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

Hi Elise, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney. I’ve always been fond of this quote. Significantly, if you can imagine something; no matter how big or seemingly impossible it may be, you have the potential to achieve it. A lot of times, we as creatives get in our heads; thinking we aren’t capable (imposter syndrome) or something is too far out of reach, but with hard work and determination anything is possible.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professional makeup artist that works in both the film and fashion industries. I am deeply inspired by mixing editorial looks with film. I love playing with color, texture and patterns in my work. I grew up around film, my dad is a script supervisor, so my earliest memories are from visiting him on set. Being surrounded by this industry my whole life has definitely shaped me as an artist and shown me where I want to be. I received my esthetician license during covid times, attended makeup school at Makeup Designory (MUD) right after that, and then immediately the industry shut down with multiple strikes. It’s been difficult to break into this industry, but i’ve had some success with the support i’ve been given in the years that i’ve been working professionally. I’ve learned that you can’t give up, no matter what odds are stacked against you. Makeup is the one and only thing i’ve ever wanted to do and i know my time will come.

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?
I owe a lot of my success to my mentors. Donni Davy, Alexandra French, John Caglione Jr, Roseanne McIlvane just to name a few. I have been so blessed to be surrounded and guided by such amazing successful artists in this industry. From helping me build my professional kit to giving priceless information and advice to helping me perfect my techniques, these artists have made a huge impact on my career.

Website: https://elisenicolebeauty.com

Instagram: @elisenicolebeauty

Other: elisenicolebeauty@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.