Daily Inspiration: Meet Erin Hendley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hendley.

Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was always curious about people, fascinated with color, and infatuated with presentation. Before being able to articulate it, I understood that every person had their own unique combination to unlock their inner beauty.

In between semesters of college, I enrolled in Makeup School in Chicago, IL. This education was the perfect pairing with my Fashion Merchandising degree when I moved to NYC to polish My career experience.

I have done makeup on-site for Allure & Glamour magazines, New York Fashion Week and celebrities including Jason Sudeikis, Ilana Glazer and Kyle MacLachlan. However, the accomplishment I am most proud of is collaborating with “everyday people” in a space that leaves guests in awe of their surroundings and of themselves.

F.A.C.E. takes inspiration from the durability and craftsmanship of vintage beauty packaging. We source period compacts and refurbish their interiors to accommodate new, refillable products. This fusion of the cosmetic past and present results in timeless keepsakes and art pieces. Clients relish the experience of selecting a unique compact and customizing it with their choice of eye, cheek, or face powder colors.

Each refurbished vintage compact sold at F.A.C.E. comes with its own unique story, adding to its charm and appeal. These compacts often seem serendipitous, as people discover them at just the right moment, finding comfort, inspiration, or wisdom in their individual narratives. Beauty truly is an art form.

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?
Like most creative and entrepreneurial paths, it hasn’t always been a smooth road—building something meaningful rarely is. As a makeup artist, I’ve had to navigate the balance between artistry and business, constantly evolving my skills while also managing the many moving pieces that come with running a company.

One of the biggest challenges came when I was in the middle of building my brick-and-mortar space—right as COVID was unfolding. What should have been an exciting new chapter quickly turned into an immense strain, with shutdowns, supply delays, and an unpredictable future making it nearly impossible to plan ahead. Beauty services were among the first industries to pause and one of the last to fully recover. The industry itself had changed, and I had to adapt quickly to ensure F.A.C.E. remained relevant and resilient.

Another ongoing challenge is the economic climate—makeup services are often among the first to feel shifts when times are uncertain. When budgets tighten, beauty is sometimes seen as expendable, making it crucial to offer services that feel both valuable and adaptable. That’s why I’ve focused on creating offerings that empower clients long-term, whether through private makeup lessons, curated product selections, or experiences that bring people together through beauty.

Rising competition has also shaped the way I run my business. With new beauty services constantly entering the market and social media making trends more accessible than ever, it’s essential to differentiate by focusing on authenticity, expertise, and genuine connection. I’m not just offering makeup—I’m offering education, customization, and a deeper understanding of what beauty means for each individual.

Despite the challenges, every hurdle has strengthened F.A.C.E. into what it is today: a space where artistry meets authenticity, where makeup is more than just a product—it’s an experience, a tool for self-expression, and sometimes, even a piece of history.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At F.A.C.E. Makeup Artistry, two key offerings define my work: Private Makeup Lessons and refurbished vintage compacts.

The Private Makeup Lessons are just that—completely private. There are no other stylists, no overlapping clients, and no distractions. Each session is a one-on-one experience tailored entirely to the individual, ensuring that they receive my full attention, expertise, and guidance. Whether it’s mastering everyday makeup, adjusting techniques for aging skin, or affirming identity through beauty, these lessons are designed to be immersive, personalized, and empowering.

The refurbished vintage compacts are another signature at F.A.C.E.—a way to blend nostalgia with modern beauty. These compacts honor the sentimental value of vintage pieces while making space for new products. They are functional, meaningful, and unlike anything found in traditional makeup offerings.

Beyond services, I also engage with beauty on a deeper level through my daily blog and weekly email, where I explore the intersection of makeup, culture, and psychology. No one else approaches beauty in quite this way—looking beyond trends to examine why we wear makeup, how it shapes identity, and the ways in which it connects to self-perception and societal norms.

What sets F.A.C.E. apart isn’t just the services, but the experience. No waiting rooms, no competition for space or time—just undivided attention and a beauty philosophy that goes beyond the surface.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to mentorship and networking, I’ve found that some of the best insights don’t always come from within the beauty industry itself. I like to take inspiration and conversation from other industries—marketing, psychology, art, even architecture—and bring those ideas over to makeup and beauty. There’s so much to learn from how other fields approach creativity, problem-solving, and human connection.

Beyond external influences, I’ve also learned to be my own mentor. Journaling has been a powerful tool for this—I regularly revisit old entries, having a sort of ongoing dialogue with my past and future self. It’s a way to track growth, recognize patterns, and refine my perspective over time.

As for networking, the best connections have always come from genuine curiosity. I engage with people not just to expand my circle, but to truly understand their experiences, perspectives, and expertise. It’s less about traditional networking events and more about meaningful conversations that naturally lead to opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://facemakeupartistryllc.com/