Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Hannifin.
Hi Maria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have had a passion for art for as long as I can remember. All of my family including generations back have all been blessed with a variety of artistic talents. I began painting since I could pick up a paintbrush. Art is something that has always come easy to me. I loved spending afternoons as a little girl painting alongside my grandma. My passion for art continued to grow, and created an outlet for me to express myself during difficult teenage years. As I navigated the early stages of my marriage, I found myself to fall back on my passion. Art helped me bring back a part of myself that easily became lost in my early 20s.
I began Makeup Artistry in early 2014. To be honest, it was not even my idea. It was my husband’s. I always had an interest in the beauty industry, and esthetic and cosmetology programs always came up in topic of discussions. Both programs though neither really focused on the Makeup Artistry aspect, and it just didn’t make sense to go that route.
My husband gave me the little push I needed to stop making excuses, and pick up my brush again and begin what was going to become my Makeup Artistry career.
In 2014 I started accepting clients, gaining as much knowledge as I could, through practice, videos, trial and error, and research. It was a very exciting time for my business. I made many connections with other creatives and entrepreneurs in the industry, and quickly found my niche. Bridal makeup and hair. There was just something about working with brides that I loved! The elegance, the captivating atmosphere, my client’s radiance after looking at the mirror after a finished look. And the wonderful places that destination weddings allowed me to visit.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Growing up in the state of Utah as an undocumented immigrant, a lot of my career choices were limited. Out-of-state tuition was triple the cost of the average in-state tuition. Grants or Federal Aid was not an option for me, and quite frankly even though I was almost done with my prerequisites for dental hygiene school, I just knew my happiness and passion was meant to be somewhere else. I am so thankful that my artistic background allowed me a path to become a self-taught Makeup and Hair Artist. I love that the industry allows for so much learning and growth and I am so glad my obstacles have led me to the path that I am on today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a self-taught, full-time makeup artist based out of Utah County. I specialize in Bridal Hair and Natural Glam Makeup; however, with my dental assisting background I have recently added teeth whitening to my services! I believe this sets me apart from others because what bride doesn’t just want a one stop for most of their beauty needs on their wedding day! Each of my sessions is intended to bring my client relaxation and peace so that on their wedding day or special event, they can just sit back and enjoy their day without any stress. I also believe makeup should only be used to enhance your Natural Beauty; NOT cover it up. I try hard for my style to reflect just that!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Early on in my Makeup Artistry career I found how important networking with other local wedding vendors was! One of the easiest ways to collaborate with me is by sending me a quick email! I am always looking to expand my network of wedding vendors! As well as join in on collaborative photoshoots! Follow me on socials! Instagram is a quick and easy way to see the latest of my work! My Dm is always open for questions! Word of mouth is extremely important for my small business, see something you like on my page? Share with your friends on instagram story! Have a friend that is getting married? Tag them on my posts!! Want to throw a teeth whitening party for your bridal party guests?! Reach out!!
My hope for my business is to continue its growth, and most importantly continue sharing my passion with others who want to see their natural beauty be enhanced through my eyes.
Pricing:
- $150-300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariahannifin.com/
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/maria.hannifin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahannifinmakeup
Image Credits
Maria Hannifin Makeup LLC
Jennifer Roses
Katie Griff
