Meet Sarah Stafford | Professional Hair & Makeup Artist

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

Hi Sarah, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
As a Houston native, our melting pot of culture has always been home for me. Growing up in the outskirts, I knew I was always destined for something greater that the small country town I was raised in. As a sports loving, dirt bike riding tomboy, never did I imagine that the beauty industry is where I would end up. I hated all things “girly”, including makeup, until around junior high school. I would occasionally do makeup for friends date night, proms, etc. but was never really good at it. Fast forward to senior year of high school, I had not a clue what I wanted to do with my life. I worked odd end retail jobs while my friends started their careers or attended college. Which led me to enrolling in college myself in hopes to become a nurse. I knew I wanted to help people and that was the best way I knew how. Unbeknownst to me, my parents had been saving with a tuition program for years, so by the end of high school, they were able to fully pay for my schooling. Being my mom’s only child and my Dad’s baby of 6, I felt obligated to go and to make them proud of me. Big mistake. After a few months of being completely miserable, I realized it was because I was going for all the wrong reasons. Then and there, I realized how short that life is and that you must make your own happiness and create your own destiny. So, I dropped out of college and started pursuing a career in the cosmetology industry. Shortly there after, I hopped on a plane and flew to Chicago where I studied with and became a certified artist with Last Looks Makeup Academy. Slowly, I started working with a few photographers and models which then snowballed into runway and bridal and even onto commercial and tv/film work. Which leads us to today. Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some absolutely incredible groups such as O.A.R band, Playboy International, Yahoo! Music, and amazing individuals such as Deepak Chopra, Elizabeth Gilbert (Author of “Eat. Pray. Love”) and the Dutchess of Rutland, U.K., I’ve also been contracted with 2 beauty agencies, nominated and awarded 2012 RAWards Makeup Artist of the Year, assisted over 400+ brides & bridal parties and shot with numerous fashion designers, models and photographers. To say the least, it’s not been an easy road by any means. 3am call times, 14+ hours on your feet, loading/unloading, packing/unpacking, driving endless hours to and from clients, emails, consultations, meetings, phone calls, the list goes on.. but at the end of the day, I can honestly say, I truly love what I do. And not a lot of people can say that. Life is too short. Do what YOU love and I assure you, happiness will follow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe I can speak for all artists when I say that becoming a professional is in itself no easy feat. Starting from essentially nothing and working your way up to what you’ve accomplished today, takes not only months or even years but yet, we’re always evolving and perfecting our craft. As a makeup artist, you’re consistently greeted with new styles and looks from every angle on social media, being introduced to new techniques and products on the market and finding new and inventive ways to engage with your clientele. I personally pride myself on truly connecting with my clients and finding ways to go above and beyond for them, rather than treating them like just another customer. I want them to feel comfortable in my chair knowing I’m there not only to make them look and feel their best, but bring a smile to their face as well. It truly is the little things that set you apart and cliché as it may sound, it’s completely true.. “people don’t remember you by the job you did, but by the way you made them feel”

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?
For starters, if anyone who isn’t a resident of the south Texas area and isn’t making some sort of authentic Mexican food or a trip to Buc-ee’s as their first stop, is downright crazy. Afterwards, I would say a trek to Galveston is a must, especially if you’re not located anywhere near the coast. By no means did I say the water was pretty, but being near the beach does something for the soul. An evening downtown, midtown or the heights for some crazy cool bar hopping and you can’t forget getting lost in the insanely massive Galleria mall where ice skating is available anytime of year (*bonus way to cool off during these stupid hot summer days!)

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?
My husband Jeff, my lifeline, my biggest supporter, my rock. You have always been there and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. You always drown out any voice of doubt and truly encourage me when times are tough.

Thank you for standing by me, helping me see my potential and always making me laugh along the way.

Website: www.sarahstaffordartistry.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahstaffordartistry

Other: https://www.modelmayhem.com/sarahstafford

Image Credits
Michael Moon Photography Del Geno Photography Nino Batista Photography Mary Widjaya Photography Brian Vogel Photography