We recently connected with Kerri Herlihy and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kerri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Before I was able to independently earn a full-time living as a professional makeup artist, I was lucky enough to land a job with MAC cosmetics back in 1998. This was at the height of their popularity, and a full-time position with them was a dream come true. I was around 23 years old and knew the first day on the job that this was my calling. I absolutely loved it, but there was always an internal voice that kept telling myself I could do it on my own. After many years with MAC, another amazing opportunity presented itself to work with a Boston Fashion Photographer.
Through this opportunity, I was able to learn all the ins-and-outs of being on set and work with some incredible models, stylists, and fashion designers. Several shoots took me to New York City for Rolling Stone and another for Allure Magazine. I was starting to really hone my craft. As I approached my mid to late 30’s, I had this yearning for a different path as a makeup artist, something more personal, and made the switch into the wedding world. It definitely took some time to break into this new field. But, with patience, integrity, and perseverance, I was booking 30 to 40 weddings a season in just a few years. By 2015, I won the Boston’s A-list award for Best Wedding Makeup Artist. Since then, I have gone on to win multiple other awards through The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Style Me Pretty to name just a few. I don’t know that I would change any part of my journey, because its mine. Every conversation, every laugh, every challenge that I was forced to overcome, are all part of who I am. But of course, if I could whisper anything in my 23 year old ear, it would be that same internal voice I had then, “Just keep going, Kerri”.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a professional makeup artist with 25 years of experience in bridal, fashion video, and print. My clients range from everyone to brides, models, musicians, politicians, and actors. What I’m most proud of is how often I hear back from clients who tell me about how good of an experience they had with me that it inspired them to tell me. The connection I get to make with so many beautiful souls will never be lost on me. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love for a living.

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

I am motivated each day with a passion for making people feel like the best versions of themselves; inside and out.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

It is my belief that what helped me build my reputation was being kind, being punctual, maintaining my integrity and professionalism, and my jovial nature.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kerriherlihy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boston.makeup.artist
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kerriherlihy

Image Credits
ShutterEyes Photography, Paul Robert Berman Photography, Kate McElwee Photography, Melissa Mahoney Photography, Nicole Chan Photography, Faith Duggan Photography, Brian Keith Media