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

Hi Lauren, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am actually a SoCal native! Born in San Diego and raised in the San Fernando valley/Los Angeles. I definitely got lucky being brought up in the middle of the entertainment capitol. I 100% feel as though my upbringing made a huge impact on who I am today and what career path I took. My mom is and always has been my number one fan. My biggest supporter. When I was either 8 or 9 years old, my mom got me a 50 color drugstore eyeshadow palette and a lipgloss, that I still have today as a keepsake, and I think that’s really what offset my love for playing with makeup. She gave me such creative freedom as a child and was always showing off anything I drew on as a kid and now as an adult, always showing people the makeups I’m doing. There was no career that I could have chosen where she would ever have told me, “Don’t do that, I would be disappointed if you did that.” I’m so thankful for her never ending support.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a makeup artist specializing in both beauty makeup as well as special effects makeup! Anytime I get to break out the blood and do some special effects on set, I know it’ll be a fun day. When I think about what sets me apart from others, I immediately go to the fact that if someone I’m working with, collaborating with, gives me an idea in their mind that they want executed, I can and will do everything i can, within reason, to bring their idea to life. Being able to deliver an end look that my team is happy with is such a wonderful feeling. Being the makeup artist I am today and still evolving into a better artist day after day has not come easy. Even though I have had the support of mom throughout my life, it’s a totally different story when it comes to my dad. If it were up to him, I would be working a 9 to 5 at a law firm or something. Whenever my education comes up, he always tells me I went to clown college and I still have the chance to go to “real” college and have a “real” job. For a long time I wanted my dads validation on my career choice. I so badly wanted him to tell me he was proud of me, just like my mom always has, but I have come to realize im never going to get the validation I thought I needed to keep going. Being able to say to move on from the need to hear him say he’s proud of me and be proud of myself is so liberating. I want the world to know that my story is not different from many others and I know I got so lucky to have at least one parent who stood behind me and then later in life, a stepdad who’s equally as proud of me as my mom is. If this is the only part of my story that people see inspiration from, if any, I’ll be happy because everyone deserves to be okay with not having everybody in your life backing you up, the only person who needs to be supporting you, is yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being from Southern California, I love the beach!! There is a gorgeous small beach in Malibu, La Piedra State Beach, it’s a couple miles down the road from Zuma Beach. Make sure to bring some hiking friendly shoes because it is a bit of a hike getting down to the water, but it’s so worth it! It’s usually empty, so quiet and peaceful. My favorite getaway from the busy city. For getting a bite to eat, if we are in Malibu I’m taking you to the Malibu Country Mart where we can go to John’s Garden. They have such an array of choices to eat, you won’t walk out without feeling like you’ve had a satisfying lunch. If you don’t mind a little 20-30 minute drive, then I would end the night by taking them to the Santa Monica pier. Definitely a California tourist staple and sometimes, nothing is more fun than a cheesy tourist spot!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mom. We drive each other nuts, but she is my rock. My best friend. Thank you mom and happy birthday!

Website: www.Laurensoniamakeup.com

Instagram: Laurensonia.makeup

Image Credits
Phil Costa for the first picture

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