Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Cardoso.
Alexandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was a teenager, I was diagnosed with a heart condition that rendered me incapable of controlling numerous fainting spells and sent me to the hospital countless times. During this time, I found an outlet in applying makeup. Several years later, I spent some time studying in Europe to bring awareness to the lack of accessibility for members of the disabled community. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of inclusivity. A year later, I made it my mission to return abroad, but this time, incorporating my love of makeup artistry. While studying in the United Kingdom, I began to showcase my art and cultivated a concept: “Creativity for all.” Through the mixture of my passion for makeup and drive to help others, I decided to merge my efforts. Thus, A.M.C. Artistry was born. I realized that the cosmetics industry, though on the rise, was lacking purpose. My mission is to show our community that makeup is not simply for “artificial enhancements,” it is an art form. It is my hope to utilize this art form to work with members of our disabled community to develop their fine-motor and social skills while emphasizing the importance of self-care. So many stereotypes exist in the cosmetics industry but now is our chance to give our art a purpose. Through my one-on-one makeup demos, free-lance work, and editorial art. I hope to show our community that we can achieve “Creativity for all.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In regard to struggles, I was always taught that one man’s mountain can be another’s grain of sand, but once you make it over the hill, you will recognize that it made you stronger. As I’ve previously mentioned, I began cultivating this journey because I was facing some health struggles. Makeup became my safe haven and I wanted to be able to grant that same escape to others. No journey, personal or professional, will ever be perfect, so do what you can to grow through what you go through. If there is one thing, I would recommend to all individuals starting their journey, it would be not to lose sight of your mission. At times, the road will get bumpy and you can lose touch with why you started the journey in the first place, but don’t lose hope, keep pushing and make sure your voice is heard and your message is understood. If you are doing it for the right reasons, it will all work out in the end.
Please tell us about A.M.C. Artistry.
A.M.C. Artistry was founded on the principle ideal of “Creativity for all.” For this reason, I do not solely offer services in free-lance makeup artistry, but I also provide makeup application demos, “Glam and Go’s”, and specialize in working with those in the disabled community to develop fine-motor skills through makeup artistry. My makeup demos are live classes where I demonstrate and teach skills in the makeup application process. These classes cover anything from shaping brows, to smokey eyes, how to properly contour, etc. My “Glam and Go” packages are for those clients in need of makeup for a photo shoot. I offer each client the option of my traveling to the shoot along with them and the photographer. I provide onsite touch-ups as needed throughout the photoshoot. The most rewarding aspect of my job is working with members of the disabled community to showcase their talent and make them feel beautiful. A.M.C. Artistry differs from other artists in the industry because above all else we push for inclusivity through our artistry.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel that women have the tools and means to take on any challenge and are proving every day, we are able to meet any opportunity set before us.
Pricing:
- Soft glam $60.00
- Soft glam + lashes $70.00
- Full glam + lashes $80.00
- “Glam and Go” $10.00 hourly fee (additional to original makeup price)
- Makeup Demos $50.00 hourly
Contact Info:
- Email: a.m.c.artistry0@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.m.c.artistry/
Image Credit:
Amanda Ruiz, Crespo Studios, Mikey Berlfein
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
