Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Mac.
Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be a hairstylist. Growing up, I was heavily involved in dance, and I loved everything about getting ready for performances. Hair, makeup, costumes, and the confidence that came from stepping on stage fascinated me from a young age. Being a second-generation cosmetologist probably helped too—beauty was always around me, and pursuing a career in cosmetology felt natural.
What I didn’t know was that I would eventually become a makeup artist.
When I attended Regency Beauty Institute, my focus was entirely on hair. At the time, I didn’t even realize professional makeup artistry was a career path. One of my educators saw something in me and suggested I apply at a brand-new beauty retailer opening at the Mall of America called Sephora. A friend of hers needed help, and she thought my personality and creativity would be a great fit.
That opportunity completely changed the direction of my career.
Working at Sephora introduced me to the world of makeup artistry, and I quickly fell in love with it. Not long after, I was recruited by MAC Cosmetics, where I received incredible training and learned the artistry behind painting faces. While makeup was becoming a bigger part of my world, I continued investing in my education as a hairstylist, training with Rocco Altobelli and later working behind the chair to strengthen my technical skills in cutting, color, and styling.
Over the years, those two paths—hair and makeup—began to merge. What started as a love of hairstyling evolved into a career that allowed me to work in television, film, editorial, commercial productions, and live broadcast. I’ve had the opportunity to lead hair and makeup departments on film projects and spent seven years as Lead Hair and Makeup Artist at ShopHQ, where I learned how to create camera-ready looks under the fast-paced pressure of live television.
Looking back, there wasn’t one defining moment that got me where I am today. It was a series of opportunities, hard work, continued education, and saying yes to experiences that pushed me outside my comfort zone. More than 20 years later, I still love what I do because every day is different. Whether I’m working on a film set, preparing talent for television, or helping someone feel confident in their own skin, I get to combine creativity, connection, and artistry—and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, I’ve been very fortunate in my career, but like everyone in our industry, COVID was one of the biggest challenges. It forced us to completely rethink how we worked while keeping both ourselves and our clients safe.
Today, the challenge looks a little different. The beauty industry is evolving quickly with AI and digital technology changing how people consume content. While those tools have their place, they can never replace the experience of sitting in a chair, having a real artist understand your features, and creating something uniquely for you. Human connection, creativity, and personalized artistry will always be at the heart of what we do, and that’s something I hope our industry never loses.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a hair and makeup artist based in Minnesota, but my career has taken me all over. My work spans commercial, film, television, private clients, pageantry, and the occasional wedding. While production is where my heart is, I love that this career allows me to work across so many different areas of the beauty industry. Whether I’m creating a camera-ready makeup look, designing hair that helps tell a character’s story, or helping someone feel their absolute best, every client and every project is unique.
Living in Minnesota has taught me to be incredibly versatile. We don’t have one dominant industry, so I’ve learned to adapt to everything from television sets and feature films to commercials, editorial work, pageantry, and special events. That versatility has become one of my greatest strengths.
What truly sets me apart isn’t just my technical ability—it’s who I am as a person. There are so many talented hair and makeup artists today, and clients can choose anyone. I believe what people remember most is how you make them feel. With more than 20 years of experience, my goal is always to help someone feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely seen. I believe there’s something beautiful or handsome about every person who sits in my chair, and it’s my job to enhance what’s already there through both hair and makeup.
To me, hair and makeup are about so much more than products and techniques. They tell stories, build confidence, and create connection. Whether I’m preparing an actor for a scene, styling someone for a pageant, or helping a private client get ready for a milestone moment, I want them to leave my chair feeling empowered before they even look in the mirror. If they feel more confident than when they sat down, then I’ve done my job.
Looking back, I’m most proud that I’ve been able to build a career doing what I love while earning a reputation that reflects not only my artistry but also my character. Every opportunity has helped shape me into the artist I am today, and I’m excited to continue growing, inspiring others, and seeing where this journey takes me next.
I never want to be known as just a hair and makeup artist. I want to be remembered as someone who made people feel beautiful, confident, cared for, and truly seen. To me, that’s what this profession has always been about.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
No one builds a career alone, and I truly believe I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have amazing people supporting me along the way. Friends, family, mentors, clients, and colleagues have all played a role in helping me become the artist I am today.
My mom inspired my career long before I ever picked up a brush. She owned a salon before I was born, and although I never got to see it, I grew up watching her do hair in our home—including giving my dad the occasional perm, which still makes me laugh. Looking back, that’s where my love for this industry first began.
Professionally, I’m incredibly grateful for my ShopHQ family. The years I spent there helped shape my career, and I was surrounded by people who believed in me, encouraged me, and gave me opportunities to grow—not only as a hair and makeup artist, but as a person.
I’d also love to recognize my dear friend Natalie Hale, who has been generous in sharing her knowledge of the film industry and continues to mentor me as I grow in that space. Learning from someone with her experience has been invaluable.
And of course, my best friend and business partner, Summer Rose. Together, we co-founded Last Looks HMU, where we work side by side as Hair and Makeup Department Heads. We truly divide and conquer on set, challenge each other creatively, and celebrate each other’s successes. Building a business together with someone I trust completely has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
Most of all, I’m thankful to every client, producer, director, photographer, and person who has trusted me to be part of their story. This industry may be built on creativity, but it’s sustained by relationships. Every opportunity has helped shape the artist I am today, and I never take that trust for granted. As my career continues to grow, I hope to encourage and support others the same way so many people have encouraged and supported me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Meganmachmu.com
- Instagram: @missmacmuah
- Facebook: @missmacmuah_hmu
