All things beauty and business with Miss Make-Up Manchester

Emma, the owner of Miss Make-Up Manchester, began her career as a hairdresser before transitioning into the world of makeup. She has always had a deep passion for hair and makeup, a love that started in her childhood and only grew stronger as she got older. Emma first completed a hairdressing apprenticeship, followed by a two-year media makeup course to build on her skills. However, like many in the creative industry, one of her biggest early challenges was finding work after qualifying and deciding which direction to take her career in. She knew she had a strong passion for makeup, but it wasn’t always clear how to turn that into a sustainable business.

Over the years, Emma’s business, Miss Make-Up Manchester, has flourished, offering a wide range of makeup services that showcase her versatility and skill. From special effects and face painting at community and charity events to theatre makeup, she has become known for her ability to adapt to various needs. Emma works as the cast makeup artist for around eight theatre shows annually, a job that keeps her busy and constantly challenged. Throughout her career, she has consistently honed her craft, investing in self-teaching, attending courses, and continuously seeking out new opportunities to develop. During the lockdown, she took her learning even further, returning to university to gain a degree in makeup teaching. Now, she is pursuing a business salon management degree to support her ultimate goal of opening her very own makeup academy.

Balancing a busy work schedule filled with events, parties, and theatre shows comes naturally to Emma, as she’s used to juggling multiple tasks and managing a packed calendar. Her previous experience in event management gave her a solid foundation in organisation and multitasking. “It is a bit of a balancing act,” she says, explaining how some weeks she’s booked for both day and evening events, with little time to rest. But despite the hectic pace, Emma genuinely loves what she does. For her, the satisfaction of making people feel special and bringing their visions to life far outweighs the exhaustion.

When it comes to working with clients, Emma tailors her approach based on the specific needs of each individual. For brides, she prioritises making them feel at ease and ensuring they look like their “best selves” on their special day. Emma understands how important this moment is for her clients and strives to make it as memorable and enjoyable as possible. In contrast, when working in the theatre, she thrives under pressure, transforming actors into believable characters in a fast-paced environment. One of her proudest career moments came when she unexpectedly won a body painting competition with an intricate ice queen design. Her passion for theatre makeup is clear, and she often dreams of working on major West End productions like Cats or The Lion King, where she could immerse herself in the art of transforming performers.