Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Bendall
Hi Brittany, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story starts as young as I can remember! I have always been a girly girl and loved all things beauty and fashion. My Grandma Ruby was a proper southern woman and in raising my mom and my two aunts, she taught them to never leave the house without looking your best, a trait that was passed on and instilled in me by my mother at a young age. Part of looking and feeling your best, is wearing makeup! When I graduated high school in 2007, being a makeup artist wasn’t really a “thing” — at least in Lansing, MI. So, needless to say I didn’t start off with that right out of high school. I jumped around, trying a few different majors, but nothing really fulfilled me. So after a few years of college, I stopped school all together and started waitressing while I figured it out. I realized that although I liked being a server and it was pretty easy money for a 20-something that it wasn’t going to be a lifelong career. In 2011, I decided to go for my dreams anyway and attend Douglas J Aveda Institute for their Cosmetology program. I graduated with honors in 2012. Starting off as a brand new stylist and paying booth rental with such a small clientele was really tough, so I just did clients from my home. It wasn’t the most professional setting, rinsing clients out in my kitchen sink or bathtub! LOL So, at that time I decided to pivot and focus more on makeup artistry. I reached out to many photographers in the area and campaigned for myself as a makeup artist. This is where I got my initial start! Makeup artistry is just one of those careers where, if you do a good job and people love you, they tell everyone about you! So, fast forward to 2018, I was able to quit all of my other side gigs and start doing makeup as my only job. Today, my schedule is made up primarily of wedding parties and photography clients, but these days people get makeup done for everything! Including concerts, date nights, etc. I also offer one-on-one and group lessons and I do a little work here and there on the more corporate side of things as well. It’s the best job in the world and I couldn’t be happier with where I am with it today! 🙂
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been the most smooth road. As I mentioned in the previous answer, I didn’t start off immediately out of high school with this career. Social media has really made the makeup and wedding industry blow up, and I suppose I have that to thank for the popularity of the artistry. Furthermore, once you reach the point where you have an abundant and loyal clientele, it is pretty much smooth sailing from there!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional makeup artist. I specialize in bridal, photography clients and corporate business grooming.
Last year, I was voted the number one makeup artist in the Lansing area by my community and that was truly one the most humbling and proud moments of my entire career!
I think what sets me apart from others is my loyalty to my clients, my skills and the fact that clients aren’t just clients, they truly become my friends. I love my career so much. It may sound a little cheesy, but women go through SO much when it comes to appearance and being able to live up to high expectations. When my clients look at themselves in the mirror after a session and tell me they truly feel beautiful, there is no better feeling than that! I truly put my everything into this career and I know that my clients see that too.
What are your plans for the future?
My husband and I are starting a family this year! We are so excited! But one of the greatest things about being a business owner is being able to make your own schedule, so although I may slow down just a little bit with a newborn, my career and clients will always be important to me and I know that I will be doing this until I can’t anymore. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipstickbritt
- Facebook: https://Www.Facebook.Com/lipstickbritt
