We recently connected with Amelia May and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amelia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Wow, this definitely takes me back! The first time I knew I wanted to pursue my creative path professionally I was about 10 years old. My mom took me to meet an old friend of hers who happened to be an incredible makeup artist in the 70s, her name being Davida Simon. Of course at the time I did not know this, I just thought “wow this lady has a really amazing makeup room” and she truly did have the most amazing makeup studio one could have in their house! I was invited to sit in her chair as she created a monochromatic bright pink makeup look on me. This was my first time getting my makeup professionally done. I still remember being so excited and asking her so many questions about everything that she was doing. She was very patient with me and told me all about her process which fascinated me. When she was done with my makeup and I looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe what I saw! The first thought that popped in my head was, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life!” Ever since that day, it’s been my goal to become a makeup artist in The beauty industry!

Amelia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Amelia May. I am 21 years old and I have known I wanted to be a makeup artist before I knew that career was a possibility. I was the kid with makeup all over my face at five years old. At ten, a friend of my mom’s, an acclaimed makeup artist, Davida Simon, did my makeup in her private studio and put me to work organizing products in her makeup room. I became her sidekick for the summer and I loved it. I knew I had to do this with my life. In high school after doing makeup for a local fashion show, I became in demand for quinceanera and prom season. This is when I knew this could be more than just a hobby. My first professional break came as an invitation to work with phenomenal photographer, Kaya Munn who is now my Mentor. She is an absolutely outstanding photographer and entrepreneur who completely took me under her wing. I learned how to make a scene pop. I worked with props, dry ice, lighting, mirrors and screens. I was able to be the makeup artist and the assistant behind the camera. She taught me how to turn my passion and talent into a business. In 2019, I started my makeup Instagram, Amelias_Magic. At first, I reached out to people from my town for models and as I posted, I began to get solicitations for more work. I realized that I wanted to build a brand that was diverse and inclusive like me. I come from a multiethnic background, and I wanted my work to recognize this and my clients to know that I can deliver to their individual needs. I am passionate in sharing the truth: Beauty comes in all ages, sizes, ethnicities and genders! Since I started working professionally, I now work with private clients for bridal parties, anniversaries, quinceaneras, cotillions, and graduation pictures. I also work with photographers on model photo shoots, from glam to fantasy, and with actors in New York City for their headshots, and on film sets providing looks ranging from natural to theatrical character makeup and prosthetics.
What type of products/services/creative works do you provide
Online, I provide day to night options, natural to glam, Comic-con fun to goth looks and I respond to special requests. I am inspired by people daily and my goal is to inspire by demonstrating, teaching step by step and interacting with followers by following up on questions I am asked about makeup and wigs. As the onsite makeup artist. I bring the client’s vision to life. I am as excited about what they want to create as they are, and I am able to bring that vision to life. Photographers and artistic directors are requesting me because of my passion, creativity and professionalism. To date I have been the lead makeup artist on seven international, online and in print magazines. I have been the lead makeup artist for four films at the New York Film Academy. I have done headshots for Broadway actors and have been the head makeup artist for two fashion shows.

What do you think sets you apart from others?
A few things set me apart from other makeup artists. First, I like to connect with my followers and personally answer their questions whenever possible. I support their growth and confidence in applying makeup and wigs. Next, I view work with clients as a partnership. The person who hires me has a vision. I have the ability to get into “the zone” and meet the need. My flexible, quiet and intuitive nature makes me memorable because I am easy to work with, artistically intuitive, and I produce the desired results. It is one of the reasons I am solicited by photographers, directors, producers, actors and private clients.

What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being asked to begin training with makeup artists and wig design specialists who work on Broadway shows. A highlight of this experience was training at Phantom of the Opera with Leone Gagliardi, Head of the Hair department. Learning about the intricacies of wig application, wig preparation, timing and precision, is indescribable. It is definitely helping me develop excellence.

What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
I want my potential clients, followers and fans to know that when I work with them and respond to them that they are my sole focus. I am creative and visionary, timely and responsive. I am able to help them realize what they want or better than they dreamed. This is my gift, and I cannot wait to share it.
For my clients, be they individual or corporate, working with me means that they are getting what they paid for, a creative artist whose personal investment means a final product that was a pleasure to achieve together.

I want people to know that my online brand centers around community, diversity and boldness. I would like my followers to interact by submitting their looks to my platform. I want a supportive community that encourages creative risk taking with makeup and wigs. I look forward to giving constructive feedback for any who do this. I model this desire to connect by highlighting people I follow and attempting to recreate their looks as well.

For me, humility is as important as excellence of service. My brand motto is this: “Amelia’s Magic is about creating what you want to see by enhancing who you are.”

Thank you for the interview.
Be magical,

Amelia May

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, is truly being able to create works of art that other people are able to interpret and enjoy. Everybody looks at art differently whether you’re a painter, sculptor or even a make up artist. To me that’s the beauty of creating everybody views things differently and because of that I am able to grow day by day in my craft.

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

The best way to truly create a platform online that people are going to gravitate towards is to listen to your audience and making your content based on your niche. While interacting with your viewer because they are people too and it’s important to make your platform welcoming and inviting for people from all walks of life, where they feel scene and appreciated!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.ameliasmagic.com
• Instagram: Amelias_magic
• Other: TikTok: ameliasmagic

Image Credits
Kaya Munn, Keira Collins, Emerald Flach, Samone Cobb, Shy Daire