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

Thuy, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

One of the things I love most about my business is that I get to merge two industries—makeup and photography—in a way that elevates the client experience. Locally, I don’t see many others offering both as a complete package, and that’s what makes my business stand out. When clients book with me, they’re not just getting a photoshoot; they’re getting a full experience. From high school seniors and branding clients to moms and families, I ensure that they feel pampered and confident before stepping in front of the camera.

This approach also carries into my corporate and branding photography. The standard, stiff headshot is becoming a thing of the past—businesses and professionals want images that reflect their personality and brand. I love helping clients break away from that traditional look, capturing them in a more natural, modern, and engaging way. And because I understand both makeup and photography, I know exactly how to enhance their features for the camera—whether it’s a polished, professional look for branding or a fresh, natural glow for a high school senior.

Bringing these two worlds together has allowed me to offer something unique—an experience where clients not only look their best but feel their best, and that confidence shines through in their final images.

Thuy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Thuy (Twee), a makeup artist and photographer with a deep passion for helping people feel beautiful, confident, and truly seen. My journey with photography began in 2010, and in 2015, I expanded into makeup artistry. Over time, I realized that these two industries go hand in hand—great makeup enhances photos, and great photography captures those details in a way that tells a story. That’s how my business evolved into offering both services as a complete experience.

What sets my work apart is the seamless combination of artistry and photography. When clients book with me, they’re not just getting a service—they’re getting an experience where they feel pampered, confident, and at ease. Whether it’s a high school senior preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot, a business owner needing branding images that reflect their personality, or a mom who finally gets to be in front of the camera instead of behind it, my goal is to create images that feel authentic, natural, and timeless.

I take pride in offering a personal touch. I understand how to enhance a client’s natural beauty with makeup that translates beautifully on camera, avoiding harsh or unflattering results. I also guide clients through the entire photography process, from posing to expression, so they feel comfortable and confident. Instead of stiff, posed headshots, I capture branding images that feel fresh, modern, and engaging—because today’s professionals want to showcase more personality in their visuals.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Whether they come to me for makeup, photography, or both, I love seeing their confidence grow throughout the process. I know what it feels like to be hesitant in front of the camera, and I strive to create a space where clients feel at ease and walk away not just with beautiful images, but with an experience that made them feel incredible.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that everyone deserves to feel their best—whether it’s on their wedding day, for their business, or simply in a moment they want to cherish forever. That’s what my business is all about.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing how my work impacts others—not just in the moment, but for years to come. Growing up, I was always the creative one, the “memory hoarder,” constantly capturing moments and holding onto little details that others might overlook. I used to get made fun of for it, but now, people rely on me for those memories and creative ideas. Whether it’s a bride looking back at her wedding makeup, a senior cherishing their milestone portraits, or a business owner using branding photos to tell their story, I love knowing that what I create has lasting meaning.

It’s an incredible feeling to take someone’s vision—sometimes even a vision they didn’t realize they had—and bring it to life in a way that makes them feel seen, beautiful, and valued. Being able to turn fleeting moments into something tangible, something they can hold onto forever, is what makes this work so fulfilling.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a steady, organic process over the years. When I started photography, I made it a habit to post after every session, tag my clients, and engage with them in conversation. Their friends would see the posts, comment, and share, which naturally expanded my reach. I’ve been doing this for 15 years—not chasing numbers, but building real connections.

I don’t have a massive following, but I do have a loyal, local audience that keeps me busy. That’s what matters to me. I’d rather have genuine followers who book with me, support me, and cheer me on than go viral and gain thousands of followers who don’t engage in a meaningful way.

For anyone starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is to stay active, consistent, and engaged. Posting reels has helped me stay on people’s minds, but beyond that, I make sure I’m speaking to my people—my local, tangible audience—rather than trying to appeal to everyone. Show up consistently, interact with your followers, and focus on quality connections over sheer numbers. In the long run, an engaged community will always be more valuable than just a big one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupandphotosbytwee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupandphotosbytwee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tweepham78/

Image Credits

Photo with the bride and bridesmaids was taken by Taylor Rae Photography from Springfield, NE. I included the photo as an example of the wedding makeup I do for the whole wedding party.