Meet Megan Harper | Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist

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

Hi Megan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The first time I ever put makeup on someone else was their wedding day. I had no clue what I was doing, yet when I handed her the mirror and I saw her eyes light up exuding confidence, I was hooked. I knew that I wanted to make people feel good about themselves through a creative outlet, and from that day forward I started practicing on anyone who would let me. Overtime, now 12 years later, I have become so comfortable being creative for people. My favorite clients are the ones who have no preference and allow me to create something unique for them. I pay attention to every detail that can make their experience special; even down to their anatomy. How is their face structured? What is the color of their eyes? What is their skin condition? How can I tap into insecurities and make them disappear for a day? It’s all apart of my creative process and what fuels me as an artist. Being artistically customizable is what built my brand and helped me connect with hundreds of people today and led me further into my career to a passion for esthetics. Skincare is creative in its own way, but at the end of the day it’s all about helping people feel and look their best. Creativity has allowed me to make so many people feel confident. That’s why I chose this path.

What should our readers know about your business?
I hear makeup horror stories all the time from clients being mortified by their experience. I make sure that does not happen. My main goal as an artist is to highlight natural features. This makes the client still feel like themselves even in full glam. I never want to change the way people look or put something on them that has looked good on someone else. I do not have a “bridal look” or a “bridesmaid go-to” everything is unique to that person. I never do the same look twice and that’s what sets me apart in my industry.

I am so proud of my growth from makeup artist to esthetician. I took what people have told me over the years about their skin insecurities and went from just covering it up to understanding the cause and how to fix it. This has made me more well rounded and so knowledgeable that when people come to me for makeup they almost always leave wanting to get a facial or consultation. I am always talking about what’s next. I think sharing that with clients helps me build a relationship with them beyond the service. With that relationship comes a sense of loyalty that I am so thankful for. I have done some client’s makeup for over ten years and now I’m helping them turn back the hands of time through skincare practices. I’ve seen my business come full circle where I am now doing makeup for some of my long term client’s kids who are off to homecoming and prom. It’s such a special bond between a client and their artist that I wouldn’t trade for the world. That sense of trust is everything.

It was never easy for me. I’ve always worked at least two jobs. My schedule juggling is hectic. I put myself through business school before even pursuing my esthetician license. I was doing makeup gigs and bartending all the while. I have worked so hard sometimes getting off of a bar shift at 4 am and getting to a wedding job at 9 am working completely into the next day. I did not have money to start a business and let me tell you, it costs. I have always supplemented and refused to take out loans or go into debt for this. That was my personal choice. I know many people who have done it differently but, I have enjoyed the chase and have found it so rewarding. I have overcome so many fears with this tactic, because I always have something to fall back on. That cushion helped me make big leaps like renting a space and investments such as products and equipment.

I am still learning lessons to this day. One of my major takeaways is always show up and be a person of your word. I’ve learned that communication is everything even when it’s hard to have. There is always value in being upfront and honest and never leaving your client wondering. I am always here for them, and they know that which is really connective.

Above anything I’d like the world to know Atlanta Beauty and Skincare was built on hard work and passion. I am passionate about every face I touch and promise to always give people a fresh perspective and a positive outlook.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I take so much pride in my city. I really love living in Atlanta and showing people it’s charm is one of my favorite things to do. I always take visitors into Little 5 Points first. I have bartended in the neighborhood for years and have family ties there that can’t be experienced anywhere else. The artistic energy flows through there so contagiously. Of course we would start at home base, Little 5 Corner Tavern, then do the neighborhood crawl. We would go see my friends over at The Porter Beer Bar for a fancy draft, check out all the local artists and shops for gifts and trinkets, and stop at Elmyr for a grizz or two. Probably pop into The Vortex before getting an Uber to another near by favorite such as Edgewood or East Atlanta Village. I love the neighborhood esthetic. I am based out of midtown which also has it’s charms, but in the future I’d love to have a location in one of those neighborhoods that I frequent.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shout out to Elizabeth Rose Photography. If it weren’t for her inspiration and allowing me to create in her space I don’t think I would have the confidence to legitimize my business. I worked under the table and part time for years. When I started freelancing at her studio a little over a year ago it really kicked me into high gear and made me realize I could do this full time. Being around inspiring and successful people has been a huge motivator for me and I put her at the top of the list.

Website: www.atlbeautyandskincare.com

Instagram: Atlbeauty_andskincare

Facebook: Atlanta Beauty and Skincare

Other: I have a profile on The Knot and Wedding Wire !

Image Credits
Elizabeth Rose Photography Photography by Alex Redfern JenA Photography