Meet Heather Leigh | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Heather, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Hey there! I was born in MN and grew up with the arts. I played the piano and flute and even thought about majoring in art. I took many art histories, drawing, paintings and pottery classes in high school and college and loved recreating art and 3-dimensional space. I then decided to go on to nursing school, as I felt the need to serve the community and help people. I finished with my RN degree and worked for several years at the University of Utah hospital on Neurology floor, a step down to the Neuro critical care unit. I learned so much and gained a love for helping people and their families. I took a break, still keeping my nursing license active, to raise kids and have loved being at home with them. My youngest is almost in kindergarten and I got an itch to do something creative again. I found Seint Beauty or it found me. I realized that in becoming a makeup artist I could help women find their beauty and be their best selves, and still have that artistic need filled within myself. I decided to go to Kensington Makeup Academy, out of Scottsdale, AZ, to get certified and make it official! From there my makeup business grew and I now enjoy serving clients in the Flagstaff/Sedona area. My specialties are weddings, event/shoot makeup, dance/stage makeup application, one on one makeup consultations and even group lessons. I specialize in teaching women how to highlight and contour and give their face a 3 dimensional glowing look, while still looking like themselves. I love natural beauty and enhancing it. I love bringing out a woman’s best facial features and highlighting them. I love when someone walks away from my chair and says, ‘wow, just wow! I haven’t felt this way in a long time!’ It such a rewarding job and I’m grateful for it! I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 5 years now and have enjoyed all the relationships that have come as a result.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a makeup artist I teach private lessons, group lessons & do makeup for photo shoots, prom & weddings! I have a portfolio of before and afters and love sharing beauty tips and teaching others how to apply their makeup and highlight their best features. My aesthetic is fresh, glowing and youthful. I love to dabble with bright colors and love a challenge. I love recreating everything from avant-garde looks to no-makeup makeup looks. I definitely had to put in hours to get to the wide client/customer base that I have today, but being focused and driven helped my business grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Flagstaff is unique and gorgeous! The top of Snowbowl has incredible views whether it is spring or summer. There are so many gorgeous hikes in that area. Buffalo Park, Fatmans Loop, Humphrey’s Peak, Aspen Corner and so many more are noteworthy views to soak in! I’ve also done many shoots in Sedona, Cathedral Rock is one of the most gorgeous hikes for sunrise/sunset! Flag/Sedona also have amazing eateries! My favorites are anything from Mariposa, The Oakmont, Josephines, MartAnnes and the Atria!

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?
I’m thrilled with the little side biz I am lucky to have! There are countless photographers that I could thank for recommending clients, as well as wedding venue friends for putting me on their preferred vendors list! This makeup business brings me a lot of joy. There are hundreds of faces I have had the privilege to art. I have so many incredible photos I’d love to share and not enough time to do it. Thank you for trusting me with all your gorgeous faces!

Website: www.heatherleighmakeupartist.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/theeheatherleigh_

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/heatherleighmakeupartist/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heather-leigh-flagstaff

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCblSKNfxj-Q1ca-eAPtEjOw

Image Credits
Jamelle Kelly Photo Odd Fox Photography Snapbeckfoto Shelby Elise Photography