Life & Work with Ariel Berardi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Berardi.

Hi Ariel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Ariel Berardi and I’m a professional makeup artist and mother of two little boys! I’ve been a makeup artist for 9 years now. I do makeup for weddings, editorial, production, film, and events. I mostly work on location.

Before I started my makeup career, I ventured to California meetings and learned from influential figures, one being the amazing Kandee Johnson. I took many makeup courses and attended beauty seminars. As a teenager, my friends would always ask me to do their makeup for events or when we were going out. Everyone around me knew my love for beauty and style. That’s when my journey began.

I’ve lived in Florida since I was 8 years old. When I was 19 years old, I moved back to my hometown of Rochester, New York. I wanted to get out of my small town and get a feel of the adult world in a bigger city. There were a lot of bumps in the road along the way and some struggles to say the least. I was working at a University and wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. I was big into the party scene which led me into a downhill spiral.

A couple of years later, I moved back to Florida to work for a well-known makeup artist in St. Augustine who helped me launch onto the freelance makeup artist scene. She knew my love for makeup and saw my potential. Doing makeup for weddings and Boudoir photoshoots is where my career began in 2013. Fast forward a few years later, my first son was born. He really pushed my motivation in gear and I was soon after doing makeup full time and loving life with my now two boys.

Every single face I’ve laid a brush on has helped lead me to where I am today. I am so grateful for every one of my clients, models, fellow vendors, and support.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say my biggest challenge overall has been trying to balance work life and mom life. As a single working mom of two little boys, there is no pause button and it can get a little difficult to manage. At times, I feel I’m working too often (especially on weekends) and not taking on enough adventures with my little ones.

We definitely make up for it when mommy is home! You have to embrace flexibility and multitasking. I am very lucky to have such wonderful support from my family who’s willing to care for them while I am away working. My boys are the light of my life and bring me so much joy! They are my motivation to keep going through any obstacle life throws at me.

Some downfalls of being a makeup artist are the physical aspects. It requires you to be on your feet all day with (most of the time) no breaks or food. (We’re usually on a tight time crunch for wedding timelines). Lugging around all the heavy bags on location can get tough also. (I’ve built some pretty strong triceps along the way!).

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a professional makeup artist, I feel you need to have the ability to create any look your client desires no matter how soft or glamorous. Some artists have a certain style and that’s okay! I think that’s one thing that sets me apart from others.

If you show me some inspiration, we can get there! Everyone has different styles and facial features so you need to know different techniques for every certain want or need. I am very attentive with my clients and make sure they are happy with the final look. I mostly do weddings but absolutely love doing photo shoots and production work!

I have always found myself falling in love with art and anything beauty-related since a little girl. I tend to put a creative touch on any project I’m working on, big or small. What I love most about this career are the flexibility and creativity! It’s a huge perk to be able to create your own schedule and be your own boss. Seeing my client’s eyes light up with confidence is also a huge part of why I love what I do.

There’s no better feeling than helping someone’s vision come to life and enhancing their natural beauty to its highest level. Every time I pick up a makeup brush, it brings me to this magical place and my creative juices start to flow as I get into my zone.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me is having inquiries constantly pouring in. Being satisfied with where you’re at in your career. Most of all, freedom to take off when a break is needed.

Contact Info:

• Email: aberardi91@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/arielberardimakeup
• Facebook: facebook.com/arielberardimakeup

Image Credits
Shelby Ann Imagery, Ashley Dye Photography, Bellavista Photography, Virgo Film, Shannon Fries Photography, Jessica Brees Photography, and Hannah Reedy