We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lucrezia Mapelli. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lucrezia below.
Lucrezia, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to leave Italy and move to the U.S. to marry the love of my life, Johnnie Ray. While it was a deeply personal and exciting reason for the move, I was still faced with significant challenges, especially when it came to starting my makeup business in a new country. At the time, I was living in Milan, working alongside some amazing makeup artists and building a career in the fashion and beauty industry. Although I had found a level of success there, I knew I wanted to build something more—something of my own.
The decision to move was life-changing. On one hand, I was about to begin a new chapter with Johnnie Ray, which gave me a sense of support and love that made the transition easier. But professionally, it felt like I was starting from scratch. I had to leave behind the network I had built in Milan and navigate the makeup industry in the U.S., where I had no established connections. It was a daunting challenge, especially in the beginning when nothing seemed to happen as quickly as I had hoped.
The business challenges were real, but I wasn’t completely alone, which helped me stay grounded through the ups and downs. I leaned into my resilience, pushing through the setbacks, networking, and taking every opportunity to showcase my skills. Slowly, I began to build my client base, and from there, I was able to expand into makeup education with LMH Beauty Studio and launch my LMH Pro Lashes line.
In hindsight, moving to the U.S. was a leap of faith both personally and professionally, but it shaped my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It was a huge risk, but with Johnnie Ray by my side, I felt supported in taking on the challenges. The experience taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance, and today, I’m proud of where my journey has taken me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Lucrezia Mapelli, and I’m a makeup artist, educator, and entrepreneur based in Kansas City, Missouri. Originally from Milan, Italy, I moved to the U.S. to marry the love of my life, Johnnie Ray, but I’ve always had a passion for the artistry of makeup and knew I wanted to turn that passion into something meaningful.
I first got into makeup while living in Milan, where I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented artists in the industry. That experience was invaluable because it pushed me to refine my skills and explore makeup artistry in high-pressure, creative environments like photo shoots and fashion shows. I loved how makeup could transform not just someone’s appearance, but also how they felt about themselves. That’s what drove me to pursue makeup as a career—it’s all about making people feel their best.
When I moved to the U.S., I started my own business, offering makeup services for weddings, special events, and commercial shoots. What sets me apart from other artists is my commitment to providing a tailored experience for every client. I understand that makeup is deeply personal, so I make it a point to listen to my clients’ needs and help them achieve a look that feels authentic to them. I also offer makeup education through workshops where I teach both aspiring makeup artists and everyday beauty enthusiasts how to perfect their techniques.
Being an educator is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and my students mean everything to me. I absolutely love teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. Watching my students grow and gain confidence in their skills is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. It’s not just about imparting techniques, but helping them find their own voice and style in the makeup industry.
In addition to my services, I’ve developed my own line of lashes, LMH Pro Lashes, which are designed for both professional makeup artists and individuals who want high-quality lashes that deliver a flawless finish. For makeup artists who sign up, I offer a pro discount as part of my commitment to supporting fellow artists in the industry.
I think one of the most exciting aspects of what I do is the opportunity to make people feel empowered and confident. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a makeup artist looking to improve their skills, I’m solving the problem of uncertainty by providing clarity, confidence, and education. That’s something I’ve always prioritized in my business—ensuring that every person who interacts with my brand feels heard, respected, and beautiful in their own skin.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients over the years and the community of makeup enthusiasts who have embraced my brand. It’s not just about the services or the products, but about the relationships I’ve created and the impact I’ve made on people’s lives. At the end of the day, my goal is to help people feel their best, whether that’s through makeup application, education, or by giving them the tools they need to elevate their own artistry. That’s what defines my brand, and that’s what I want people to know about my work.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One thing that non-creatives may struggle to understand about the journey of a creative is the level of emotional investment involved. For me, makeup isn’t just about applying products or following trends—it’s about self-expression, connection, and artistry. Every time I work on a client, teach a student, or develop a new product, I’m putting a piece of myself into that work. The creative process is deeply personal, and with that comes vulnerability.
People sometimes think creativity is all about fun and freedom, which it can be, but what they don’t see is the amount of effort, trial and error, and sometimes self-doubt that comes with it. There’s this constant push to innovate, to be unique, and to deliver something meaningful, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting. It’s not just about doing something “pretty”—it’s about making something impactful that resonates with people.
Another thing that non-creatives may not realize is how much pressure there is to balance creativity with practicality. As a makeup artist and business owner, I have to wear multiple hats. I’m not just focused on creating beautiful work; I also have to think about running a business, managing clients, marketing, and staying financially sustainable. There’s a misconception that being a creative means we’re always in a flow of inspiration, but the reality is that it takes discipline, strategy, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work to make a creative career successful.
My advice for non-creatives, or anyone looking to understand the journey of a creative, is to recognize that the process is just as important as the final product. Creativity is full of highs and lows, and sometimes the most meaningful work comes out of those moments when you’re questioning yourself or pushing through obstacles. The key is to stay persistent and true to your vision, even when things get tough. Understanding that creativity is a deeply layered experience, filled with challenges, passion, and personal growth, can offer a bit of insight into what we go through to bring our work into the world.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that really highlights my resilience goes back to when I first moved to the U.S. after leaving Italy. I had just married Johnnie Ray and was excited to start my new life, but professionally, I was stepping into the unknown. In Milan, I had built a strong network and had established myself as a makeup artist, but here, I was starting from scratch in a completely new country, with no clients, no connections, and no clear roadmap on how to rebuild what I had back in Italy.
The initial months were tough. I had to figure out how to navigate the makeup industry in the U.S., market myself, and essentially introduce my skills to a brand-new audience. I attended networking events, reached out to local makeup communities, and even took on smaller gigs just to get my name out there. There were moments of doubt where I questioned if I’d ever be able to rebuild what I had, especially when jobs were scarce and I didn’t feel like I was making any progress.
But giving up wasn’t an option. I kept pushing forward, one step at a time. I worked hard to build my reputation by showing up with my best work at every opportunity, no matter how small. Slowly but surely, things began to turn around. I started booking bigger clients and gaining referrals.
This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about adapting, staying patient, and believing in your vision even when the odds are stacked against you. I had to trust that my hard work and passion would eventually pay off, and it did. Looking back, those challenging times made me a stronger artist and business owner, and I’m grateful for the resilience I developed through that journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucreziamapellimakeupartist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucreziamapellimua/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucreziamapellimua/
- Other: LMH Beauty Studio Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lmhbeautystudio_/
Image Credits
Javier Rivera Photography
Kris Davi Photography