We were lucky to catch up with Anniessa Burke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anniessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Something that has always been in my nature is creating and making things for others to bring them joy, whether that be preparing a fabulous meal, gifting a homemade craft, or singing someone a rally song when they’re feeling sad. As a true creative, I got started as a classically trained dancer at the age of two. I later dabbled in acting, modeling, and any type of performance art you can think of. This lasted all the way through college and I danced professionally for about 4 years.

I remember being backstage for one of many shows and watching all the girls put their makeup on and prepare to perform. They embodied beauty but also power and confidence, unapologetically ready to show their gifts to the world. That’s the memory that burned into my brain when I think back to the moment I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up- A Makeup Artist! I thought, maybe I could create livable art that inspires and makes people feel that awesome power.

Self-expression and making a vision come to life led me to the world of makeup and aesthetics. I have made it my mission to carry this creativity with me into a fulfilling career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Licensed Esthetician, Certified Makeup Artist, and Business Owner of Blend Beauty, which is my beautiful business that I’m so proud of. I’ve been around the block when it comes to the beauty industry. I’ve worked in Bridal, Runway, Red Carpet/Celebrity, Editorial and Print, TV/Film, some Special Effects, and even large-scale Social Media. I’m still learning and evolving all the time. As much as I’ve learned in my 10 years, I still have a long way to go.

I am proud to be able to show clients the power of their inner beauty by enhancing their outer beauty. I love watching their reactions as I hold up a mirror and show them a finished makeup look, revealing confidence I knew was there all along. Bringing out the best in people, both with makeup and with the overall experience I like to provide for my clients is what it’s all about.

Weddings and special events are my favorite! There’s something about being behind the scenes of a special day that’s been planned and dreamed about for such a long time. I’m often the last person to see a Bride before she walks down the isle, which is incredibly special and such a privilege.

Something I’d love for people to know about me and what I do is that it’s more than makeup. It’s more than what you see on the outside. Booking a makeup service is a form of self-care, self-expression, and I always try to make the appointment feel like a safe space for empowering conversation. Makeup was a safe haven for me when I was going through rough times and I know how theraputic it can be to create something beuatiful and creative, especially when going through something ugly in your life- and I strive bring that sense of peace to my clients. Just like any other art, painting, drawing, sculpting, etc., makeup is an art that has the power to bring joy and release not only to the artist but to the muse. I feel so lucky to be able to be both.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m currently in a season of change in my life and business. I just had a baby and decided that I want to take some time off from taking clients and traveling so that I can be more present with my son. I am working on shifting my services to be able to support my clients with services that still allow me more flexibility. With virtual services, lessons, and consultations, I can serve even more clients than I can in person.
This transition is a big change but a positive one and a challenge that excites me.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I started my makeup career when I was only 18 years old. I had to work two jobs to afford to go to beauty school and college at the same time. It was difficult, but I was determined to do it myself. Once I graduated, I bootstraped my business from the ground up and put together my first makeup kit with only $200 in my bank account. I slowly built up my experience and clientele and eventually made enough to break even. I would even trade services in the beginning! I’d do makeup for models and photographers in exchange for high quality photos to showcase my work and those photos are still favorites in my portfolio today. I was working for the dream of what I could build and accomplish with my artistry and that dream is what kept me going when I had barely enough money to stay afloat and when I started making a living with my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theblendbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniessaburke
• Other: Tik tok @anniessaburke

Image Credits

Christianna Bettis
Carmen Lopez