Meet Emily Shinn-Spence | Hair and Makeup Artistry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Shinn-Spence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Find Something You Love To Do And You’ll Never Work A Day In Your Life.

My life experiences have led me to take extreme value in the precious time I have here on earth. We spend the majority of our life working and I didn’t want to spend that time miserable.
Working a 9-5 staring at the same 4 walls every day seemed like a prison sentence to someone like me. I also didn’t want to come home stressed out and unable to be present in the moment on my time off. Those with creative energy know they can’t survive with out an outlet to express themselves artistically. That artistic drive fueled my eagerness to take the risk needed to grow in my career. I didn’t fully discover what to do with my passion until later than most but I refused to give up and settle at a job that wasn’t fulfilling along the way. There were times where I could barely pay my bills and was physically exhausted but I was still happy. That’s what matters most to me. I keep climbing the rungs of my personal success ladder and very rarely does it feels like a job. I genuinely look forward to what many would consider work. There’s no way I could give up what I do even if I won the lottery.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started out as a hairstylist working in a salon. After receiving the opportunity to work on a set I fell in love with the creative energy. Everyone bringing their own skill set and working together to create one final result is so awesome. The salon I worked at before pursuing set work provided me with extensive continuing education classes. I felt very knowledgeable when it came to my hair game. After moving to Los Angeles to pursue set work, I discovered it’s easier to get booked as a makeup artist when you’re just starting out. So my husband and I put our savings into a makeup school so I could advance my skills. I had also been dabbling in special effects makeup so I got more into that. Now I was the triple threat. Indie films and other low budget projects don’t have a budget to hire for all 3 postions so that was my secret weapon to set myself apart.
I made a point to stay active in providing salon services and pursuing different types of gigs (photoshoots, runway, red carpet events, and tv/film) so I could get as much well rounded experience as possible.
I think the key to my success and my advice to others working in the gig industry is…
I am/you are one of thousands of talented people doing what you do in Los Angles. You can’t rely on your skills alone. The majority of employment in this industry it’s based on referrals. I often am told things like “Bob” recommended you, he said you were very professional and had a great attitude or your bubbly energy kept everyone in a good mood, ect.
I attribute this to the fact that I love what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When family and friends come to visit I take them to the Venice Boadwalk and Santa Monica Pier in the morning before it’s too crowded. Then we drive up the coast to Malibu and grab lunch at the Reel Inn. I always take them for a hike at Point Dume and then hang on the beach after. The 1st half of the hike is a beautiful view of the city and beach. Then you end at a cliff that you can walk to the edge of. You can sit there over looking the water. It’s a great place to see seals and dolphins. Then we head to El Matador Beach for sunset. Followed by a drive thru Beverly Hills Rodeo Dr. area on the way home to see all the lights lit up. It has an unexpected charm at night. For the tourist who like to party, you have to take them to Hollwood so they can experience No Vacancy, Madam Siam, and The Beetle House.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents for always supporting me. For allowing me to be the free spirit that I am and never forcing me in the direction of the traditional college and career with a 401k plan. My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. She even forgave me when I destroyed her hair with a bad perm and waxed off half her eyebrow in cosmetology school!

My husband who has and continues to make so many sacrifices in his own career so that I can make my dream a reality.
He is always here to remind me of my successes during times I feel like I’ve failed and should just give up.
As if that wasn’t enough, he always has everything I need waiting for me when I walk in the door after those exhausting 12 hour days on set.

Website: Www.espencestyles.com

Instagram: Espencestyles