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

Hi Mark, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was working in the corporate world (still do) but after 15 years in the Non-profit, Human services world and feeling stagnant. I wanted to chase my passion and a new challenge by owning and operating my own beauty business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a makeup artist and educator. I enjoy working in the fashion and print/editorial spaces as I feel I am allowed to push the boundaries of conventional beauty norms. I come from 16 years in the non-profit/ human services field so supporting others and establishing a sense of community is important to me and I think I am the proudest of being able to bring so much of what makes me a great service provider in that field into my beauty career. My start in makeup artistry was rocky as at the time there wasn’t much in the way of readily available resources on how to get started doing makeup professionally or the business aspect of the beauty industry. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is prioritizing your self care and mental/ emotional wellbeing as this job can be very demanding, there are lots of long hours, travel, and high pressure situations like any other job.. I’ve also learned to never doubt the power of networking. Regarding my brand.. I’d like for people to think of my brand as a place that values collaboration and community over competition.

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?
I am horrible at seeing the sights and enjoying my time in the various places I visit around the country as when I travel it’s almost always for work. Whenever I visit Atlanta I try to make it to Drawbar at the Bellyard Hotel. Such a great atmosphere, great food/drinks and wonderful service. I got my start in beauty doing makeup in strip clubs so I cannot and will not visit Atlanta without stopping by Magic City !! I feel like it’s an Atlanta institution as well as being a great time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to all of the working beauty professionals that make the entertainment/event industry what it is as well as the artists I admire and aspire to be like.. Danessa Myricks, Sam Fine, Keita Moore, Pat McGrath Jerry Johnson ,Merrell Hollis and the late A.J. Crimson. Last but not least my mom for her unwavering support.

Website: www.markdoesmakeup.com

Instagram: @MarkWhiteMUA

Image Credits
Photo 1: Photographer: Megan Linehan Model: Abby Asani Photo 2: Photographer: Megan Linehan Model: Jasmine Hall / Tasha Mac Photo 3: Photographer: Scott Rivers Model: Donyea Nicole/ Janette Franzen Photo 4: Photographer: Tracey Crosby Model: Anna Daley Young Photo 5: Photographer: Megan Linehan Model: Andrewlee Lawson Photo 6: Photographer: Megan Linehan Model: Oscany Photo 7: Photographer: Megan Linehan Model: Kristina Ksander Photo 8: Photographer: Megan Linehan Model: Kylie Curtin

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.