the heart hopefully inspire people all over the world. Makeup line.....hmmmm stay tuned.

Mr. and Mrs Harvey. Makeup/grooming by Tia

Me:  When it comes to doing makeup, what inspires you? Who do you look to for inspiration?

Tia: I pull inspiration from so many sources such as a dress, hairstyle to the current trends. I love looking through magazines to pull inspiration as well as the mood of the event.

Malaysia Pargo from BBW LA. Makeup by Tia

Me:  If you dumped out all your products in your handbag, what cosmetic products would we find? What products can you not live without?

Tia: You would find a couple of tubes of lip balm, a bold lipstick, and blot powder. I like to keep my look fresh & simple with a bold lippy.

Tia's Lippy's, via her Instagram page tiadantzler

Me: Most makeup artists I know aspire to reach 'Celebrity Makeup Artist' one day. Can you share some tips/ words of encouragement to help us reach that status?

Tia: I started off treating regular clients like they were celebrities so when I started working with celebrities there was no difference because I aim to give every client the best experience.

Tia posing with Oprah!

Be sure to keep up with Tia and all of her greatness!

View her website with her portfolio at www.tiadantzler.net!

Follow her blog where she gives beauty tips and Tiatips at www.thebeautyelixir.com!

Like her Facebook Fan Page here!

Follow her on Twitter at @tiadantzler.

Follow her on instagram at tiadantzler.

Tia is one of my most favorite people in the world!  She is someone that I look up to as a makeup artist and because she is such a wonderful person who has a load of helpful advice for those wanting to achieve the things she has done.  I hope you are just as inspired as I am from her advice, tips and her experience of being extremely successful as a makeup artist. Sending so much love and thanks to my mentor and friend, Celebrity Makeup Artist Tia Dantzler!!

Interview With Celebrity Makeup Artist Day Hill!!

Celebrity Makeup Artist, Day Hill!!  I had the honor of interviewing Day and she is just as awesome as I thought she would be!  She has been in the industry creating flawless faces to some of our favorite celebrities! I first became aware of Day when I found out that she was the one responsible for being one of Nicki Minaj's makeup artist.  I have always loved Nicki's makeup and I remember asking friends on Twitter who her makeup artist is.  And once I found out, I had to meet Day and get her advice and insight.  She is obviously a genius with makeup application, a trend setter in the makeup industry and super down to earth.. Everyone meet Celebrity Makeup Artist, Day Hill!!

Celebrity Makeup Artist Day Hill

Me:  How did you get in to makeup? Did you work at a counter? 

Day:  I started out acting and learned to do my own makeup looking at magazines. Because I went to performing arts high school,  most of my friends started asking me to do their faces for headshots or performances. After high school I began working at a counter to get money while I was pursuing my acting. Quickly I realized I loved making people feel beautiful over being in front of the camera.  

Me:  How did you start doing Nicki Minaj's makeup? What inspires the looks you do for her? What products did you use on her because her skin always looks flawless? 

Day: I was introduced to Nicki Minaj by Shanell of Young Money. Shanell and I attended performing arts school together. Shout out to Tri-Cities School of the Visual and Performing Arts!  Her look was derived directly from Nicki's personality. Every client I have I aim to make them their own individual. Nicki is fun and colorful and I happen to live for color.   Nicki and I played with several products but she had a natural love for MAC and I happen to have been a MAC artist for a few years so we favored MAC. As far as creating the flawless look I believe it had to do more with the technique and application than the specific products.  But for the Pink Friday cover we used MAC Studio Tech,  MAC Sheer Pressed Powder, Pink Swoon and Desert Rose Blushes, and MAC Backtrack Gel Eyeliner. Those products were definitely staples to her signature look. 

Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Album Cover, Makeup Done by Day Hill

Me: You are definitely changing the game when it comes to makeup. On YouTube, so many people try to recreate the looks that you have done on Nicki. How do you feel about having such a powerful impact on makeup application?

Day:  I'm amazed at the impact of what Nicki and I created! I knew when we started that she would help me take make to another place but I didn't know the complete impact it would make. I saw that the industry wasn't using much color in their glamour and I wanted to change that.I wanted to bring the fun that Nicki gave to music to her face while maintaining a sense of glamour. 

Me: What are some makeup products that you can't live without? If you dumped out your purse what makeup products would we see? 

Day:  I love HD Powder by Make Up For Ever , MAC Air rush , DiorShow Mascara By Dior,  Ruby Woo by MAC, Dirty Plum blush by MAC,  Tea tree Oil,  MAC Mineralized Skinfinsh,  MAC Fix + and ALL of my brushes!!!

