Alison Epp is a full-time designer and self-taught makeup artist with a penchant for entrepreneurial work. Though the pandemic has halted her creative pursuit, Alison continues to pray for her dream job. Through a delicate stroke on someone’s eyelids and careful analysis of a person’s complexion, Alison is a master in matching the foundation to her client’s skin. While her clientele has gone silent due to COVID, Alison continues to practice her craft and hone her skills. Whether it is glamming up a bride for the day or preparing a model for a photoshoot, Alison is always ready when duty calls. Le Face had a chance to talk to this self-made entrepreneur and how he turned her passion into a freelance job.

Jannely: What were you doing prior to becoming a makeup artist?

Alison Epp: I have been doing makeup since I was in high school. I would always get makeup when I was little and play with it. I always enjoyed wearing heels and dressing up. Whatever I was wearing that day, I would match my eye makeup with my outfits. I started doing makeup for prom and homecoming and in college I discovered YouTube tutorials. Later on, it turned into a routine and would practice my skills everyday. People would ask me to do makeup on them and started getting business by word of mouth. Right before I moved to NYC I opened a YouTube channel and continued making connections and makeup for photoshoots and on set. However, my main profession is a fashion designer.

J: What changes have you made as a makeup artist in order to succeed?

AE: During the pandemic I struggled getting clients and the last job I had for makeup was back in November for a wedding. Sometimes you just have to find new ways to continue pursuing your creativity, such as social media. There are not many clients right now. I still have my full-time employment and do makeup whenever I have the time.

J: Do you prefer fashion or makeup?

AE: I don’t see myself working in the fashion industry. I want to continue building my clientele and getting more makeup gigs. In the big corporate world you don’t get much freedom to create and it’s a lot about copy and paste and it’s boring. I am transitioning and very passionate in beauty and inspiring other women.

J: Who has inspired you as a makeup artist?

AE: I learned from YouTube and have a big makeup community. My favorites are Makeup by Sheila… (the conversation caught off and couldn’t really understand the handles from YouTube)

J: What does a makeup artist need in order to make it in the industry?

AE: You need talent and lots of practice. But it is mostly networking. I live in New York and it is all about who you know. Sometimes you don’t need to be the best of the best. When someone sees your talent and likes you, they book you. I think people hire you because of the energy you bring and how you carry yourself.

J: Did you find any challenges that were opportunities?

AE: Freelancing was a great opportunity. I was worried when I started freelancing cause I didn’t know where I was going to end or pay my bills. A client I haven’t done in months, would book me and that would help me pay my rent. I am so grateful and I am trusting that everything will come full circle. God always provides and is important to always remain faithful.