Bodhi Babes Wonder Women - Brittany Jamison-Lackey
- louisehewison
- Jan 4, 2015
- 5 min read
Meet our Bodhi Babes Wonder Woman #BBWW
Make Up Artist, Brittany Jamison-Lackey.
Brittany provides makeup services for filming, TV, editorial and photography. Brittany works with film production companies and creative agencies providing makeup and hair styling on advertising campaigns and designs makeup looks for music videos.
Brittany did my hair and makeup on a film I worked on last year- I highly recommend her- she's a really great makeup artist and a lovely person to spend time with.
When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?
This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I think I read too many Nancy Drew books and was obsessed with Harriet the Spy; I wanted to be a detective and was constantly climbing up trees or prowling through bushes to the dismay of my mother, spying on the neighbours and looking for suburban crimes!
What do you do now? For work?
I am a Makeup Artist working in film, television, as well as editorial and commercial photoshoots.
For fun?
I love animals, traveling, discovering and listening to music and vinyl, riding my bike, cooking, baking, watching old films, going to the beach, shopping, spending time in my garden hammock, BBQing and camping.
How did you get into your area of expertise?
I took courses in business, art, fashion design and merchandising at University and had an internship with Designer, Zandra Rhodes. I worked in retail (fashion and cosmetics) and this led to me working backstage at fashion shows and photoshoots - eventually I decided to take my experience and go my own way as a freelance makeup artist for film, print and digital.
What obstacles have you faced in following your dreams and how have you overcome them?
I really struggled with believing in myself and in my capabilities. I didn’t actually think it was possible to make a career in what I was doing and felt so frustrated as I didn’t know what path to take and I knew no one in the industry. I felt like giving up so many times - and I did for awhile, but then I missed doing makeup. Now, I carry on and try to stop listening to negative voices and surround myself with positive thinkers. I have tried to specialise in areas where I feel the most confident. Little by little, a few doors started opening. I believe you have to keep working towards your goals, as there isn’t really a point where you get to stop. Things just don’t fall into your lap.
I have also struggled to learn to cope and live with serious, chronic health problems including Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune condition which causes fluctuating muscle weakness. I had a bad bike accident this August which broke the ‘ball’ off the ball and socket joint on my femur, which resulted in surgery the same day for a dynamic hip screw - so I’m learning to walk again and have the goal to get off crutches this winter with the help of some great NHS physiotherapists. Luckily, I am still able to work!
What’s the best part of what you do?
The crazy rush of excitement and adrenaline that washes over me when I am doing makeup. I love all the confident people who are following their dreams whose makeup I get to do. I feel happy when I get to be creative and work with my hands to visually tell stories, create characters and make amazing art each time. I also like contributing to a team as I get to work with some interesting people.
What advice do you have for other women who might want to follow suit?
Every little thing you do leads to something so never stop working hard or discount the value of what you are doing right now. Don’t always look ahead; enjoy what you are doing right now. You must make things happen for yourself instead of relying on others. Dreams don’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of work, so don’t be discouraged if you find you have to steer yourself down another course to get to where you want to be. Never stop learning and educating yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people.
What’s your morning routine?
Hit the snooze bar as many times as I can get away with! I have to eat breakfast no matter how early it is. I love listening to the birds singing outside my window and usually watch the news and play music while drinking tea or a smoothie.
3 things that are on your ‘to do’ list today?
Well, today is my day off - so I will take a bath, read and hopefully do some watercolour painting and watch a film and eat some popcorn. It is important for me to get enough “me time” to feel recharged and refreshed. I will also reply to some client emails, update my website, and clean some makeup brushes and organise and tidy my makeup kit to get it ready for the next job.
What are you working on at the moment? Next project?
I have been working on some photoshoots and a film in Brighton. In January, I will be working in a TV studio, applying makeup to four presenters on a children’s TV show for a major network, and I will also be working in London on a film shoot.
One woman you admire and why?
I admire my friend’s mother-in-law, Penny Vincenzi for her strong spirit and courage, amazing career, her long and happy marriage to her late husband and their large family.
Three wishes?
I wish:
1. to get a dog
2. for better health this year
3. to see more of my family in the future as we’re all spread out at the moment
Who do you turn to for advice?
My husband. He provides me with logical, fair and valued opinions.
Who do you turn to for a shoulder to cry on?
No one, I like to shed my tears in private!
Favourite book?
Any Human Heart, by William Boyd
Favourite movie?
The Royal Tennenbaums, Rushmore and The Darjeeling Limited - I love all of Wes Anderson’s films! I’d love to work with him one day.
Favourite childhood game?
Softball on a sunny summer morning in the park with my girl friends.
Fantasy career?
What I do now - or something where I get to be with cute animals!
Words for Monday motivation?
Today, anything is possible!
#FeelGoodFriday song?
I’m listening to alot of ‘70s stuff at the moment, so probably Bennie and the Jets or Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John as the record is on permanent rotation at the moment! Anything by T. Rex, or possibly Fat Bottom Girls by Queen which was bellowed loudly by all on a recent family road trip up the west coast of the USA.
Favourite quote?
I read something the other day that said: “the thing with challenges is, they’re only as big as we make them seem and as strong as our weakness will allow.”
Brittany Jamison-Lackey, Professional Makeup Artist
Website www.brittanyjamisonlackey.co.uk
Phone 07896 054809
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BrittanyJamisonLackeyMakeupArtist
Thank you so much Brittany!
x Louise
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