We were lucky to catch up with Beth Mello recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Beth, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Working on meaningful projects is where I find my true purpose as a makeup artist. It’s not just about enhancing facial features or creating fun looks; it’s about using my skills to contribute to projects that hold significance and evoke emotions. Whether it’s collaborating with photographers on empowering photo shoots or working with clients who have unique stories to tell, I relish the opportunity to bring more than just beauty to the table.

Aside from all of the meaningful projects I work on with my clientele, I am also dedicated to continuing my own personal ‘traditions’ which I feel are the most meaningful projects of my career. From New Year to Christmas, I love celebrating seasonal holidays with my creativity. For example, every October I like to create up to 31 new looks to celebrate Halloween, and I call it ‘Melloween’. During the month of December, I like to create up to 25 new looks to celebrate Christmas that I call ‘Bethmas’, and so on! I hope you can check it out and enjoy it as much as I do.

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.

Hi, I’m Beth Mello, a PRO creative makeup artist and content creator based in Atlanta, GA! I got my start as a professional makeup artist in the fashion and music scene here in ATL, aiding my clientele in storytelling through the eye-catching looks we continue to create for music videos, runways, special events, and more.

I am also a digital creator on apps such as Instagram and TikTok, using any spare time I may have to create new looks on my own. I truly feel the most ‘me’ when I’m in my studio. I like to share my creations with my audience in hopes to inspire anyone who needs more color, sparkle, and edge in their lives!

My drive as a creative makeup artist is deeply rooted in the aspirations of my father and mother who both made the decision to come to the United States from Mexico and Brazil, respectively. I view my journey as a tribute to the sacrifices they have made for me. I am not just painting faces; I hope to nurture empowerment, creativity, and resilience. Each bold creation is a testament to the opportunities that arise when one fearlessly pursues their passion.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey as a makeup artist has been fueled by a relentless passion for the art I create. Especially after this particularly tough year, I believe that this undying love for my art will continue to guide me through life’s challenges. Rejections have (unfortunately) been a constant companion, each one serving as an impactful chapter in my story rather than a roadblock. I have learned that rejection is not a reflection of my talent but an opportunity for growth. And in the face of these ‘setbacks’, I’ve chosen to view them as learning experiences, refining my skills and strengthening my determination.

Despite continuously pouring my heart into my craft, I have also faced criticism for my unique approach to makeup artistry on more than one occasion. But I’ve come to realize that not everyone will appreciate or understand my vision, and that’s perfectly okay. Learning from these experiences, I recognize the importance of staying true to my artistic principles. Compromising my feelings for the sake of others’ approval proved to be a futile endeavor. So, I strive to someday cultivate a safe space both on and offline, fostering an environment that encourages artistic freedom and embraces diversity. I hope to find solace, empowerment, and the freedom to express myself without fear of judgment in my community, and I am really looking forward to it.

Living with Type 1 diabetes also adds an extra layer to this journey, demanding careful attention to my health and well-being. Managing diabetes has instilled in me a resilience that translates into my work, reminding me daily of the importance of self-care and embracing one’s individuality. It’s a delicate balance, but the challenges only reinforce my commitment to both my craft and my personal growth. I hope that all of my efforts to heal mentally and physically can also inspire others someday.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As cliche as it may be, my overarching goal as a makeup artist is to illuminate the world with light and love through my art. I love to create bold designs that can tell a story. Although I don’t necessarily tell stories with my voice, I believe that my artistry is able to speak for itself. Sometimes I call my looks “love letters”, as I dedicate them to certain things that I ‘fall in love with’ and draw inspiration from. Whether it’s beautifully intricate vintage clothing and accessories I find at local estate sales and shops, the diverse colors and textures from flora and fauna I ‘discover’ while researching new ideas, or whatever else may be on my mind that day, it’s always a labor of love and it’s always a deeply sentimental process. I am truly blessed to be able to bring my visions to life through my artistry!

Through this, I want to inspire others to also embrace their true selves unapologetically. In this world that often idolizes unrealistic expectations, I stand as a testament to the idea that beauty is not confined by size, personality, or any other societal-defined limitations. I know that I may be a bit dramatic, and perhaps I’m labeled as too emotional or too this or too that, but I don’t believe that these descriptors define my worth or diminish my beauty. My artistry is a rebellion against the idea that there’s a ‘too’ when it comes to individuality. It’s a journey of self-acceptance, where I celebrate my ‘toos’ as strengths rather than shortcomings. Through my work, I strive to empower others to do the same — to embrace their perceived ‘toos’ and recognize them as integral parts of a beautiful whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bmellomua.com (under construction but will be up again soon)
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/beth_mello
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethmellomakeup
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/bethmellomua
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@bethmello email: [email protected] or [email protected] (soon)

Image Credits
Austin “Breeze” Quinn (White flower photo) @a.gentle.wind Savannah Rose (clown photo) @savmstudios Vianey (Csndra Jolie concert photo) @xx.vna Nyalathemua (pictured with me)