We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Pritchard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Over 11 years ago I was asked to do makeup at a photo shoot for a local magazine here in Denver called Fly Magazine. Joking around or just trying to boost my confidence, I thought they were crazy asking me, because I had never done makeup on anyone else before. In this moment I knew my talent was seen. I started out just watching YouTube videos and creating makeup looks on myself, but from the moment I walked into the studio I fell in love with the whole production. From there forward I did makeup for all of their shoots and even started doing makeup at local fashion shows. I met a lot of photographers and models within the industry that opened the door to a lot more opportunities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Christina Marie Makeup Artistry is not just about making women look beautiful externally but internally as well. Being able to see the beauty on the inside and bringing that to life in my clients is what sets me apart in this industry. Makeup is an Art, a skill that can be learned, but the feeling your client feels when they see themselves through your eyes can’t be taught. It all begins and ends with not only skill, talent, and knowledge but also perfection, love and craftmanship. I have continued to build on this mindset for the last 11 years while mastering my craft. I am so thankful to have a career that I love so dearly. I take great pride in my work ethic and being committed to raising my kids, but without my mother I wouldn’t have made it this far. Since I was a little girl, she has always supported me and my dreams. I have so many friends and family that have stood behind me since day one, and I strive to make them proud. Has this journey always been easy? No, balancing a full-time career, running my makeup business, and being a single mother of two has had it’s challenges but I wouldn’t change this life for anything! Everything I do has made me who I am today; strong, independent, and determined! Giving up has never been an option. My children are my reason “why” I work so hard all the time, 7 days a week! I live by this quote “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.” – Regina Brett

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I was giving this interview years ago I definitely would say we would be hitting up Cherry Creek mall to pick out an outfit for a night out on the town to Club Theorie or Purple Martini, but since that was in my past life, “Praise The Lord,” I would enjoy heading up to Red Rocks Amphitheater for a night of music. This is by far one of my favorite outdoor venues in Colorado that also offers movie nights or an unbelievable view during a morning workout session. We would definitely need to have dinner at any one of my favorite restaurants Hapa, Jing, Machete Tacos, or Los Dos Portillos to name a few. That next morning, we would head down to Union Station and grab breakfast at Snooze. Have you had their pineapple juice mimosa?!! To die for and their pancakes are amazing! The weekend wouldn’t be complete without going to a Broncos game and hitting up ViewHouse afterwards. Born and raised in Denver, I love my city and what it has to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout-out to my incredible friend and business partner Zsa’nee with Kymora Jaxson Photography. I had the opportunity to work with her when I was first starting out as a makeup artist, and we have been rocking together ever since! She always pushes me to be better in so many different ways. Something magical happens when the two of us work together. It is truly a whole experience! We have so much fun on set people probably think we are crazy but that’s okay, because I wouldn’t be where I am today in this industry without her by my side! xoxo

Website: www.christinamariemakeup.com
Instagram: Christina_mariemakeup
Facebook: @christinamariemua

Image Credits
imgcr8tive Kymora Jaxson Photography koealbraxtonphotography LynHolly Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDenver is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.