Chili from TLC, Makeup by Day Hill

Me:  What's the best part about being a celebrity makeup artist? How has it changed your life?

Day:  The best part is having the opportunity to influence trend. It's amazing to be apart of an industry that you've looked up to your whole life and not to only be apart but to help influence. Hey what can I say.  God is GREAT!

Photoshoot with Marlo Hampton from Real Housewives of ATL

Me: Do you have any special things coming up as far as your career goes? Possible makeup line? Do you offer classes? 

Day:  Right now along with working on clients, I'm focusing on giving back. I'm working with young girls around Atlanta and teaching them grooming, makeup, and business. It's all about giving back now! As far as makeup lines, there are talks of it, stay tuned! Classes yes! I offer one on one, group classes, and advanced makeup classes. 

Day Hill instructing at one of her workshops. 

Me: What advice would you give to makeup artists trying to get their foot in the door?

Day:  To up and coming makeup artists learn the business. It's just as important as the art. Also make sure that you maintain integrity, continue to learn, and make moves that strengthen the community that you work in (makeup) and not just for one self. Last but not  least, love what you do and your clients and God will surely let you reap the rewards. 

Please be sure to check out her website, www.dayhill.me  to view her portfolio and other great information!

Follow her on Twitter @wannadayface.

Follow her on Instagram at dayhillmua

I just want to send a very special thank you to the amazing Day Hill!  She is such a cool person who shared so much with me and it means so much!  She offered some great advice that will help me grow as a Makeup Artist and it will help others as well.  She is so talented and I know she has nothing but amazing things to come in her future!!  Sending so much love and thanks to Celebrity Makeup Artist, Day Hill!!

Interview with Celebrity Nail Artist Ajah of HerNailsRock!!

I love nails and nail art! And I had the pleasure to interview a Celebrity Nail Artist Ajahmure of HerNailsRock!  I first became hip to her on Instagram .  I kept seeing her nail designs and was immediately drawn to them, how pretty they were, the intricacy of the designs and the undeniable skill!  She is a natural talent.  She doesn't use any stencils, stamps, nothing.  She designs everything free hand so she is a true artist! Her designs are unique, super creative and unlike any other.  She is super nice and down to earth!!  Meet my girl Ahahmure!!

Ajahmure did the nails of Selita Ebanks at the 2012 BET Rip the Runway

Me: How long have you been doing nails?? Did you go to school for it? And when did you realize that nail art was your niche?

Ajahmure: I've been doing nails for about 10 years it was only for a hobby. But 3 years ago I went to school to get proper training and get my license.  Art is something that I've always done. I went to school for graphic design as well.

Nails done by Ajahm for Dawn Richard for PYNK Magazine 

Me: How do you come up with such beautiful and creative nail designs? What inspires you??

Ajah: Everything inspires me from a painting, fashion, nature, even the oil spills you see on the ground at the gas station! Lol! 

Nails by Ajahmure

Me: Do you usually practice a certain nail design or do you just create your masterpieces right on the spot?

Ajahmure: I practice my techniques everyday! Lines, circles, it all relates to how and what type of art I'm going to do. And there are so many polish techniques, something new everyday so I try to keep up with what's new and fresh.

Elle Varner with nails done by Ajahmure

Me: I know that you are a celeb nail artist. What celebs have you done nails for? How did you get that job working with those celebs?

Ajahmure:  I've done nails for Selita Ebanks, Dawn Richard formerly of Diddy Dirty Money, Rosci from 106, Pooch Hall, Tamar Braxton.....a lot.  Most of my celebrity clients I did on photo shoots and they liked my work so much that they hired me to do their nails personally.

Tamar Braxton with nails done by Ajahmure for PYNK Magazine

Me: Did you ever think that you would reach celebrity nail artist status by just doing nails? 

Ajahmure: I didn't go into doing nails with the intention of becoming a celebrity nail artist, I do nails because I truly love nail care. I love making my clients nails look great, and I love teaching my clients how to care for their nails. But being a celebrity nail artist is an added bonus!!

Necole Bitchie's Nails by Ajahmure

Me: When you are not doing nails, what do you do on your spare time?

Ajahmure: I'm thinking of new nail art! I'm always doing nails even in my spare time I'm doing nails. I have two girls and a little sister and they always want their nails done....my Mom too! There is no break lol but I don't mind not having a break.

