We were lucky to catch up with Worada Beau Lehman – Elchert (Makeup Ma’am) recently and have shared our conversation below.

Worada Beau, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

In 2005, I was a college student at The University of Toledo majoring in Studio Art. I still had a ways to go before graduation, but something was pulling me in another direction to pursue another artistic path. I told my mom I wanted to take a break from college and move across the country to attend makeup school. I was surprised by her reaction when I told her; she was actually supportive. My mom is from Thailand. There’s a stereotype that most asian parents may hold high expectations for their children to excel academically and professionally. My mom wasn’t far from that stereotype (I was putting college on pause, and wanted to be an artist…not a doctor), but she still accepted me for who I was nonetheless.

So off we went. My mom and her friend helped me with my move from Toledo, OH to Los Angeles, CA. They drove in their car and I was right behind them in mine. Not only was she supportive in my decision to drop everything and move across the country to attend makeup school, but also the fact that she dropped everything to take me there so I would arrive safely. I am forever grateful.

Fast forward to today (2023). I’m a professional makeup artist and doing exactly what I wanted to do 18 years ago. I’m not sure if I would be where I am today if my mom didn’t believe in me; She was supportive and did it right.

Worada Beau, 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 a professional makeup artist with 18 years of experience in the beauty industry (Event/Special occasion, Bridal/Wedding, Photography, Film, Commercial…etc). I’m certified by Make-up Designory of Los Angeles and Mac Cosmetics.

As a mobile makeup artist, I travel to clients for on-site location makeup services (Home, business, studio, desired location…etc) for a convenient experience. Makeup kit, client chair with table space, and a makeup light is provided for a professional makeup service.

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

Instagram has been the best source of new clients for me! I get most of my new clients from them seeing photos of my work on Instagram. I love that social media is kinda like free advertisement for artists, but it does take some work and effort (posting photos, reels, stories, etc). I think I’m terrible at keeping up with posting, but I have to remind myself that it’s so important to post occasionally for clients to see my makeup skills.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love how I feel when I’m doing makeup. I get into this zen work mode, but I also feel euphoric as I’m excited to see how the final look will turn out. Being able master my skills and seeing the final makeup look is definitely a fulfilling and rewarding aspect. However, I think the most rewarding aspect of being a makeup artist is seeing the excitement and happiness on someone’s face after they see the completed makeup look. I love hearing how much they love their makeup. Making someone’s day is the most satisfying part because if they’re happy, I’m happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupmaam.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_maam
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/makeupmaam

Image Credits
Lindsey Brown – Northwest Ohio Natural Light Photographer Ryheem Williams Photography Breakthrough Images Photography Photography By Carlie & Worada Beau Lehman-Elchert