We were lucky to catch up with Mare Cleary recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mare, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I received my certification in makeup artistry in 2016. I didn’t start my business until 2022. I assisted a local makeup artist for 4 years before taking the leap and started to take on clients by myself. I decided to take it full time in 2022 during shutdown. I’ve always been a people person and I too wanted the same special connection like my mentor. naturally, social media was a major part of shutdown life. I started following working makeup artists, not influencers. and I became inspired. Looking back, I wish I would’ve started a little sooner rather than later because within these two years, I’ve learned so much and continue to learn every chance I get and it’s a pure joy to do something I love. I feel what would’ve changed if I started sooner is the amount of clients and business I bring in. I feel I’d have many more clients than I do now especially pre-COVID. However, I have no regrets and I’m very happy in my journey.

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

I wasn’t passionate about my. current job . My therapist kept saying, “I keep hearing makeup. Why don’t you do something with that?” So right then and there in her office, she looked up a makeup school with me and I enrolled. I am very disciplined at continuously learning and growing in my skill. I want my confidence in my skill to ensure clients know they are with a professional. I am a bridal makeup artist but I also do editorial work, special FX, TV/Film, etc. It gives me so much joy when my work can make someone feel beautiful and confident. I use a luxury airbrush brand called Temptu that is a must for every bride since it lasts all day through sweat, tears, and dancing up a storm! I also have pro brands in my kit including ESUM cosmetics, makeup forever, Viseart and several other pro brands that provide the best and longest lasting results. I’ve learned my goal is to enhance my client’s natural beauty while still remaining true to who THEY are. My clients are the most important and I show them that by listening, being reliable, being communicative, being professional, and having fun!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

It’s actually been word of mouth! Unfortunately with the economy, I have two other jobs besides my makeup business. I’ve been meaning to add a google search engine for my business but with time, I haven’t had a chance to set that up. I’ve been getting a lot of clients from referrals. The makeup artist I assisted no longer is in business but if clients still reach out to her, she refers them to me which has really helped build my clientele.

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

I was at a job that was very mentally destructive that I even considered taking from my 401k so I could quit. But as I said previously, my therapist encouraged me to follow my passion. I continued to work full time while attending class Monday through Friday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. I was exhausted and was struggling at work, not to mention working with a micro managing and mistrustful supervisor. I didn’t know if I was going to make it out of school successfully in both areas. But I took it day by day, completed my certification and left the job eventually to pursue my dreams. I am no longer unhappy with my career and can be my own boss! Anything can happen if you just give it time!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.ohdarlingmakeup.com
• Instagram: @ohdarlingmakeup
• Facebook: Oh Darling Makeup Artistry
• Linkedin: Mary Anne Cleary

Image Credits
All Things Kind Photography, Kirsten Hartzell photography