Hartlepool makeup artist who turned Facebook hobby into dream job shortlisted for award
A Hartlepool makeup artist who turned an online hobby into her dream job has been named as a finalist in an awards ceremony.
Samantha McBean is celebrating how far she has come from sharing makeup looks with friends on Facebook to building her own beauty business while bringing up a family.
Paint Me Pretty by Sam, based at Labyrinth Salon in Hartlepool, offers makeup and hair styling for weddings, proms, birthdays and other special occasions, alongside a range of beauty treatments.
Now Samantha, known to her clients as Sam, has been named a finalist for Newcomer MUA (makeup artist) of the Year at next month’s Beauty Full Awards.
The winners will be announced during the online Grand Final Ceremony on Thursday 19 November.
Sam, 31, a busy mum-of-two, said: “I’ve always loved makeup. It’s part of who I am.
“I started by sharing my own looks and doing makeup for friends and family on the side as a hobby. That hobby became my dream job, and my only wish is that I’d started sooner.
“I’m doing this for my daughters too, and I want to teach them to always chase their dreams and follow their passions.”
A qualified Level 3 beauty therapist, Sam recently celebrated a full year of working from a salon.
Her early appointments cost just £10 as she developed her experience and built a client base.
Some of those first clients still return to her chair today.
Personal attention is central to Sam’s approach as she takes time to understand how each client wants to look and feel.
She also works alongside hairstylist Liana, of Vivids By Liana Groves, to offer combined hair and makeup services.
The pair often operate under Gloss & Glow by L&S and have huge plans to grow together in the future.
The Beauty Full Awards honour industry leaders driving innovation, diversity, and excellence.
Sam, who is expecting her third baby, said being shortlisted is an opportunity to celebrate the work behind the business and the growing confidence and the relationships with clients who have returned throughout her journey.
“Winning would be another meaningful milestone,” she said.