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They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while that may be true, many of us still crave that extra touch of perfection to enhance what’s already there. For Atlanta- based makeup artist Marcella Ross, better known as @facesbymarcella, helping others feel their most beautiful has been a passion of hers since college. 

Ross’s journey into makeup artistry began in 2017 while attending Central State University. What started out as a hobby soon turned into a skill set, as she found herself doing makeup for the models in her school’s homecoming fashion show. Watching her work come to life on the runway was an unforgettable experience, one that solidified her love for beauty. From there, her passion continued to grow, shaping her into the artist she is today. 

One of the biggest misconceptions Ross has encountered in her career is the misunderstanding of what “natural makeup” truly means. “People often think natural makeup means using less product, but that’s not always necessarily the case,” she explains. “It’s really about technique, how you blend, how you set the base, and the overall finish. It’s not always about minimalism, but about creating a look that simply feels effortless.”

Specializing in both soft and full glam, Ross enjoys the versatility of her work and doesn’t have a preference between the two. What she truly loves, however, is the connection she builds with her clients while their sitting in her chair. “I love the conversations, the girl talk, and just making people feel their best. Seeing their reaction when they look in the mirror is indescribable,” she says. 

As a recent member of the Mimbbo platform, Ross is excited to see the app’s growth, calling it a valuable tool for both beauty professionals and clients seeking quality services. For those looking to book with her, Mimbbo provides a seamless way to connect.

Unlike many professionals, Ross has been extremely fortunate to avoid difficult clients, thus far. The closest experience she’s had was with a late client, though Ross was very understanding, as the woman had traveled from out of town for her birthday. Still, she emphasizes the importance of communication. “I’m flexible and understanding, but I don’t like my time to be wasted. As long as my client’s communication, I can work with them,” she says. 

Her biggest lesson as an entrepreneur? Setting boundaries. “When I first started out, I struggled with that,” she admits. “If you don’t establish boundaries, people will walk all over you.” Another challenge was mastering skin tone matching, but with time and practice, she sharpened her skills and gained confidence in her craft. 

Ross emphasizes the importance of honestly with clients, especially when a requested look may not be the best fit for them. “As a makeup artist, you must be honest. If something won’t complement a client’s features, it’s better to guide them toward what will enhance their beauty rather than just saying yes to everything,” she explains. She also stresses the importance of 

Skincare, reminding clients that caring for their skin is just as essential as they makeup itself. “Even when you’re not wearing makeup, your skin still needs attention. A healthy skincare routine lays the foundation for flawless makeup application,” she adds. 

When it comes to building a successful business in the beauty industry, Ross believes the key is staying teachable. “You should always be a student, there’s always something new to learn and room to grow,” she says. She also stresses the importance of investing in yourself, maintaining professionalism, and delivering excellent customer service. “People remember how you treat them, and that’s just as important as the work you do,” she adds.

Looking ahead, Ross’s biggest goal is to transition into doing makeup full- time, working on TV and film sets, and seeing her artistry featured in magazines. With her dedication and passion for beauty, it’s only a matter of time before she turns those dreams into reality. 

With a passion for beauty and a dedication to her craft, Marcella Ross continues to make her mark in the beauty industry, one face at a time. As she looks ahead to future filled with big opportunities, Ross remains focused on perfecting her artistry. With her talent and determination, there’s no doubt that her name will soon be recognized among in the top in the beauty industry. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Faces by Marcella