Fatima Olive

I started in theater when I was in school and loved the backstage area especially help creating a character from the outside in. The hair, makeup, and clothing of a character are as important as the words an actor speaks. I decided to go cosmetology school and become licensed so I would have a well-rounded approach to hair, skin care and makeup. I also love art both visual and written and am constantly inspired by it. I feel that what we do is create a story /narrative for the client. Even if it weren’t my profession, I love what I do and would still choose to do hair and makeup. I love the ritual of it. Even the most primitive people decorated themselves and what I do is the extension of that practice.

I am always cognizant of the goal of the project. I enjoy learning new things and looking at things from different angles which helps me think of ways to make the product (or message) the focus of the photo or video. My ideal client is a person or company who appreciates this and has a story to tell. I think collaboration is what I am most passionate about professionally as well as personally. To create something that is unique and could only be achieved through cooperation and team-work is very exciting!

I’m often complimented on how clean my work is. When a model who gets her hair and makeup done every day for work wants to leave the shoot with the hair and makeup I did it’s really affirming that they trust my opinion and respect my work.