We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ana Crane. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ana below.

Ana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful….that is a mixed bag. In my 20 plus years in the beauty industry I believe these 3 gems are key: education, discipline, and exceptional customer service. You can easily provide one of the 3 but it will not make you successful alone.
It is even more important in our generation, to be comfortable in providing good one on one face time with our clients. So much of the beauty industry has shifted to online- AI software and apps- it is easy to forget that repeat business will come to those artists that put in the time and effort. Which means you need a “think outside the box” work ethic. I consider myself on-call 24/7. Responding in a timely manner is crucial. I want every client to feel special and taken care of. If they have a question or concern- I’m here. If they need an appointment for an event, wedding or photoshoot, Im here to facilitate that request. If I cannot be available for my client, I recommend a colleague that I adore and trust to give the same care and attention. That’s the other part of the biz not many talk about. Being able to pivot and always have a backup plan, most of the time it involves surrounding yourself with a killer team and tribe of artists. I apply the same attention to my TV/ Film clients.

I think this mentality all stemmed from my early years in retail, yup reatil. Customer service was the foundation of training for most companies in the late 90’s. I never forgot the importance of taking time to make someone feel special. Eye contact, a warm smile, asking questions and listening will easily make a client feel calm and heard. Seems pretty easy, right? but it must be a practice.

“Don’t take it personal, you are not the one wearing their clothes,” a simple phrase that really helped keep things in perspective when a customer was returning an item or did not know what they were looking for. In the same way a model or director may want to make changes to your work- it is not about you, it s the overall vision you are lucky enough to help translate onto a face, your canvas.

In the same way one studies the store inventory, next seasons collection, and size charts, a MUA must study color theory, ingredient labels, and update their beauty school/courses often. That is the most fun, the excitement of learning something new. A new technique, color, or tool. That is what excites me. The beauty industry is ever evolving, always changing!

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?

I am an artist first, My love of art began at an early age when my beloved mother and loving father taught me creativity of any kind is acceptable, supported, and expected in our home. My family came from a long line of painters, sculptors, and artisans from Colombia. I played with colors and textures all the time, from crayons to foods in the kitchen. I was a bit shy growing up and art was an extenton of me, I could communicate without saying a word. it was my outlet and safety.

My mother was a MUA for Miss Universe and Miss America pageants in the 80’s, she always looked so polished and beautiful, never missed a day without her perfectly lined red lipstick as I recall. Even through her chemo- that lipstick with nails to match were a staple. She was my first mentor and probably never imagined what an impact she had on my career.

Around the age of 10, my curiosity and boredom led me into my mothers vanity. I remember opening it like it was a new toy box that had been waiting for me all along. As you can imagine, I began “painting” my face, my dolls, bears, and those poor Barbies never stood a chance. There was a comfort in using my mothers brushes, shadows, and liners. I knew I would find a way to make this relevant in my day to day life. I was not sure when it would surface but I knew the universe was on my side.

So life continued swimmingly and the universe opened doors everywhere I went. After my mothers passing, I realized Makeup and hair artistry was always what I was meant to do. Make women and men feel their most beautiful, empowered, and seen. We all have insecurities and doubts so I know my greatest gift is being able to feel what my client needs to feel unstoppable. I want her or him to get out of my chair feeling on top of the world, like they can accomplish anything. A beauty cheerleader maybe? Cliché but true.

Every opportunity and choice I made has led me here. Traveling all over the world has been a beautiful and welcome perk, so when I look back on my very colorful and expressive life thus far, it is still filled with the same love and passion for my profession. My roster of clientele goes way back and I pinch myself every time I think of the incredible actors, artists, photographers, athletes, friends, and colleagues I have had the privilege of sitting in my chair. From theatre to movie sets, this is my passion!
I could not imagine doing anything else. My heart is so full.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect has to be the continuing relationships I have with professionals in my industry. I like to think of myself as a connector- introducing other artists to each other. “You are only as good as who you surround yourself with”. I have amazing friends and colleagues who are as supportive as the family I grew up with, this was not by accident. We can all learn and help each other along the way. Todays PA can be tomorrows director of photography. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Please and thank you goes a really long way.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, I wish I had taken a business course sooner. I know my fellow artists can relate… business does not grow in not a straight line. You need to understand finance to set goals and plan for the future. Sometimes our industry is feast or famine so you have to be flexible, consistent, and patient. Hiring someone to help with contracts and taxes can really pay for itself. It will free up precious time for you to focus on being creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AnaCraneBeauty.com
• Instagram: anacrane_beauty
• Facebook: Ana Crane Beauty