We were lucky to catch up with Christine Cormier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
After years in the industry I learned how larger makeup companies with “teams” of artists is actually just a fancy way of simply hiring independent contractors. Said independent contractors are (typically) paid at a percentage base of 50%-60% of what the company charges their clients. Being an independent contractor for this type of company means they (artists) have to provide all products & skill, as well as, track all expenses, set aside 30% for taxes, provide their own healthcare, etc. Not all, but most, companies don’t provide any continued education opportunities meaning this also falls on the independent contractor to pay for on their own.
This business structure is simply, an extremely expensive booking agent. I wish more artists would educate themselves on this subject to stop future artists from being taken advantage of!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am a 15 year licensed cosmetologist and a 2018 graduate of Make Up For Ever Academy in NYC. I found makeup artistry after moving frequently with my husband who is active duty Air Force. I have a background in salon work and started my makeup artistry career focusing on TV & Film.
Moving to Hartford CT I have continued my background in TV & Film working at ESPN doing makeup for Sportscenter, NFL Live, the ACC Network, etc. It has also given me the opportunity to dive into the bridal industry for the first time and provide personalized services & exceptional quality experiences for brides all over New England. I focus on custom wedding day packages tailored to each of my brides unique wedding day as opposed to cookie cutter services that I’m seeing from the majority of my competitors.
What sets me apart, I’m also focused on artist advocation and better treatment artists in my community. When I need to bring on an additional artist to help with larger weddings I don’t pay on a percentage I pay the individual artist’s independently set rate. This allows me to always provide top talent for my clients while simultaneously treating artists fairly.
I am most proud of building a small network of local artists who I trust, respect, and support in a very short amount of time (I’ve only lived in CT for 2 years June 2023). I have proven to myself that you can support your fellow artist without a financial expectation from said fellow artist. My small network are all referring each other to clients when we are unavailable and we are all profiting from the continuous circle of referral.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I have grown up an “Air Force Brat” meaning, my parents were (both) active duty Air Force & I married someone also active duty air force! The longest I’ve ever lived anywhere is 5 years (Boston area). I have never had the luxury of spreading my roots in 1 location so I have always had to hustle in each location in order to make the most out of the short time spent everywhere I live. I always have to be ready for an unexpected move or deployment. Because of this I have learned to hit the ground running before I even arrive to our new location. As soon as I find out I am moving I start researching, advertising, & networking in my new demographic. Resilience is all I’ve even known.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
During my time in Connecticut, I truly want to create a network of people who all refer each other when we are booked. One of my first experiences when I moved here was with a larger bridal company who really left a bad impression. They made me feel taken advantage of, dismissed my concerns (or simply ignored me entirely), then when I finally had the opportunity to express my concerns I was cast aside like I was irrelevant.
Because I know my stay in Connecticut is temporary, my goal is to leave my area better than I received it. I want to grow my network of artists who all have the same goal of a client referrals system. I want to leave my colleagues with the confidence to operate independently & the mindset of working together not competing with one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christinecouturecormier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinecouturecormier/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristineCoutureCormier/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-cormier-3b1150130/
Image Credits
In the group of 4 the first one (the working photo) credit to @picturethisctweddingphoto All pink shirt photos @shotbyflawlyss Final photo in all black @georgeandclaudia