Meet Ashley Natko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Natko.

Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always done makeup throughout high school but it all started when I got married myself. After high school, I didn’t do much makeup and kind of put it out of my mind as a career. My makeup artist for my wedding day, Kendra Steele Beauty was wonderful and talked to me about what she does and reopened the idea of doing makeup as a career for me. I loved everything about the job. You are a part of this special day and making everyone feel beautiful no matter their skin type or what look they are going for. I decided to pursue a career as a makeup artist after my wedding. I put everything I had into building my portfolio and getting my name out there. I started out shadowing Ashley Blunt Beauty. Going to every wedding and trail she had booked, watching her work, cleaning her brushes, prepping faces, and later actually applying makeup to bridesmaids. After working with Ashley for a bit I was hired on with a bridal makeup company to further my experience and my portfolio. This was a turning point for my career. I was able to take off on my own after that. I started to attend and do makeup for styled photoshoots, working with models for small boutique shoots, and booking a lot of wonderful brides. I love where I am today with my work, I am always pushing myself to learn more about skincare and the most up to date techniques and products. I adore all the people I meet and the love stories I get to hear. Being a makeup artist is a dream job and I am so thankful for everyone who has trusted me to be apart of their special day, whether it be a wedding, family photoshoot, or an advertisement shoot.

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?
I would say it has been pretty smooth. I was willing to do everything that I needed to build my portfolio though. I would do a wedding that was at sunrise, which I had to start makeup at three in the morning, and then go to a wedding out of town the next day for two different weddings a day apart. It was a lot of work and a lot of free work as well. I didn’t charge for style photoshoots at first and I would reach out to anyone I could to do their makeup even if it was just for me to take some photos on my iPhone for my portfolio. I didn’t see it as a struggle thought because I loved every minute of it. I was spreading myself thin and so exhausted but the love of my work kept me going.

Please tell us about your business.
I own Ashley Natko Beauty and I am a makeup artist. I do makeup for special occasions, weddings, photoshoots, and even date nights. I use high-end products to create the specific look that each individual is looking for, I can create looks anywhere full glamour to a more natural glamour look. I believe what puts me apart from other makeup artists is that I am a licensed Aesthetician as well. As for makeup artists, you are not required to be licensed but I decided I wanted to go above and beyond to be the best makeup artist I could be. I don’t believe there is one thing that I am most proud of. I am proud of my company as a whole and all the hard work I have put in. It has been worth every minute and I can’t wait to work more towards my other goals.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I would say that the willingness to give your time without compensation and to work hard were the most important things to my success. I knew that you had to lose money and time to build a portfolio and I was willing to do it. I also think that my personality and being able to talk and relate to many of my clients have been imported to my success as well.

Pricing:

• Bride Makeup – $200 ($50 trial included if you book with me)
• Bridesmaid Makeup – $75
• Mother of the Bride/Groom Makeup – $75
• Event Makeup – $100

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashleynatkobeauty.com
• Phone: 480-593-1223
• Email: ashleynatkobeauty@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleynatkobeauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleynatkobeauty/

Image Credit:
Mandy Rae Photography
Tot Marie Photography
Nick Patton Photography

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