There's no business like it

jennifer ng

For many makeup artists starting out, it can be tough breaking into the biz.  For some reason, people always ask “Why don’t you go work for MAC?”  For anyone who has ever asked this question, please take a moment and slap yourself.  It’s a very competitive industry and MAC, with its multi-interview process and preliminary tests, is definitely not as easy to get into as one might think. 

Mikaela Goyarzu, a MAC artist from Vancouver, gives a little insight into what it’s like to work for MAC and shares how she got where she is today.

GLOSS:  When did you know you wanted to work in makeup?
MG: I knew right after high school. I went straight into Blanche Macdonald International Makeup Studio and took their part-time program and I’ve been in love since.

GLOSS: Favorite thing about your job?
MG: I realized the strong love I have for makeup and the ability to make women feel good about themselves.  I know I’m not saving lives, but just knowing that the girl who left my chair really felt beautiful after I did the littlest thing is what keeps me going to work everyday!  And what can I say, my ladies, the girls I work with really make it super dee duper!

GLOSS: If I weren't working at MAC I’d be...
MG:  I would be working at MAC — no question about it!

GLOSS: Any advice for anyone who wants to work there?
MG: Never, never, never ever give up!!!

GLOSS:  Who inspires you and why?
MG: The people I work with.  I have worked with some of the most amazing makeup artists out there; you learn from them and you feed off their energy.  They inspire me. Oh, and Cindy Crawford because she’s so beautiful.

GLOSS: Five years from now you hope to be....
MG: I hope to be doing what I’m doing and who knows where life will take you?  I’m just going to take each step at a time.

GLOSS: Favorite makeup trick/tip/secret?
MG:  The only thing you should know is DON’T BE BORING! Don’t be scared to break down that fence and try something new.  It’s makeup, it comes off!