Meet Rachel Sullivan | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Rachel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I personally feel like balance looks different for me day to day. Normally at the beginning of my day I write out my to do list and try to check off as many things as I can. I also time out my day by the hour especially when it comes to days I have back to back appointments. It really helps when it comes to being productive as possible. Some days I’m busy all day, but my days off I just make sure I do things that make ME happy. Even if my busiest days though I make sure I am doing things for me like working out, cooking at home, being around family as much as possible!

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 like to connect with my clients. I love to just be real with them and make them as comfortable as possible. Like they are getting their makeup done with an older sister or old friend! I began makeup when I was in college and just kind of put myself out there on instagram and at the time word of mouth was the best form of exposure for me. It definitely was not easy, but luckily my parents were supportive and helped me out as I built up clientele and grew my business on social media. I have learned so much along the way. One of the biggest things is to connect with other creatives. There are so many of us makeup artists out there, especially in the Houston area, and you truly can build off of one another when you collaborate and work together. Not everyone is out to get you, people do want to help, and I always try to be that person to any aspiring makeup artists that I come across. I know what it feels like to be the newbie in the makeup world, and sometimes I still feel that way! Another thing I have learned is confidence is key. You must go into a job fully confident you have exactly what it takes to be there. You have to be your own hype woman, especially when you feel nervous! I want the world to know that truly feeling beautiful (inside and out) is such a empowering feeling. When you feel beautiful the world just seems like such a better place. It’s amazing what makeup can do for you internally and externally.

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?
Oh this is a fun question! My girlfriends and I love a good dinner and drink. We would for sure get lunch somewhere with Mexican food, so ninfas on navigation or el tiempo would be my top choice. We would probably do some shopping in Highland Village and or River Oaks!!! Followed by dinner at Zanti, it’s one of my favs for sure! Then maybe find a speak easy for a post dinner drink!!!

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?
Well all of my family of course for being so supportive of me the past 6 years, especially my mom, Charlotte. She deserves so much credit when it comes to supporting me and believing in me. Mentor wise I have so much appreciation for a beautiful woman named Kristin Daniell- Isham. I did some training with Kristin and shadowed her in Houston when I first began makeup. She was so patient and kind and answered all of the questions I had. She no longer does makeup full time after having her daughters, but she was a large help to me in the beginning of my career.

Instagram: @illuminatebyrachel

Image Credits
Darren Hoyland
Lane Parker
Kelsie Andrus
Angelica Duong