Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Shope
Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a little girl at the age of 7, I vividly remember sitting on the floor of my Mom’s bathroom watching her put on her makeup for an occasion. Seeing how my Mom transitioned from just my Mommy into a stunning, confident woman hooked me into the beauty world. I remember the immense joy I would feel when I played “beautician,” jumping with excitement when someone would let me do their makeup (including an amazing uncle).
My passion continued throughout high school when my friends strangely wanted to get ready at my house. Despite my love and talent for makeup, I honestly didn’t believe I could make a living as a makeup artist. So I graduated high school and took the “usual route,” which was going to college. After graduating from MIZZOU (University of Missouri Columbia), I decided to go ALL IN and get a Masters’s degree. Sure, that will help, right? I graduated with a Master’s in Mass and Political Communications from Webster University. Soon after, I got my “dream job,” only to realize after just four months that it was less of a dream and more of a nightmare. I knew I had to find my way back to my first love, makeup! I mustered up my bravery, jumped off my safe path, and moved to New York City to attend makeup artistry school.
I attended the Makeup Designory in SOHO. It was the absolute BEST decision I’ve ever made. I immediately felt like I was “ with my people.” The teachers were professionals who worked in fashion, television, movies, and photography. We spent days learning about different cultures, eye shapes, skin colors, and products. We even learned character makeup, makeup for black and white photography, and how to mix our own foundations from the primary colors, black and white. “Thorough” isn’t a strong enough word for the outstanding program I was a part of at MUD. Ha, yes, thats what they call it! No, really, look it up! This made me extremely prepared for any makeup job thrown my way.
Now I’m living the whirlwind life as a successful business owner and loving Mom… that I wouldn’t trade for a billion dollars! As a Mom of two beauties, I see my business as my third child. I want to nurture and help it grow so that, like a family member, it can contribute to the happiness and success of all clients who grace me with their presence and sit in my chair!
I’m focused on providing luxury hair and make-up services centered on extenuating natural beauty
As a New York City trained makeup artist I use my expertise and experience to provide completely custom, luxurious, and relationship-centered beauty services.
My goal is always to provide unmatched value and clear communication to help clients feel and look flawless.
While my area of mastery is natural makeup, I am also very well-versed in full glamour makeup applications. At the heart, my aim as a makeup artist is to show women how beautiful they already are and how to softly enhance that beauty.
As Bobbi Brown said, “ I believe that all women are pretty without makeup- but with the right makeup, can be pretty powerful.”
Interesting Facts:
I have 2 daughters Margaret and Virginia
I had a pet monkey when I was a kid. Her name was Abu.
Masters of Mass and Political Communications
Currently live on a 65 acres “compound” with my parents, and sister as my neighbors
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I made a major and scary change! I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do and had a plan and path all worked out. I was terrified to tell my dad who had not only put me through college, and masters degree but also helped me get what I thought was my dream job. He was unwavering in his support of my “dream”, how would he respond when my dream took a 180??
I spent quite a few sleepless nights before I finally worked up the courage to tell him I wanted to leave that all behind and start, essentially completely over. And start over in a profession at the time that very few people made a career out of….
I am not sure why I was surprised when not only my father but my entire amazingly supportive family got behind my new mission fully and whole heartily! When I got accepted to makeup school they celebrated with me with incredible enthusiasm!
The situation felt even more like Kismet when my sister who lived in NYC got an internship back in st louis for almost the exact timeline I was going to be in NYC! We essentially had a seamless transition…. I move into her apartment in NYC and she moved into my home in STL! It felt like it was meant to be!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say I am the Relationship Centered Makeup Artist. Im not a one and done kinda gal…. I want to keep you for life and be a part of all your special moments…. Weddings…. Babies…. Family photos.. All of it! I get to share in happiness… excitement…. all of the magic! Once you reach out I want to know everything and most of my clients do not only return for appointment, we become friends and se each other many times through out years and occasions! I love to get to really know everyone I touch!
I also make sure that I teach my clients at every appointment. Your not just getting a makeup service, you are learning how to do what i do for yourself. Or at least learning why I choose the product, color or technique I am using on you specifically. I want to empower you to feel as good when you do your makeup as you do when I do it… Well ALMOST 😉 as good! HA!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mwbeautystl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwbeautystl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MwMakeupDesigns
