Meet Marely McDonald | Certified MUA

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

Hi Marely, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I am a mom of two boy’s. A 10 year old an a 1 year old. As parents we always want the best for our children and hope everything we teach them sticks with them and they do good. I have done and showed my oldest many things from small to big that I hope one day it will help him. Respect Is one thing that we feel is important as parents to teach our children. We want them to respect us, others and themselves. But we also need to show them respect. It is easy for us to ignore what they feel and not respect/pay attention to there opinion simply because they are kids. We need to lead by example! Another thing we have done and know it will help him is not keeping him in a bubble. I grew up in a sheltered environment not knowing much about the world or any other culture besides my parents. So when it came to spreading my wings and flying on my own I had no idea how to adapt. And now with everything going on we want to show him, educate him and guide him in hopes all of this will help him and his future.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Phoenix based certified MUA. I have been freelancing and doing professional makeup for 5 years. I have done wedding parties, photo shoots, head shots, glam, prom etc… Done a little bit of everything. In an industry where much of the work is similar from artist to artist. It is my personality that needs to stand out. So I can build personal relationships with my clients to make them feel more like a friend than a pay check. What excites me about my job is doing bridal parties. It feels great knowing the bride is trusting me on her important day. It also feels amazing seeing it all come together, the brides reaction is everything! Its never easy starting your own business or brand, definitely a challenge! I struggled getting started and getting that first client. It came to the point to where I no longer wanted to do it. I felt uncomfortable putting myself out there. I later came to find out that being uncomfortable while doing something new can be a good thing. Its how you grow as a person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in Arizona! I have lived here since 2012 and I am still discovering so many places and always meeting someone new. It does not matter what you are into you will find something that will make you happy and have fun. Down town Phoenix is full of wonderful places from unique restaurants to fun hidden art everywhere you turn. One of my favorite places I just recently tried (thanks to my sister in law) Is an Italian restaurant called Forno! The food is amazing and they have a chili infused olive oil that is great with their meatballs if you like sweet and spicy. The service is amazing! when you come in they treat you like a regular. After dinner we would make our way to one of many art gallery’s. I enjoy going to Unexpected Art Gallery! I discovered this place during a network event. They do so much from fashion shows to live art performances they also support local artists so most of the art you will see they are from locals. You can also rent out the place or a room for special occasions and events. The speak easy room is my favorite! Lastly we will dance the night away in Old Town! If you like the night life Old Town in Scottsdale is your place. The area is full of Bars and Night clubs walking distance so you can check out multiple. Now if we wanted to do something more relaxing and quite I would book a Spa day at The Well Being Spa. They offer facials and messages plus amenities that include hot tub, cold plunge, steam room, sauna and the roof top pool/ bar. It cant get better then that!

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 want to Dedicate my shoutout to my husband Kalvin. Without his encouragement, support and love I wouldn’t be the person I am now. Thank you for teaching me new things and standing next to me during my growth as a mother and wife. The boys and I are lucky to have an amazing person in our lives.

Website: marelygmb.com
Instagram: g.m.beautiful
Facebook: g.mbeautiful

Image Credits
Reaglephotography Barnes Photography Avalon