We were lucky to catch up with Michanna Murphy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

One year I sent personalized Mothers Day cards to all of my clients who had children. In the cards I wrote about how each of them were uniquely wonderful as mothers because I had been able to observe them all in action.

Many of my clients were so moved by my words they were brought to tears. Many kept the cards and told me they read them whenever they are having a tough time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a full time makeup artist. I do makeup for tv, film, theater, celebrities, special events, and many other occasions.

I started doing makeup at a very young age as a dancer and fell in love! I sharpened my artistry and customer service skills working for brands including MAC Cosmetics, Laura Mercier, NARS, and Chanel, and continue to go above and beyond for my clients. I am a problem solver, and connector of people, and love to connect my clients to each other when it makes sense.

I am most proud of my resilience because the beauty industry is extremely competitive and over saturated but I have maintained my business for over 10 years.

In the future I look forward to working with more amazing people, brands, and incorporating technology into my work.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think my artistry, professionalism, cleanliness, time management, ability to read people, versatility, and conversation all played major roles in helping to build my reputation. The job of a makeup artist is super intimate because you are always in peoples personal spaces. While it is important to make people look good, it’s also important to make them feel good and safe because they are in their most vulnerable state with you.

With all of the things happening in the world it is important for me to be knowledgeable about a broad range of topics. Many of my clients love to discuss politics, world affairs, pop culture, etc… they often feel refreshed when they know can have a meaningful conversation with me. There are also times when my clients need to sit in silence and they also display gratitude because I provide them with the space to do that as well.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson that I’ve had to learn is not to allow self doubt and imposter syndrome to keep me from being my best self, knowing my worth, and charging clients appropriately.

I used to be a professional dancer and that career is tough on you mentally. You are groomed to constantly critique yourself and that can create insecurities. Those insecurities have transferred into my career as a makeup artist and it is a constant battle to fight against the feelings of self doubt.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @michannamurphy
• Facebook: Makeup In Black and White

Image Credits
Elliott Odonovan Nina Babel Mimi Huynh