Name: Emily Leon
Age: 29
Title: Makeup Artist and Photographer
Married/Single: partnered
Kids: none
City you live in: Phoenix
A typical day in my life includes…
a lot of coffee! I have an unquenchable thirst for information; so everyday I set aside a substantial amount of time to binge on beauty videos, skin care podcasts and research. Always being on top of the newest beauty trends, techniques, releases and skin care breakthroughs is something I actively and consciously strive for. I think the day I’m satisfied with my abilities or knowledge is the day I will retire. So, like…NEVER!
I was born…
right by Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbra, CA. Unfortunately, I never met Michael Jackson.
My favorite this about Arizona is…
the signature tea, specifically the diet version. I refuse to drink my calories. I’d rather EAT them…in excess.
I’m currently listening to…
Boy Pablo, Hot Flash Heat Wave, and Summer Salt. Honestly anything this “surf-rock,” indie or melismatic.
My family…
is too far away! They live in Yuma, so I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like and I miss them terribly, but they understand and are very supportive.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Malory Archer. I just want to be her best friend SO BADLY!
One thing I cannot live without…
my iPad and Apple Pencil! I do all my editing and retouching on that thing. It is so convenient, yet powerful and I feel like I can turn out my edits so much faster than I would on a traditional computer.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a singer and I was fiercely dedicated! My whole life was spent in vocal lessons, choirs, and shows. I even competed in the Glee Project and The X Factor when I was in my early twenties, but quickly realized that industry wasn’t for me. Music and singing are still a massive part of my life, except now I only do it for my own pleasure and entertainment.
I’m inspired by…
like most other artists, I’m really inspired music, films, and art, but I have to say that the thing that influences my work most of all is emotion. I love to encapsulate feeling and emotion and interpret them in every photo and look I do. I genuinely believe that is was make a makeup or image so much more impactful. If you can see a work and FEEL it, then THAT is art!
The one person that motivates me…
is myself. With age I’ve come to realize I cannot and should not seek out a reason or purpose in others.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
everyone’s obsession with AVOCADO! When did we all collectively agree to make this a such a popular and trendy thing?! I was not included in the electoral process, nor was I consulted. I’m sorry, but I would gladly take a nice hummus over a bowl of guacamole ANY day!
The perfect day would be…
any day I get to do a shoot where I get to be creative. I love doing natural, subdued looks, but my favorite makeup to do is artistic/editorial looks!
My first job was…
at a retirement home. I was a waitress and server and I loved it! Everyone was so kind, so I have nothing but beautiful memories of my time there.
My favorite escape…
is music. Whenever I find myself overwhelmed, I put on my headphones and go on an evening walk or run.
My life…
is something I do not take for granted. I am aware that I am a very fortunate person with a lot of blessings and that every day is a gift, so I try to live it appreciatively.
I’m currently working on…
videos for Instagram! I want to start posting more tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes footage, but in a very aesthetically pleasing, edited and concise way.
Always…
tip.
Never…
let anyone determine your worth, talent, future or potential. People need to believe in themselves more and recognize that they are capable of anything. More often than not, people allow others to define and limit them. Realizing how much power and control you have over your life is one of the most liberating and motivating things anyone could experience!
Favorite quote…
“Maybe, he thought, there aren’t such things as good friends or bad friends. Maybe there are just friends. People who stand by you when you’re hurt and who help you feel not so lonely. Maybe they are worth being scared for and hoping for and living for. Maybe worth dying for too. If that’s what has to be. No bad friends. Only people you want. Need to be with. People who build their houses in your heart.” ― Stephen King
Biggest Dream…
to do the cover of Vogue!
My pet peeves…
when people make wide left turns into the wrong lane! Also, when people eat off my plate. I would much rather get up and make someone a whole other plate of food from scratch, than to have them pick at my food. I know its weird, but I am who I am! I apologize for nothing!
