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Life and Work with Sabina Chowaniec

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabina Chowaniec.

Sabina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had a love of makeup, but believe it or not, I was a tomboy most of my life. I can thank my mom for forcing me to do girly things and join the cheerleading squad in junior high that allowed me to find my inner girl. Makeup also helped me with my self esteem because I was bullied all through elementary school. I wasn’t pretty or cool. At 15, my mom took me to a MAC counter at Macy’s for a makeup lesson and I have been obsessed ever since. I would pay to get my makeup done at least once a month so, I can learn their techniques. I didn’t start doing other people’s makeup until after I had my son at 23. I was introduced to pinup modeling and received compliments on my makeup by photographers and other models. I was even asked to help some of the models with their makeup. Two photographers, Deeliteful Images and Eric Helios offered to do so, before and after shoot to help me build a portfolio. That’s where my career began 10 years ago. I started working with other photographers and did makeup for fashion shows to build up my portfolio. I was voted Makeup Artist of the Year in 2010 by RAW Artists. Shortly after, I applied at MAC and worked there for several years. I learned so much and it really perfected my techniques and helped me grow as an artist. I left MAC about 3 years ago and have been working freelance on the weekends every since to supplement my day job. I think I will continue doing makeup until I no longer can. It’s an art and passion for me.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I worked for free and volunteered my time and products for a long time. I definitely paid my dues. It is also a very competitive industry. But, it was all worth it.

Please tell us about Makeup by Sabina.
I am a makeup artist. A face truly is a canvas for me. I specialize in full glam makeup. I’m especially known for what I can do with eyes and brows. But I do makeup for all occasions. I do everything from glam for models, to weddings, to lessons for the every day woman. What I am most proud of is, how much I’ve grown as an artist and keeping up to date with the latest trends. I’m also proud of how far I’ve come since I am a single parent and since I started in the makeup industry a little late in my life.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I honestly think that the biggest barrier in the beauty industry is other women. I am proud to say that I am surrounded by supportive and uplifting women. But, not everyone is the same. Women have a tendency to tear each other down instead of bringing each other up. But the photographers, hairstylists and other makeup artist that I know and love have the same mindset that I do. I love being able to share my techniques with others and taking people under my wing. My current assistant that I take with me to weddings is a 17-year-old aspiring makeup artist. I didn’t have someone, as a mentor when I first started and I want to be able to help others so that they don’t have to work as hard.

Pricing:

  • Full face application – $70, travel fee extra
  • Bridal makeup – $8, travel fee extra

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Prose Photography, Mannon Pictures, Lucas Fendley Photography

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