Meet Emmalee Mims | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Emmalee, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in South Carolina and raised for the most part in Macon, GA. I have amazing parents who could not be more opposite- my father is very logical. He’s a work-a-holic doctor and loves what he does. To put it in the terms of kids these days- he’s always chasing the bag. Hahaha. My mother is the opposite. She is very artistic and go-with-the-flow. She has always doodled and played in multiple mediums of art. One of those being stained glass. Them and their characteristics have kind of swirled together to make me- and 4 siblings. It is so funny, half of my siblings chose to go into the “hero” fields- firefighting or medical, and the other half of us are pursuing artistry- whether that’s music or makeup. My parents raised us free-range, hahaha, meaning they didn’t squash us or our desires even if they didn’t quite understand them. I’m positive it’s because my mom is a true hippie through and through. She let me play in makeup and go to school with orange foundation and black glitter thrown on my lids. When I ask her why she would ever let me leave the house like that now, she says, “I figured you’d learn.” Hahaha. My dad has always been funny in how he has reacted to my artistry- I was always covered in color whether it was hot pink eyeshadow or bright blue hair. He’s pretty old fashioned- but he’s gotten used to it and is no longer surprised by my antics. Hahaha. All that to say, art is in my genes from my mom, but it’s my dad who has pushed me to think about the business and financial side of being a Makeup Artist. My mom has taught me rest and my dad has taught me how to show up. Being raised by these two (opposites really do attract) has impacted me and shown me how to be both an artist and a business woman.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional makeup artist that works in beauty, creative beauty, and bridal. My passion is to bring my clients’ best face forward, whether that is pampering brides and creating their “Forever Look,” or assisting companies and photographers in the story they’re creating for editorials or ads through makeup. It took a while to get to where I am professionally and it hasn’t been easy but it’s been a blessing. I played in makeup my whole life and decided I wanted it to be my career when I was nearing the end of high school. It was a questionable career to my family, teachers, anyone who was interested in my future and me being financially stable. Hahaha. Overcoming all of these doubts and the constant, “Well, why don’t you just go back to school?” was very hard and limiting. But I stuck to it. Every time I wanted to quit, I wouldn’t- I would get some sign, answered prayer, or word of encouragement that would keep me holding on.
I’ve learned nobody is going to cheer you on before you do. You need to be your biggest fan because you are the only person that shows up for yourself every single second of every single day. I’ve learned so much about leaning into my faith even when it comes to my career.
If there’s anything I want to leave my clients, and everyone, with: it’s that I want them to feel loved, seen, and absolutely beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ahhhh! Some of my favorite spots in the city. Obviously Ponce City Market- shopping, coffee, food, desserts. I recently went to The Atrium for a birthday lunch with some of the girls and it was stunning and the food was incredible. Very Instagrammable, too! I also always get Macarons and those cute little chocolates in the shape of lips from Saint Germain almost every time I come to Ponce City Market.
Ummmmm, I eat. A lot. It’s my favorite hobby. So I would also suggest The Food Terminal off Marietta St NW. A friend and I went there after visiting the Van Gogh immersive exhibit and it was delicious.
Of course if a friend is visiting Atlanta, we have to go to the Aquarium and the High Museum of Art (which I haven’t been to in a while and would love to go back and check out!)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Arnitra Pitts Salter, my first makeup mentor, my MAC Mama. Rest in Peace.

Industry Makeup Academy- Ren, my instructor. Thank you for all of the advice and lessons you have taught me.

Delina Medhin- celebrity makeup artist based in New York. She has inspired me to make all the moves and to be my best self as an artist. She has mentored me without even knowing it- her techniques are amazing!

“Assisting Rules” by Deshawn Hatcher was one of those books that made me realize I was sitting in my ego and needed to actually put in the work to be successful instead of sitting and waiting for success to find me.

Savannah Rose- my photographer soulmate. She dreams up the most beautiful concepts and is always excited even if I have a crazy idea for a shoot. We make a great team.

Last, but definitely not least, my sister Grace. She pushed me and encouraged me to be a makeup artist even when we were graduating high school. It’s not the most financially stable career at first and there were a lot of questions and doubts from others when it came to my career- but she always has cheered for me and called me out when needed.

There are many more but I will stop here! Thank you to everyone who has pushed and spurred me on as well as supported me in the beginning of and throughout my career. God, family, friends, and clients- you all mean the world to me and I mean it when I say I would not be here without you!

Website: www.emmaleemimsartistry.com

Instagram: www.emmaleemimsartistry.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emmalee-mims-9a0897203

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmaleemimsartistry

Image Credits
Savannah Rose Jamicah Moore C Hope Photography Eady Beth Photography Hannah Marylin Photo