We were lucky to catch up with STEPHANIE MAZZEO recently and have shared our conversation below.

STEPHANIE, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

It all started with a little KISS……..

Somewhere near Philadelphia, PA, in the year 1992, I was asked by a KISS tribute band to assist the musicians with their makeup and stage costumes.

Let’s just say that’s where it all began.

Beginning my profession with makeup and wardrobe for the KISS tribute band Miss-Behavin’, my career has taken me cross country for countless projects and numerous assignments. Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, I eventually decided to leave the snow behind. Now based in North/Central Florida I am able to travel and/or relocate for the duration of the project and have a valid passport for travel nationwide & internationally. I am located near an international airport which makes traveling for on location services quick and easy.

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

I offer over 30 years of industry experience as a makeup artist, on set hair stylist and SFX (special effects) Makeup Artist.

Film, TV, commercials, corporate videos, and music videos are my primary focus, as well as out of kit special FX, creating bruises, cuts, sores, etc. for movies and TV and Halloween type events. I also work on photoshoots and print work for brand merchandise and campaign ads.

Seasonally, I work for Universal Studios for the Halloween Horror Night event that they host each year providing special effects and Halloween makeup to the cast.

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

I believe my success, and that of my brand, is a direct result of risk-taking. You can’t get what you don’t ask for. I was fortunate to have started my career path long before the internet and social media became mainstream for networking sources.

Over the years, I learned through trial and error. All of my training and experience was hands-on. Looking back, I realize this has given me an advantage in the field. I am not afraid to try something new and different. We learn from our mistakes and I’ve made plenty. I’ve always been one to say yes and figure out how to accomplish what needs to be done.

Prior to the internet becoming commonplace, the only option for finding work or showing my skills, was to actually get out and meet industry people face-to-face. I had a huge print portfolio of work which I carried with me everywhere I went. I designed creative business cards, postcards and marketing material to promote my skills; handing them out to every one I met, leaving my card with a tip after dining out and posting flyers on public bulletin boards throughout the city.

My makeup kit is always cleaned and packed and my passport up-to-date so I can take off on short notice if the opportunity arises. I live by the mantra “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready”; coined by Author, Speaker, Business Coach: Crystal Wright of Crystal Wright Live.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

After every completed job, I would mail out a personal note and small token gift as a thank you. I realize there is a need to continually evolve with today’s society and ever-changing technology. Moving from tangible showcasing to a digital format has really opened the playing field.

In a world full of artists, I need to stand out and constantly create and maintain a recognizable brand. Promoting and marketing my work is definitely an essential commitment in order to support my career. In the entertainment production industry, one needs to be quick to respond. Having an email template and resume ready to go at any given moment provides the opportunity to be one of the first to answer a request.

By continuing to focus on my talent as a brand, I have been able to create a visual correlation between myself and my work. Self-promotion, marketing and constantly adapting is one part of the ongoing success, but keeping in touch with past clients, conducting in-person meetings and attending networking opportunities provides the personable engagement necessary to identify my brand with my name and maintaining the continued success of my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stephaniemazzeo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemazzeo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieMazzeoMakeupArtist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemazzeo
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/StephanieMazzeo
• Other: IMDb https://imdb.me/stephaniemazzeo