In the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where celebrations pulse with life and creativity, Megan Hebert found her calling amidst the glitter and glam of the festival season. Starting as a high schooler dabbling in makeup for Halloween and Mardi Gras, she navigated the dual paths of event planning and film industry after graduation, transforming a playful hobby into a thriving career. eniGma’s Reham Adel had the chance to chat with Megan Hebert to explore her creative journey, inspirations, and the magic behind her transformative art.
Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city renowned for its cultural celebrations, Megan was naturally drawn to the art of makeup. This deep-rooted connection to the arts was nurtured by her father, an artist himself, and a family that encouraged her to explore her creative passions “Being a part of such a festive upbringing, I was always drawn to costumes and character making since I was a child. I have always had a passion for the arts,” she reflects.
Despite her early aspirations to attend makeup school, Megan chose to heed her parents’ advice and pursued a traditional degree first. Following her graduation, she ventured into event planning, organising festivals, weddings, and corporate events. “After college, I had a whole other career as an event planner, working for festivals, weddings, and corporate events, but the film industry always called me, hence the steady incoming productions in my hometown of New Orleans.” Megan explained.
From here, Megan started a new journey in her career first working at an event production company and then going freelance and starting a career in film. This leap of faith led her to Los Angeles, where she enrolled in Cinema Makeup School. There, she honed her skills in everything from beauty to prosthetics and special effects. Now, after eight years as a professional makeup and hair artist, she has made a name for herself in the industry “I first started off as a Production Assistant, then a Producer’s Assistant, and then decided to completely switch gears and move to Los Angeles to pursue my love for makeup.”
Megan’s unique approach to the craft sets her apart from other makeup artists, believing makeup is an energy exchange not just a skill. “I feel like many makeup artists can have similar techniques, but for me, I do everything with intention, and it’s the energy that I bring that makes the experience different,” she explains. The transformation process is a deeply collaborative experience. From mood boards to colour selections, she values the personal connection she establishes with her clients, ensuring that each session is not only about makeup but also about sharing stories and experiences. “Talking about real life, what inspires them, what hardships they are going through, what exciting moments are happening in their lives, etc. it’s an energy exchange!” she explains.
Megan has some sage advice for aspiring makeup artists: “continuously find ways to expand yourself creatively, keep yourself inspired and stay authentic. Stay connected to the joy of what makeup brings to you instead of the “arrival” to a destination.” She encourages emerging artists to learn from their peers and to explore other artistic mediums like painting, pottery, sculpting, and glass making, because you never know how working with other mediums can expand your creativity as a makeup artist. “The learning is endless,” she says, emphasising that many opportunities arise from humble beginnings. “My other advice is don’t compare yourself to other people as far as your success goes” she continues, seeing success as a journey not a destination “Success doesn’t happen overnight; your time will come when it’s right.”
Her recent work with Enigma Magazine’s 11th Celebration of Arab Glamour and Success in Beverly Hills exemplifies her growing influence in the industry. “Working with Yasmine and the team was an incredible experience,” she recalls, stressing the honour she received from collaborating with renowned talents like Googoosh and Menna Shelaby. “It was a night to remember, and I hope to be part of it again next year!”
Looking to the future, Megan is eager to expand her clientele and delve deeper into high fashion and beauty, seeking new avenues for creative inspiration. “I’d like to shift gears and focus more on high fashion and beauty as well as commercial clients.” With her passion and dedication, there’s no doubt that exciting opportunities await her.
As she continues her journey, Megan embodies the belief that when you do what you love, you truly never work a day in your life.