 Me: Do you have any special events coming up? Are you working on anything special, your own nailpolish line, hosting any nail events. Etc

Ajahmure: I'll be doing Pop-up shops this summer. I've been getting a lot of requests to come to different cities so I'm going to make that happen. Details on cities and dates will be on my website http://www.hernailsrock.com/ which will launch June 1st. And I have "Rock At Home Take Home Mani's" available. They're press on nails with my nail art. The kit comes with the nails, glue, orangewood stick and file. Those will be on the website as well but they're available now people can email me about purchasing kits.

Gold Leaf nails by Ajahmure for New York Fashion Week 2012

Me: What advice would you give to an aspiring nail artist?

Ajahmure: I would tell anyone that wants to be a nail artist to never stop studying. Work hard and keep learning and training. There are always new techniques and methods so stay in top of it.

Isn't she awesome!! This is only a little but of what she has done! I absolutely admire her dedication to her craft and her humility! I know she is on her way to the Celebrity Nail Stylist Elite! Please be sure to stay in touch and follow her as her career continues to blossom and flourish!! 

Instagram: hernailsrock

Facebook: HerNailsRock

Tumblr: hernailsrock.tumblr.com

If you want to book Ajah click here and also read some great reviews from her previous clients! 

I sincerely thank Ajah for this amazing interview with so much insight and advice! Her talent is so creative and flawless.  I know she is destined for great things. So be on the lookout for her because she is on her way to the top!! Sending so much love and thanks to my girl Ajah of HerNailsRock!! 

Interview with Celebrity Makeup Arist Marcus Miller aka King Makeup!!!

Interview with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Marcus Miller aka King Makeup!!

I just want to start off by saying how excited I am to share with you all this interview that I had with Celebrity Makeup Artist Marcus aka King Makeup!! He definitely owns the title of King Makeup because he is soooooo good!! I have been following his work for a while, on Twitter and Facebook. This D.C. based Makeup Artists' ability to create a purely perfect face is unbelievable! I would always look and stare at his pictures of the makeup work he's done on others and be in awe of how amazingly talented he is. So when he said he would do an interview with me, I literally screamed in excitement because he is definitely one of the best in the makeup game and he was willing to share some great info with me! So without further ado, my interview with the best, Celebrity Makeup Artist Marcus aka King Makeup!





Me:How long have you been doing makeup? When did you know that makeup was the field you wanted to go in? Who inspired you?

Marcus: I've been doing makeup since young so it's been a long time...but as my profession since 2001, I've always loved transformation and just been intrigued by art....



 

Me: Did you go to school for makeup or did it just come natural to you? 



Marcus: I was self taught...more so reading and hands on is what has taught me....still learning daily.

 

 

Me: Have you ever worked at a makeup counter? Do you think working at a makeup counter is important or necessary to be a successful makeup artist?

Marcus: I used to work for MAC cosmetics I was with them for five years....great experience, I think working at a makeup counter can give great experience for someone it gets you familiar with all face types.



Singer Lil Mo. Makeup by Marcus Miller

Me: When was your first job working with a celebrity and how did you get it?

 Marcus: To be honest I really don't remember my first celeb....but most jobs are referrals from other clients or people that are familiar with my work.

TV and Radio Personality Free. Makeup by Marcus Miller

Me: I know so many people who love and admire your work. But do you ever encounter people treating you different or question your ability to do makeup because you're a male makeup artist, before they even see your work? If so how do you handle it?

Marcus: Well you're always gonna get people that question your work, I have I just make them comfortable with me as I let them know I'm confident and give them my knowledge so that they can build trust in me.

Makeup by Marcus Miller

Me: Do you use one brand of makeup over another? If not what are some of your favorite brands? Marcus: I use all brands of makeup, some of my favorites are Makeupforever, Nars, MAC, Dermablend, OCC, Tarte and even NYX .

Me: I see that you won Makeup Artist of the year! Yay! How was that event for you??

 Marcus: It was really nice.....it feels great when you're acknowledged for your talent.

Me: When you aren't beating faces to the gods, what do you like to do?

Marcus: Lol, thank you....I love to travel, and just hang out with family and friends also I love just chillin!!

 

King Makeup beating a face to the gods!

Me: What's next for King Makeup?! Do you teach classes? YouTube channel? Do you plan on coming out with your own line of makeup?

 Marcus: Yes I do classes I love doing small intimate classes I have a few things on YouTube but I'm not on there much..... And as far as my own line...I have some great things in the making.

Makeup by Marcus Miller

Me: Any advice for makeup artists trying to get their foot in the door? Trying to reach celebrity makeup artist status such as yourself?

