Meet Melina Farhadi | Celebrity Make-Up Artist

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

Hi Melina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

I went from working full time at a company that was stable, comfortable, & I had great benefits. It made it hard to want to leave and work for myself. It made me nervous. I took a leap one day and lost the stability to work for myself as a freelance artist. Although, I started my make-up career as a freelance artist, I decided to get into something that was more constant/stable so it was hard to take that step once again, but the best decision I could’ve made for myself. I left my job at the time to hit the road with my client Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. I’m so thankful I did because I still get to do what I love and continue to grow and create daily.

I think taking that risk was crucial for my career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’ve been a make-up artist all of my adult life. My passion for what I do continues to grow over the years. I’ve been told many times that I am lucky to not only do what I love, but to make people feel beautiful and empowered everyday. That is what I am most proud of.

I do love what I do and it wasn’t easy. I worked 2-3 jobs, always. I wanted to learn and keep learning. I still love to learn.

I worked full time, I taught make-up as an instructor part time and I freelanced on the side with what time I had left.

I’m honest, professional, discrete, and do my best to offer each client an experience and beautiful make up. I want them to feel good and look like their best self! It’s not just make-up. It’s so much more than that.

You do have to be a good make up artist. This is what we do, of course! It’s also

good communication, great hygiene, having a full kit with everything for everyone, (all skin tones and textures no exceptions) & being prepared. Professionalism is key, even before you meet the client, through communication, during the interaction, and after we meet. I take pride in what I do and when I teach I hope to relay that to my students. Sometime I feel like pro MUA’s are under appreciated, but when I get messages afterwards about how amazing they felt and all the complaints or just genuinely being thanked for what I do, that is what keeps me motivated!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

This is one of my favorite things!

If you know me, you know I’m taking you to my favorite breakfast spot, The Griddle!!

Probably a few times so you can try everything! Then we will make our way to the beach. Malibu or Manhattan Beach, depend on our mood. We’d rent bikes and ride along the strand, walk around after and grab a drink outside.

A hike in Malibu one morning for sure. We are going is to have Persian food in the Westwood area like Darya or head to Raffi’s.

We’d watch the sunset either at the beach or at Greystone Mansion.

We’d go to a rooftop bar like Harrietts. See what shows are happening that week and go to the Troubadour. Maybe catch dinner and a show at the Magic Castle. So much to do! Of course, Catalina Island for the day is we have the time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I dedicate this to everyone who ever helped, supported, encouraged, offered kind words along the way or people I met and worked with who were passionate and great at what they did because that is so inspiring to see. I love it so much!

Website: Melinafarhadi.com

Instagram: Melina.farhadi

Linkedin: Melina Farhadi

Twitter: Melinafarhadi

Facebook: MakeupByMelinaFarhadi

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