Daily Inspiration: Meet Emma Beaty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Beaty.

Hi Emma, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was 17 years old, I had my make-up professional done for the first time by the talented Lyndsey Corns. I was instantly in love with the way it made me feel. I was so confident and wanted to give others that feeling. I began practicing make-up techniques and eventually began gaining clients. Shortly after, I was taking on prom and pageant clients. It was so fun seeing the look on their faces when they loved their make-up, and it reminded me of the feeling I had at 17. I utilized Instagram to build traffic and followers. I posted a lot, reminded the community I was there and could do make-up, and eventually met someone in the industry I admire — Bailey Upchurch. She reached out to me and asked if I could assist her by washing brushes for her on a wedding day. This was huge because I got to step in and apply make-up when we ran short on time. I knew that if Bailey believed I was good enough to be in this industry, as talented as she is, I could believe in myself too. Now, I am booked for the year 2022. I have already begun booking for 2023, which is all possible because someone believed in me the way I should believe in myself! Now, anytime anyone has questions about how to build their business, I always want to lend a hand because that is what Bailey did for me. Wedding make-up and bridal make-up, in general, can be challenging. It’s the biggest day of someone’s life. That is also so rewarding, and I thank God every day that I have the talent to bless others on their wedding day!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing a business isn’t easy, especially when you are young. A lot of times, when I was first beginning, many didn’t take my business seriously. I had girls at school talk about me behind my back, come into a place I worked in high school laughing at my business cards being there, you name it. If I had stopped then and there, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The sad thing is, I considered it. I let that negativity get in my head, telling me I wasn’t good enough, and some days I still do. I almost gave up. But, had I listened to those girls or the rude comments, I wouldn’t have made money throughout college or had a business built entirely by myself. I wanted people to see how hard I worked. Even dancing as a D1 athlete in college did not stop me from pursuing my passion. I made time for weddings on any weekend I had off, even if it involved travel. There will always be struggles or negatives to any job or situation. My mom has always told me to “choose my hard.” I could’ve chosen to listen to negativity in high school or take weekends for myself in college, but instead, I chose to build my business and set myself up for success once I graduated.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a freelance make-up artist. I am self-taught and run my entire business, from the art of make-up application to my social media platforms. I love glam or soft glam make-up. I love the full coverage application I aim to give my clients. In college, I danced on East Carolina’s Dance Team. I was busy non-stop; however, during the week, I was creating content or doing bridal make-up when I had breaks in classes or time off on the weekend. As busy as I was, I wouldn’t change it because I knew that clients would notice that I was taking my weekends to work because I am truly passionate about what I do. My work ethic sets me apart from others even when I don’t have to be doing it. And my willingness to take advice from those who have gone before me. It’s also important to respect those who have helped me get to where I am and give advice anytime I need it. In my community, there are countless talented make-up artists, and I am thankful for our relationship with each other. We always want to see each other thrive and we can ask for help when we need it. Knowing people have my best interest and want me to succeed is very comforting. I am most proud of pushing back at the negativity when I was first beginning. If I had let the negativity in, I would have never gone on and met countless beautiful brides with different stories or young women who are growing into awesome young ladies I am proud to know. Being a make-up artist allows you to celebrate life’s most important moments with people.

What makes you happy?
I am happiest by the beach, with my dog, Cash, or my boyfriend Thomas. I also enjoy being with my friends, listening to live music, or being with family. I love a sense of community, and I find that in all of these things.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @makeup_byem_
• Facebook: Make Up by Emma

Image Credits
Emily Smith Photography Carly Hinson Photo Russell Killen Photography