Emma Chen is an Australian hair and makeup artist based in Brisbane.
She has worked with some of the worlds biggest celebs and models and has an Instagram following of a massive 218K!
She is one of Australia's best beauty educators and we have been grateful to be a sponsor for her regular workshops around Australia and more recently in the US with Jaye Edwards from the amazing Edwards And Co. Agency.
Emma's work has a tendency to go viral on socials and it's no wonder why! Her signature technique is absolutely flawless with a look of bronzed skin, sultry eyes and glossy lips.
I'm so excited to bring you this chat with the wonderful Emma, where we talk all things business and life advice.
Hey Emma! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for our Artist spotlight!
Before we get onto the questions, firstly tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.
I’m Emma Chen, a Brisbane based freelance hair and makeup artist!
Favourite movie?
Elf.
Red wine or white?
Red.
Morning person or night person?
Neither !
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
Morocco.
Where and how do you work best?
In environments that are relaxed, positive and fun and to be surrounded by other creatives.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Collaborate, don’t compete and only put out what you want to attract.
Favourite quote?
“You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.”
Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?
One of my first biggest hair influences was @kristin_ess and @anhcotran and makeup influences are @charlottetilbury, @nikki_makeup, @ortalelimeleh1, @patmcgrathreal.
I admire most by manager, Jasmin, because she has really taught me about how to run my brand as a business and her knowledge and guidance in building my brand inspires me to work on all aspects ‘in’ my business and ‘on’ my business.
I am always inspired by my Husband - he always believed in me more than I believed in myself and pushed me to go freelance in the beginning.
What is your favourite makeup look to do?
Glossy skin makeup for the rest of my life!
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Dealing with online bullying.
What has been your biggest win so far?
Signing with any agency and turning Emma Chen Artistry into more of a brand than a business.
What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
I’ve always welcomed criticisms and feedback, as it helps you gain a different perspective and teaches you different ways of looking at things. It makes you more open minded and helps with growth.
It’s important to always be open to feedback, but also being able to distinguish the difference between somebody’s opinion and honest feedback with good intentions.
What’s next for you?
I’ve got some really exciting projects coming up with brands that I’m super passionate about, and I’m looking forward to getting back on set and shooting again in Australia for a little bit.
If a young girl or boy walked up to you asking for your advice on life, what would it be?
I struggled a lot in school and in my early twenty’s with finding out what I wanted and who I was, sometimes being different isn’t a bad thing. The things that make you different are the things later in life make you who you are and like me can even help build a career.
What is your favourite Lou Lou Lips lipstick and why?
Dea Dia – it’s the perfect universal nude that looks great on most complexions – perfect bridal lipstick also!
For us, lipstick is something which gives us that extra boost of confidence, what gives you confidence to take on each and every day?
Knowing that I’m doing what I love enables me the confidence and determination to tackle each day.
Follow Emma's journey on Instagram here
