Meet Maysun Alabi | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Maysun, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This question has been a constant battle since I first started doing makeup. I have my days and moments where I feel like giving up and think maybe this isn’t for me and it’s not going to work out. I have learned over the years that I cannot be too hard on myself, I am the only person who can determine my own success and happiness. I also became a mom this year so that has become my biggest reason to go harder and not give up. I know the life I want to provide for him and I know the life I have always wanted for myself so I have to keep going and not give up until I have the life I have always dreamt of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of my ability to grow. As an artist I am constantly evolving and practicing. I love looking back on my old makeup looks and seeing how much I have grown. Versatility is also something I am proud of. I have worked very hard to be able to accommodate and educate myself on how to do makeup on all skin types and colors. I take pride in knowing I am capable of doing anyone’s makeup and knowing they will leave my chair feeling beautiful. I got to where I am today professionally by putting myself out there. I am my own walking billboard. I am always finding ways to network and get myself out there. I pride myself in being friendly and easy going. I love to meet new people and especially new clients or even individuals who want to learn from me. It is not easy especially since moving from Rhode Island which is the smallest state to Houston which is one of the biggest. It was hard at first trying to meet knew people but the friendly atmosphere in Houston made it easy for me. Since moving I have had so many great opportunities and have worked with some amazing and talented people and companies! I want the world to know that I took a big chance by leaving my hometown to peruse my career. It is a constant battle everyday and I miss home dearly but I knew I needed to take the chance in order to grow. I am so happy that I took this leap of faith, I want anyone who is hesitant about moving out of state to know that it’s ok to be scared but once you actually do it you’ll be so happy you did.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends from back home were to visit me in Houston I would definitely take them downtown. I love the city. It’s beautiful and full of so much to do! Restaurants, museums, bars and attraction. There is never a dull moment in Houston. I personally would take them to the museum district. Something about it just makes me happy. It’s funny I was asked this question because my friends are going to be visiting me next month and I actually sent them a list of places for them to select from for us to visit! I would first start off by taking them to the graffiti wall. I went one time and had a great time taking pictures and seeing real Houston talent right before my eyes. It was beautiful. I would next take them to go bar hopping on Washington street. When I first moved here my co-workers and I would go almost every weekend and have way too much fun. I enjoyed going to the bars then coming outside to some good food. Standard and Kung Fu were my faves. I am still venturing out and still have a lot of exploring to do in my new home of Houston, but these are definitely my favorite places so far.

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 thank my family and my fiancé. My family was not always on board with me perusing my dreams of becoming a makeup artist and even doing it full time, but once they saw my talent and how happy it made me they wanted nothing more but to support me. They constantly are finding ways to promote me and even investing in me. They really believe in my craft and it means the world to me. My fiancé has been a huge supporter as well whether it was helping add to my makeup kits or even driving me to bookings and helping me clean my brushes. He supports me and wants to see me strive. Without them I would not be as far as I am right now. When starting your own business, support means everything. I am grateful to have the support that I do.

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Image Credits
@edson.photo @Jaiophotography @mduranstudio @the22gate