Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Munchel . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Ever since I can remember, growing up I’ve always loved makeup. I remember being at a sleepover in middle school, and my mom called to pick me up early because she was mad I stole her MAC Studio Fix compact. I have always loved makeup, but I think I really started to be interested in it because of my mom. She raised me as a single mother, so I really looked up to her and admired everything she did. Playing around in her makeup bag was one of my favorite things to do. Throughout high school, I began doing my friends makeup for proms and homecomings. I started to realize I actually really loved doing makeup not only on myself, but on others. Around 2016, I stepped into the bridal makeup world, and started really focusing on bridal and event glam.
Taking a further step into the makeup world, I decided I wanted to go to school for it. Not just any school, but the best makeup school in the US, where so many artists I follow and look up too attended. When I heard back the news I was accepted into the very small program at Makeup Designory, I knew I had to do anything I could to make this opportunity work. I worked so hard at my bartending job to save money for tuition, and also cover my cost of moving to New York City, where my school was located. Making the jump to move to a totally new state, completely by myself, was nothing short of anxiety ridden, but ultimately I knew it would work out if it was meant to be. Here I am now, a Makeup Designory graduate, working all things makeup from weddings, to photoshoots, to fashion week, and now educating. I couldn’t be more grateful to be where I am today, and I finally feel like all of my hard work is paying off in a more rewarding way than I ever expected.
Erin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
During my time at Makeup Designory NYC, I could just feel I was in the right environment surrounded by likeminded artists. My time spent there really shaped me into the artist I am today. I think living in New York really just gave a spark to my work ethic- everyone was fast paced, and there’s just an energy there I can’t explain, pushing you to work harder. I started doing makeup for professional photoshoots soon after graduating, and that turned into work New York Fashion Week, which was one of my lifelong goals. When I got the news my makeup work was published for the first time, I was nothing short of shocked. To see my own work on these beautiful models in magazines and be credited for it was the best feeling. I am now happy to say I’ve been published in Vogue, Forbes, Paper, WWD, USA Today and more.
During the rush of all of these great things, I went through the toughest part of me life, losing my 2 grandparents who were my greatest supporters. With that, I decided to temporarily move home a few weeks after my graduation and begin taking jobs back in Baltimore, while still traveling back and fourth to New York for jobs as well. Since being back home, I realized I really wanted to do more with the makeup industry here. So many people were always asking me for makeup tips and product recommendations, so I thought why not teach my own class?
I held my first Masterclass and was beyond excited. My friends, family and supporters sold out the class in just 24 hours, which I was not at all expecting. I found I truly loved sharing my knowledge of makeup through education. I feel like a lot of people think makeup needs to be this huge mask, but really it can be used in so many ways just to enhance your own natural beauty, and I think everyone should feel comfortable in their own skin.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is making others feel beautiful and confident. When a client sits in my chair, wether it’s a model I’m meeting for the first time or a bride I’ve made connections with, I always want them to feel comfortable and relaxed.
I also love collaborating with other creatives to make their vision come to life through makeup.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
A fellow makeup artist, Kelli Anne, aka MakeupxKA, has started a platform for artists to collaborate and also view her tutorials. I love watching and learning from her. We have a very similar artist style. I think her approach to reaching her audience through tutorials on her platform is innovative and it’s working. She started making videos in her small NYC apartment, and now films tutorials in a studio for her own platform- goals!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Erinmunchel_makeup