 

Marcus: Study your craft always.....and to network as much as possible....stay humble

So there you have it! Mr. King Makeup himself telling it like it is and sharing his information with us.

Be sure to follow him on Twitter @MAKEUPMANMAE.
Check out his website at www.makeupmanmae.com.
Follow him on Instagram at makeupmanmae.

I cannot begin to say how much he has inspired me as a Makeup Artist. He definitely inspires me to continue perfecting my craft and to never give up on my dreams! From the bottom of my heart, thank you Celebrity Makeup Artist, Artist of the Year and High Fashion Makeup Artist, Marcus Miller aka King Makeup!!

Interview with Celebrity Makeup Artist Crystal aka MissMUA!!

  There are so many great things I can say about Crystal. aka Miss MUA! So I'll just start by saying, this girl has skills with brushes!! She is really really good!! She's worked with Vivica Fox, Basketball Wives Evelyn Lozada and Jennifer Williams, Erica Mena who was on Love and Hip Hop, and many more!! I am so inspired by her flawless work and so gracious to her for taking the time out to do this interview! Here she gives some insight into her life as a Celebrity Makeup Artist!

Me: How long have you been doing makeup? And when did you know makeup artistry was what you wanted to do?
 

Crystal: Professionally, I've been doing makeup now going on about 4 years. As far when I knew this is what I wanted to do? I have no idea Lol sounds crazy right?! I've ALWAYS loved makeup ever since I could remember sitting and watching my mom get all fancy (Shout out to my beautiful Mommy). Lol I didn't really think it was something I could do professionally because it came so easy to me. I suppose a part of me always wanted to do it, just didn't know I could.



Evelyn Lozada from Basketball Wives

Me: What was your first gig working with a celebrity?

Crystal: My first gig with a celebrity... hmmmm.. *puts on thinking cap* I guess that would depend on who you consider a "celebrity". The first celeb I considered to be big because one of her movies was one of my all time fave's (Two Can Play That Game) would be Miss Vivica Fox. I got so much valuable information on set from her.



Vivica Fox

Me: What's the best/ hardest part of working with celebs?

Crystal: The best part is meeting them and getting to know them as a person not a "personality", the hardest part is you never know what they'll be like. Lol Lucky for me the people I have been blessed to work with have all been a pleasure!



Erica Mena from Love and Hip Hop

Me: Who is one of your favorite celebrities you have worked with?

Crystal: Awwww.... tough question! Love them all, but I must say one of the sweetest has got to be Dawn Richard of 'Dirty Money'.





Dawn Richard

Me: If you are not doing makeup, what do you like to do?


Crystal: I like to just CHILL. I'm not to big on the whole Hollywood scene, would much rather grab a beer or wine with some of my favorite girls at a low key restaurant or hole in the wall bar. Lol I'm also huge on FAMILY!!! Family and friends everything ell's is just "extra". Don't get me wrong I love music, dancing and getting a little fancy, but at the end of the day that doesn't define who I am or what I prefer doing.






Draya from Basketball Wives

Me: What advice can you share with makeup artists trying to break into the industry?
Crystal: Go for it!!! It's ok to be scared, but it's NEVER ok to let your fears get in the way of your dreams. Know that it won't be easy, but it is possible!!! I'm far from where I want to be, it's still a work in progress and even for me the road ahead looks a little foggy at time, but it's nothing I can't drive through! I'm still practicing my art and learning. Never stop learning or wanting to learn. Do NETWORK!!! Put your WORK out there and not to much of yourself. Twitter & Modelmayhem.com are two site's I recommend. Modelmayhem is great when starting off and setting up trade shoots. You meet a lot of models, photographers, stylist's and hair artist's that way. (You'll find yourself doing a lot of free work in the beginning and that's OK!) Twitter is great to keep your follower's updated on your shoot and behind the scene work as well as tagging those you're working with.





Tae Heckard from The Game



Crystal's published work on Evelyn Lozada in Juicy magazine

Again I thank Crystal sooooo much for this amazing interview!!! She is one of the best Makeup Artist I know. Seeing her work online, magazines and television definitely inspires me to keep going forward and never stop until I reach my dreams! She has all of my support! And the fact that she is a Celebrity Makeup Artist and took the time to do this interview means the world to me!
 
Be sure to check her out and support Crystal on Modelmayhem.com/MissMUA and follow her on twitter.com/MissMUA.
Sending so much love, support and thanks to my Beauty of the Day, Celebrity Makeup Artist MissMUA!! XOXO