Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Cochran. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angela , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever did for me was my agent Sharon Tucci, asking me to work with her. She is someone I am forever thankful for and if she needs anything, I try my best to drop things and be there. Sharon, is the woman responsible for giving me an opportunity to be signed to Talent Plus Agency, as a production makeup artist.

It all started when I randomly emailed her and asked to meet. She was so kind to meet with me. I remember coming into her office with my hair wild and curly and seeing how beautiful and polished she looked. I was intimidated but she had a warm presence. I felt comfortable and we talked for awhile that day. Sharon let me know what she was expecting and I shared my experience but also willingness to do whatever was necessary. I remember leaving her office and saying a prayer and thinking “ If I get rejected, at least I tried and enjoyed meeting.”

I was nervous because a week passed and I didn’t hear back. After that week I received an email from her apologizing for late reply and how she had been busy with business and she offered me a job as a independent contractor. Sharon sent me on my first assignment for the NAACP leadership dinner and I had 1 hour for a consultation with the talent. Within that one hour , I was able to complete several members of the NAACP committee that evening and they put in a positive feedback. From there, I was getting booked or willing to work assignments other veteran artist weren’t able to make.

That moment changed my life, just Sharon believing in me, a random person; seeking an opportunity meant so much to me. Talent Plus Agency staff have become family to me and we support each other; in not just business but in life, It has been five years plus and we are still working together. If it wasn’t for Sharon I wouldn’t have done some of the things I dreamed of doing as artist.

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 an independent contractor makeup artist. I am represented under Talent Plus as a production makeup artist and provide beauty consultation services for film, beauty, editorial talent.

I got into the industry from working into beauty retail for MAC cosmetics, Dior and other beauty brands. I decided to take my beauty retail management experience and bet on myself. I love learning new information so I would get involved in the community and work doing fashion shoots for trade work for the first two years. Alive Magazine also had volunteer/internship opportunities to learn backstage and front of house skills for fashion shows and events. I worked several events with them and all thanks to Lindsey Pattan. I always attended beauty events local, in Chicago, LA. I decided I wanted to work with an agency when I realized I really have a passion for this field and it never felt like work.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to learn is that in the beauty industry; especially production. Sometimes things won’t always run as planned or on time. Life happens, sometimes planes are delayed. For me, I can say I’m a practical creative. I like a little structure but also sometimes knowing when to let go and understand, things can be out of your control.

Sometimes, you’re going to have moments when talent is late, delayed or be cancelled last minute. It’s okay to take those losses sometimes, also when in a crunch, you have to adapt and do the best you can to execute and deliver what the client needs.

There’s been a time when I’ve had 5 minutes before someone is on air or counting down before going live. You have to adapt and move fast, adjust to the circumstances. Learning that sometimes things may not go as scheduled but have to think quick to deliver the same results has saved me.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Being welcoming, being yourself and staying true to you. People gravitate to what’s relatable, I feel. Be professional but show a little of who you are. Always be thirsty to learn, get involved and never get comfortable, this industry is always changing and it’s easy to get replaced. What makes you different? What’s your personal stamp? Lastly, getting to know the person in the chair; regardless of their status and giving them what they want, because it’s about the client, not ourselves. Our jobs are servitude and creating welcoming and memorable experiences .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angelacochranmua.jimdo.com
• Instagram: Angmarieezy_beauty

Image Credits
NBA Boston Celtics -Jayson Tatum , Explore St. Louis, Bad Dog Pictures Production Weissman Dance Catalog Bruton Stroube Productions -Express Scripts Pharmaceuticals Ad CNN- Laura Coates Purina – Dr. Callie and Dr. Annie