We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Bird. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Michael , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve loved art. I appreciate and adore it in all of its capacities. When I was 15 years old, I decided I wanted to practice an art form regularly. I decided that that would be makeup. I have found a passion through doing makeup and hair on others, and it’s very fulfilling for me. I hope that I let my clients glow and feel beautiful. I don’t think makeup makes people more beautiful, I think the confidence boost and self love does. I want my clients to feel comfortable in their own skin, and that’s what I aspire to help them with.

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

I am a 20 year old professional hmua, located in Salt Lake County. Ever since the age of 15, I loved makeup and often practiced applying makeup on myself. I fell in love with doing makeup, and wanted to make a career of it. However, my concern was how I would make a living wage out of it. I thought the only route would be a social media influencer, which was not a path I wanted to pursue. 4 years later, I discovered my teacher, Anastasia’s, online makeup courses. She helped me to realize that I can make a career of this by doing makeup and hair for clients. I loved the process, and was able to find my way into the industry. I have worked hard to get to where I am, and I am proud of myself for that. As for services I provide, I do makeup application and hairstyling for various events, whether that is film, photo shoots, weddings, etc. What sets me apart from others is that I listen to my clients, and do my very best to make sure that they’re happy. I strive to make connections within the industry, and love to make friends with clients. I am most proud of my self confidence. I have had someone tell me I should reconsider my career and others try to bring me down. I struggled with those thoughts, but now I walk through doors with confidence. I know who I am, and I know I will get better and better through the years. No one can stop me from my passion. What I want my clients to know about me is that I listen. I do my best to provide you what you have in mind, and I listen to any adjustments you’d like. I work hard for my business and brand, and I do my best to make sure you feel comfortable and happy.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

For a couple of months, I had almost no clients come in. I had almost no gigs for those months, and I was devastated. I thought it had to do with me. (As it turns out, other people were struggling at this time too). I thought to myself that I had to find a full time job, so I started my search. However, after a couple weeks things started picking up very quickly. I had a new burst of clients came in, and I felt so lucky. I was so close to giving up on my dream momentarily, and I was able to find more people to help. I’m glad this happened, because it was a reminder to me of how much I love my business and what it means to me.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What I think helped building my reputation within my market is how I interacted with people. I’ve made mistakes, and some people haven’t been very forgiving of me. However, those who still enjoy my business and who I am despite my imperfections have helped to put a good word out for me. When I met someone in the industry, they said they heard nothing but good things about me. I felt amazing when I heard that, because I strive to not only be a fun person to be around, but to provide beautiful makeup looks and to have happy clients. They heard of both of these things, and people in the entertainment industry have always had my back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/michaelbird.hmua
• Facebook: Michael’s Makeup

Image Credits
Brenna Royer JR Hill Sara Neilson Ry Gordon Tawny Horton  Ashley Gardner