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Meet Hannah Olsen of Glam By Han

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Olsen.

Hannah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I quickly grew an obsession with makeup at a young age. I would put mascara and powder on after my mom went to work when I was 12, and on the walk home from school, I’d take it all off. The older I got, the more my fascination grew. By the time I was in high school I was doing my friends and family’s makeup, and I got my dream job at Sephora.

Living in the small town of Idaho Falls, Idaho, I always knew there was bigger things out there. When I was just 18 years old, fresh out of high school, I did it. I moved straight out of the comfort of my parents home; the only home I had ever known and moved 961 miles away. I was a big kid now, paying bills I’d never had before, trying to figure out how to be an adult in one of the biggest cities in America. I was lucky enough to meet my new friend/roommate in a Facebook group for photographers and makeup artists.

This was where my success all began. Emma and I began working together frequently, with quite the system. I would do the models makeup, and she would take the photos. We were able to create incredible art together, and this gave me the drive to work hard, because I knew I was surrounded by opportunities and I KNEW I wanted to make it. I returned to school for Esthetics, and began growing a clientele through makeup artistry, waxing, skin treatments, and my Instagram page. I currently work freelancing, and have had amazing opportunities to work with some of the best people I’ve ever met.

I specialize in editorial, body paint, SFX, and bridal. Kinda all over the place, right? I believe makeup is one of the most fascinating arts. It’s such a fantastic way to express myself, whether it be on my own face/body or sharing it on someone else. I have found my “thing.” The thing that doesn’t feel like work, the thing that allows me to express so many emotions, allows me to tell a story and allows me to be a part of something special. I encourage everyone to chase their dreams, do the scary thing, and find their “thing.”

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Moving to a foreign place that’s big and scary was rough. I left everything I had ever known, all my friends and family, and came to a place where it felt like I had nothing. Although I knew a bigger place would be filled with endless opportunities, I have to admit that many times I wanted to turn around and run back home.

I felt like one tiny dot in this sea of people. I questioned if this was really the right career choice, but I am so glad I decided to take the chance. Through the beauty/photography industry in Phoenix, I have met some of the most amazing, talented, and lifelong friends. I have fallen in love with everything Arizona and worked my tail off making a name for myself.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Glam By Han story. Tell us more about the business.
I love to create. From enhancing natural beauty to creating a scary character to painting an entire body, or simply making someone feel beautiful on a special day. I have had the opportunity to work with several different local brands and models.

I am proud to say I have been able to be a part of new clothing line releases, music videos, and endless projects. I believe my business is unique because it is so versatile. I like to do it all, and when I find something new that I haven’t done before I’m always excited to tackle the challenge.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
If I had to start over, I would first tell myself to chill. I tend to be a worry wart, and occasionally I can forget to sit back and enjoy the ride. I would tell myself to not care about the opinions of others, and I would have started showcasing my work earlier.

I thought that because I was young people wouldn’t take me seriously. I thought others who had been in the industry longer were automatically above me, and because of that, I was nervous to put myself out there and begin networking. I would definitely tell myself to buck up and just do it. It never hurts to take chances, you never know where they may take you.

Pricing:

  • Neutral full face- $45
  • Glam full face- $65
  • Sfx- $65+
  • Body paint- $85 (by hour)

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Photos by Emma McCune

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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