The Art of Transformation: A Makeup Artist’s Journey

Makeup artistry is more than just applying products—it's an extension of creativity, an avenue for self-expression, and, for some, a form of storytelling. For Ashley Monique, the journey into makeup began at an early age, using her niece as a model. Over time, what started as playful experimentation evolved into a professional pursuit, fueled by a passion for blending colors and textures just as a painter does on a canvas.

From those early days of practicing on family members to diving deeper into cosmetology, Ashley Monique found herself drawn back into the world of makeup. With a background in bloodborne pathogen safety, human trafficking awareness, and light cosmetology training, she has built a solid foundation in both artistry and industry best practices. Today, she specializes in creative, avant-garde looks that push the boundaries of imagination, bringing to life unique and visually striking concepts.

Every face is a new canvas, and every skin type presents different challenges. When working with clients, Ashley Monique prioritizes understanding their skin tones and finding complementary colors to enhance their natural beauty. Her makeup kit is stocked with essentials, but sanitation and disposable items remain at the top of her must-have list.

Rather than following trends, she aims to set them. “I don’t keep up with trends—we hope to make new ones!” she says confidently. Her approach to long-lasting makeup focuses on a well-prepared base, ensuring the skin is clean and properly set before any application begins. For clients with sensitive skin or allergies, she carefully selects products that align with their needs, always preferring to be informed ahead of time.

High-pressure environments, like weddings and fashion shows, demand a calm and collected mindset. Ashley Monique relies on breathing techniques and mindful thinking to stay grounded. Hygiene is another crucial aspect of her work, with rigorous sanitation protocols in place—every brush is cleaned after each use, disposable applicators are a must, and anything that falls to the floor is immediately discarded.

While she enjoys working independently, collaborating within a creative team is where she thrives. “It’s so fulfilling when we all bring our pieces together to create the bigger picture,” she shares. Flexibility is key when dealing with last-minute changes or challenging clients. “Nothing to do but adapt,” she says. “We roll with the punches and find a way to make it work.”

Social media has become an essential tool for marketing and client outreach. Although she doesn’t currently offer workshops, she’s always eager to share tips and mentor aspiring artists. The beauty industry is competitive, and breaking through as a new artist was no easy feat. To gain visibility, she stepped into modeling, using it as a platform to highlight her makeup skills and slowly shift the spotlight toward her craft.

When asked about her dream project, she lights up. “A dark, spooky mermaid look,” she says with excitement. Looking ahead, she envisions herself working on more intricate, full-day makeup projects that allow her creativity to shine.

With a journey marked by resilience, adaptability, and passion, Ashley Monique continues to leave her artistic mark—one face at a time.