Meet Melvone | ARTIST / MODEL

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

Hi MELVONE, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My story begins a long time ago, in 1969, in London, England. I was a young girl with big dreams, living with my family on Haliday Walk. I attended St. Paul’s Primary School, where I studied art and drama, completely captivated by the idea of becoming an actress. My teachers, a married couple, saw my passion and nurtured it, helping me prepare for a chance of a lifetime—a tryout for one of the largest acting schools in England. For six weeks, they worked with me on a script, encouraging me every step of the way.
Then, the letter arrived. I had been accepted to the London Academy of Dramatic Arts at the age of 13! But my excitement was short-lived. My parents, though supportive in their own way, simply couldn’t afford the 50-pound tuition fee for the year. We were a poor family, and the idea of spending that kind of money on acting classes seemed impossible to them. My dream was placed on hold, but my passion for the arts never faded.
At 16, I sought another path into the entertainment industry. By then, my family had moved to a council flat on Caledonian Road, North London and I was attending Archway Secondary School. My friends and I would often wander through the West End, mesmerized by the vibrant world of fashion in stores like Peter Robinson, Selfridges, and along Fulham Road. Street fashion was my obsession, and I longed to be part of the industry. I wanted to be a model.
A good friend, Russell, took some stunning photos of me, and with those, I walked into an agency, hoping to secure a contract. But the industry wasn’t ready for someone like me. In the 1970s, Black girls weren’t considered the “hot thing,” and I was told I was too dark, despite being 5’9” and thin—features that should have worked in my favor. Once again, my dream seemed just out of reach.
In 1974, my parents decided to immigrate to America, settling in Boston, Massachusetts. I wasn’t eager to go, but I hoped the U.S. would offer better opportunities for my modeling aspirations. Unfortunately, Boston was no different. The industry remained closed to me, and even finding a regular job was a struggle. Employers told me they couldn’t understand my accent and that I needed to “learn how to speak properly.” Frustrated and feeling lost, I took a job waiting tables, staying in Boston for two and a half years before deciding to return to England.
Back in London in 1979, I picked up where I had left off, trying once more to break into modeling while waiting tables. It was a difficult time—London was expensive, cold, and unyielding. I eventually landed a job at Richard Branson’s newly opened nightclub, The Venue, in Victoria. But making ends meet was still a struggle, and after a few months of regrouping at my parents’ house in Boston, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City.
New York was alive with energy, filled with artists, musicians, and visionaries. I worked at the Famous One University Restaurant – (owned by Mickey Ruskin), a hotspot for creatives like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Fashion still consumed my thoughts, but modeling doors remained shut. Then, one day, while helping a friend with a photo shoot, I had a revelation—I loved doing makeup. It was a way to be part of the industry I adored, just from a different angle.
Determined, I walked into Elite Model Agency and inquired about testing makeup on new models. I learned that many successful makeup artists built their careers by working in Europe, where they could gather tear sheets for their portfolios. In 1981, I packed my bags and moved to Hamburg, Germany, immersing myself in the fashion scene. The following year, I spent six months in Milan, signing with my first agency, Marcella’s. I traveled to Paris and Amsterdam, steadily building my book and making connections.
By 1987, I returned to London and signed with Mandy Coakley, working consistently for three years. But something kept pulling me toward new opportunities. A friend mentioned that Los Angeles was booming with work in film and television. Curious, I moved to LA for what I thought would be just one year.
That was 35 years ago.
I spent 34 years as a union makeup artist, working on commercials and television while raising my brilliant son, Maxwell. My career had taken a turn I never expected, but it was a fulfilling one. And in a poetic twist of fate, last year on Valentine’s Day, I finally signed a modeling contract with LA Models.
It took decades, detours, and a relentless spirit, but I got here. I’m learning the industry all over again, this time from a new perspective, and I’m having more fun than ever. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that persistence pays off, even if the path looks nothing like what you originally envisioned.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Six thousand years ago in Egypt, black coal eyeliner was first used to enhance beautiful eyes and exaggerate the expressions of the nobility. The career of a makeup artist—like mine—has evolved from this regal past to playing a crucial role in film, television, fashion, and advertising.

I’ve truly enjoyed working in the entertainment industry, collaborating with actors, a more than a few celebrities, and fashion professionals. My work primarily focuses on commercials, where we create looks that align with product advertising. While the techniques are similar to those used in film and television, commercial makeup requires a slightly different approach.

I source my makeup from professional beauty suppliers that cater specifically to the entertainment industry because our needs are highly specialized. My job is to ensure that talent looks and feels their best in front of the camera. With my expertise, I make sure makeup appears flawless under various lighting conditions while also considering skin types, sensitivities, and product suitability.

Being on set means I must always be ready for touch-ups, maintaining a crisp and polished look throughout the shoot. My goal is to make the talent, director, and client happy by delivering results that enhance the visual storytelling and keep everything looking perfect on camera.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If you’re looking for great places to eat or fun things to do in Los Angeles, here are a few of my favorites

For Sunday brunch, I love the open-air restaurant at The Line Hotel. The setting is absolutely stunning—surrounded by a greenhouse full of lush plants, with birds chirping in the background. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a beautiful meal.

Another must-visit is the Pasadena Flea Market, held on the second Sunday of every month. It’s absolutely massive, with endless treasures to browse, from vintage clothing and furniture to rare collectibles. Whether you’re a serious shopper or just love exploring unique finds, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

For music lovers, Utopia Tribe is a fantastic DJ collective that hosts different events around the city. Their Sunday afternoon sets are always amazing, offering a mix of incredible beats and a vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a stylish night out, Soho House is always a great option. With three locations in LA, each offering a unique vibe, you can always find something happening—whether it’s live music, art events, or just a great place to socialize and enjoy the city’s creative energy.

Of course, LA has so much more to offer—world-class music, incredible restaurants, and hidden gems all over the city. There’s always something exciting to see and do!

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 want to take a moment to celebrate my cousin, her name is: Swamini Bramanishtanada an extraordinary human being whose life is a testament to resilience, transformation, and selfless service. As a Hindu Monk for over 30 years, she has devoted herself to spiritual growth, immersing herself in India’s culture and traditions to deepen her understanding.

Despite experiencing immense tragedy and pain in her own life, she has chosen a path of healing—not just for herself, but for others. She offers guidance and comfort to those in need, especially during life’s most difficult transitions, including the journey from this life to the next. Her wisdom and kindness are a gift to everyone she touches.

Beyond her spiritual work, SWAMINI is also a poet, using poetry as a powerful outlet to express and process pain. She shares her words with the world, offering insight and solace to those who need it most.

She has built a strong support system in Los Angeles and continues to be a pillar of strength for so many. Her life is proof that no matter what we’ve endured, we have the power to shape our own journey. She inspires us all to choose a path of love, service, and transformation.

Website: http://melvonemakeup.com/

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

Other: https://www.lamodels.com/MelvoneFarrell

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