Meet Abby Wren: Professional Makeup Artist & Unconventional Beauty Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Wren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is essential for any successful endeavor. Without it, where would we all be today? It’s the fearless leaders who came before us that put everything on the line to push the boundaries of what we all thought was possible, and shift the needle of the world.

In my career specifically, it was risky from the very beginning. I knew that I wanted to eventually become a successful and renown makeup artist, and that meant that I needed to learn everything I possibly could about my craft, and go to makeup school to train professionally. My dream school was in Vancouver, BC, Canada, so I bartended 3 jobs to save up for school and my move to Canada. I packed everything I owned into my car and moved to Vancouver without knowing anyone, without a job, and without a place to live yet. I had to figure it out from day one, which is absolutely risky, but everything I learned along the way was truly priceless and taught me so much.

These days my risks look a lot different, but they’re equally if not more important now. Taking risk with new clients or projects means constantly getting out of my comfort zone with business. It’s risky to start any new project that you’re not familiar with, and especially as I dive into creating my own products, every move feels full of risk both financially and educationally.
That being said, I think that a lot of learning comes from taking those risks, and fuels us along the path of achieving our wildest dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a creative makeup artist, working to spread awareness about inclusivity and diversity in the beauty and cosmetic industries. Since I lost all of my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes to the autoimmune disease Alopecia, I started using my bald head as my canvas to create wild makeup looks on. I work with bright, bold colors, and I try to really invoke emotion and passion through my unique style of artistry. I think that “Different is Dope,” and I try to share the message that our differences should be vibrantly celebrated, instead of sympathized.

This path has certainly not been easy, as I never chose to lose my hair, but rather lost it against my will. However losing it was the greatest blessing of my entire life, and I’ve since learned to love myself so much deeper from the inside out, and have gained so much respect for others who are fighting all kinds of internal or external battles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love the East Side where I live, but I always recommend that people check out Matador Beach in Malibu, Melrose Ave, and Highland Park. I’m still discovering so much of Los Angeles, but that’s why I love it so much here. I could live here forever and still only scratch the surface of all the amazing things to do and see here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh man, my journey was entirely shaped by those around me pushing me to excel, challenge myself and keep going even when things were really rough.

#1 has to go to my partner Wade, who has been by my side through truly the best and worst of times. When I lost my hair to Alopecia, he shaved my head and kissed me through my tears. He still to this day reminds me every day how much he loves me, how beautiful I am, and how much he believes in everything that I’m doing.
In our first year of moving in together I was pretty financially strapped, and he convinced me to quit my bartending job so that I could focus on makeup artistry full time, and paid my half of the rent without a second thought. Without Wade there’s no question in my mind that my journey would have been entirely different. We work together side by side on everything now, and there’s no me without him.

#2 obviously has to be my parents. I was raised in a small town in rural Montana, and my parents showed me how to love deeply, work harder than anyone else, and most importantly be kind and gracious to everyone around me. Without their guidance and leadership, I wouldn’t be the person I am today and I’m eternally grateful to have been raised by such wonderful, encouraging and inspiring people.

Website: https://abbywrenartistry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbywrenartistry/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcb8AlcMpryTkRDyOXDLXDQ

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abbywrenartistry