Meet Anthony Erby Ingram | Makeup Artist & Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Erby Ingram and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, why did you pursue a creative career?
I honestly believe that my artistic career life CHOSE ME. At Wiley College, which is located in Marshall, Tx, I majored in Early Childhood Education with a minor in music before actually interviewing for MAC Cosmetics and branching off into makeup artistry full time. Once I actually put my heart into artistry my life changed; if I wasn’t a makeup artist I do not believe I would be as free and liberated as I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My claim to fame isn’t the fact that I’m a better makeup artist or cook than anyone else… my mantra has always been to be always present the best “of me” whenever I am in my element. Over the years I’ve learned that the most rewarding moments are those times when I found out how strong and talented I was in times when I felt the weakest and less valued. There have been times when I’ve felt like I would never obtain the success that I pray for often because I hadn’t reached a certain level such as others, but again I found MYSELF in those moments, I found my strength to keep fighting through uncertainties and look towards the light and what’s certainly to come. When I first began to tell people I wanted to withdraw from college as an early childhood education major to pursue a career in beauty very few people believed in me; as a matter of fact, a great number of people didn’t believe I would make it at all. In those moments I had to truly dig deep into my faith and belief in myself because in all honesty I didn’t feel supported by many. One thing I would tell anyone who is pursuing their dreams and talents as a career is to ALWAYS no matter who believes in you or who doesn’t, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!! Whatever gifts you are serving to the universe, serve them WITH NO FEAR!! GO HARD!!!

After 11 years of working in makeup artistry, in 2022, I was given the opportunity to work in my first major production as the 3rd Makeup Artist for season 1 of Ava Duverany’s “Naomi” which aired on The CW in 2022. In that role I learned a great deal of productions skills, set protocols, makeup techniques, and behind the scenes knowledge that has prepared me for my next production.

I want the world to know that I am a fearless artist who will never cease running in the race to be one of the world’s most notable male African American makeup artists. Sometimes it’s takes a few seconds, but sometimes it may take a few years to get “there”, but you’ll only get “there” if you’re in the race!

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?
If my bestfriend was visiting the city for a week we would do a little something like this: Day 1 I’d welcome them with a home cooked meal and we’d enjoy handcrafted cocktails at my home by “LOVEBUGEATS” which is my husband and I’s personal chef and catering business
Day 2 we’d have to go have manicures/pedicures, followed by going to get an amazing massage at “Treat Your Feet Buckhead”, and ending with a nice cocktail and food at “Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen”
Day 3 we’d definitely have to do some tourist things like the World of Coca Cola & The Georgia Aquarium
Day 4 SIX FLAGS!!!!!!
Day 5 We’d start the morning off with breakfast & coffee at “Southern Roots Spice Shop” then head for a nice walk and talk through Piedmont Park and midtown
Day 6 we would have to go out and hit the city, the gay-borhood, club hop, and have lots of drinks with friends
Day 7 we would get all dressed up and go have dinner at my favorite restaurant called “Little Alley Steak Buckhead”

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?
Along my career there have been people who have come into my life that have challenged me, encouraged me, prayed for and with me, aided in my skill training, mentally stabilized me, and pushed me beyond what my mind could ever imagine on its on. You all have played a pivotal role in who I am today, the reason I push as hard as I do, the reason I’m unbreakable and will never stop until I get to the peaks of my dreams. S. Malcom Ingram, Amy O. Pace, Rejena Whyce, and my mother (Rest In Peace) Denise Ladd; thank you.

Website: www.anthonyarmondis.com

Instagram: @Armondis

Facebook: Anthony Erby Ingram

Youtube: @anthonyarmondis4733