Meet Maria Buena Rhia Whitfield | International Make Up Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Buena Rhia Whitfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Buena Rhia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am originally from Manila Philippines. Known as the island country of Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. And surrounded with more than than 7,000 islands and islets lying about 500 miles (800 km) off the coast of Vietnam. Being an Artist is in our blood as the Philippines is a home to a long and rich history of excellence in visual arts. My mother is a Make up and hair stylist during her younger years and a full time teacher. And how my background impacted me now as a Make up Artist is through courage and believing yourself. I believed that the best makeup artists are those who are one step ahead of new makeup trends, and who keep developing their skills. There’s always going to be someone out there who wants to make it big and is willing to put in the work. Just because you’ve hit a groove in your makeup career and are earning a steady income doesn’t mean you should ever slow down. As a freelance makeup artist, this is where you want to be—it sets your services and knowledge apart from those around you. So keep building and sharpening those skills!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When first starting out, everyone who earned their makeup certification is in the same boat as you. Actually landing those freelance makeup artistry jobs is hard when everyone’s fighting for work. I did a year of Collaborations with Photographers, models and other network to build my profile. Having a strong work ethic is an essential aspect of freelance makeup artistry that isn’t mentioned enough! Any business owner must work hard. But in the makeup industry, you’ll need to work even harder. Prepare to really hustle as you build a name for yourself. You’ll need to master the art of networking and marketing so you can gain important experience and grow your client list.

What I have learned in make up industry is saying no can actually be a smart move. When you say no to a client, you’ll free up your time to take on other clients with who you do want to work. You’ll be much more likely to do your best work if you’re focused on a few specializations, Perhaps you’re comfortable with airbrush makeup, glamour makeup, and everyday makeup applications. Be honest about your makeup artistry skills and the sorts of services you’d be comfortable offering and this will build your reputation and client base quickly through word-of-mouth. b

And what I want the world to know about me and my story is a good understanding of your own strengths and interests that will serve you well in the industry and can result in more clients and a happier career!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week long spend in Dubai is a good choice where you will really enjoy the scenery such as riding in the camel and experience the best Sand Dune.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Credits to my Photography Team in Doha Qatar who really believed in me. It’s not easy finding people who will truly trust your capabilities. But without them as well I will never be in those front page magazine.

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Image Credits
Cristopher Balando Leynard Barrios Rowen Reynan Renchel Serisola