We recently connected with Mandy Szymborski and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mandy, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned makeup by watching inspiring artists on social media. It is nice that makeup artists post educational videos and show behind the scenes of their kits, set up, and craft. I constantly studied their work and art and tried to perfect it.

If I knew what I knew now I would take more master classes and 1:1 lessons. I am for sure a hands on learner.

The skills I developed that were the most essential was patience. I look at artists that have a high number of followers or have opportunities in New York or LA and I have to remind myself that everyone has their own path/journey. I have reminded myself that I cannot get discouraged by what other people are doing and I need to keep true to my artistry and keep perfecting my craft. When I look back to work I even did a year ago and I am amazed at how far I have come!

Some obstacles that stood in my way is time. I am also full time nurse so trying to find the time to teach myself, work with clients, and create content is hard to juggle sometimes but I know that it requires hard work and determination.

Mandy, 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?

I am a nurse and during COVID we had to wear masks all the time and so my skin was breaking out like crazy on my chin. I have never had acne my whole life and I was worried and wanted to find a cure ASAP. I started watching skin care routines on youtube, researching products and trying to figure out what best worked for my skin. It slowly developed into me watching makeup videos. I do not really know when the transition happened but I am so glad that it did!
I began taking notes on all the makeup videos I watched and I would make my friends be my models so I could perfect it.
I do a lot of bridal makeup but have done boudoir shoots, professional headshots, engagement shoots, and maternity shoots. I love all my clients. It is such a special connection you develop with your clients and making them feel their most beautiful.

I have the ability to cater to exactly what my client wants. I do not only do full glam or only do soft glam. I pride myself on learning how to deliver whatever type of glam they want.

I am also most proud of how detailed oriented I am. The little tweaks that I do for my client are what make the look come together. I also take great pride in knowing how sanity I keep my kit and my application. It is important to me that my clients know I am providing clean work and set up.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When I hand my client the mirror to show them their final look and they are beaming with excitement and pride. I love when I can make my clients feel their most beautiful. Whether its their wedding day, engagement party, graduation, or maternity shoot I know those photos they get will be in their house and they will always reflect on those memories. I want to make sure they look and feel their best! It is the best job!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

It is important to not get caught up in what everyone is posting. Social media is a great platform but I want people to remember to not take it so seriously! Social media is a great way to show your portfolio but I think what the audience relates to is if you be your authentic self. Showing them the behind the scenes of your journey is what is important to people so they can relate to you as an artist. I try to throw in some of my true character whether it’s in a video or on a story. I like knowing people can also know me as a person and not just an artist.

It is important to post for your audience. If you are a soft glam makeup artist then showcase the work you want people to book with you for. If you only post full glam looks then you may not attract the right client. Try finding who your audience is and what work you want to show case and post things that will attract those clients!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mmsxmakeup.co
• Instagram: mmsxmakeup_

Image Credits

Gabby Folette
Michael Tucker
Emily Barbara