Meet Emily Caitlan | Professional Makeup Artist/Makeup Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Caitlan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There is such a negative connotation associated with the word “risk.” But, viewing it less as a “gamble” and more as a calculated move, taking a risk could be exactly what an individual needs in order to grow professionally or personally.

Had I not taken the leap of faith and left my hometown of Chicago, Illinois for Las Vegas, Nevada, the professional growth I longed for may have never happened. And conversely, it also had potential to be the wrong move professionally, but that was the risk I was willing to take.

I had wild dreams of being a makeup artist for Cirque du Soleil since I was young. As a theatre student in college, I applied numerous times and received just as many no’s. I was relentless in my pursuit, and partially stubborn, so I moved across the country. I risked everything.

I intentionally worked for a makeup brand that Cirque du Soleil used backstage as my avenue to get to the position that I wanted. Within the first year of transferring to my new Las Vegas retail location, I was asked to body paint for a Cirque charity event. The risks I took were paying off! Every person I met, I told them what I wanted to do professionally. I put it out into the atmosphere, whether people believed my ridiculously specific professional aspirations or not.

The connections I made, the work that I put forth, the dedication to my goals, and the calculated risks I had to take all paid off. I used that opportunity as a stepping stone, and found myself as the Wig/Makeup technician for Mystere by Cirque du Soleil within my first year of living in Las Vegas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a professional makeup artist and designer. I started my career as a beauty artist with my sights set on the theatrical world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Las Vegas has so much to offer both on and off of the strip! A few of my must-dos include:

Food/Drinks:
-Marche Bacchus in Summerlin for a lakeside dinner
-Mon Ami Gabi for brunch on the Strip overlooking the Bellagio Fountains
-XPot at the Venetian
-Firefly Bar & Tapas on the Southwest part of town
-Secret Pizza at Cosmopolitan for late night eats
-Drinks at the Chandelier Bar at Cosmopolitan (try “The Verbana”!)

Things-To-Do:
-Mystere by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island for an awe inspiring production
-Mike Hammer for a great comedy magic show
-Absinthe at Caesar’s Palace for hilarious and mind-blowing performances
-XS at Wynn/Encore for a fun night out
-Mobb Museum in Downtown Las Vegas
-Area15/MeowWolf off of the strip for an immersive experience fit for the whole  family

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are two very specific people in my life that have supported my professional aspirations and my growth personally.

My mom is the strongest, most intelligent, and most supportive woman that I have ever met. She saw that I was both artistic and cerebral from a very young age, and put me in schools/programs that would both challenge me and foster my growth. She cheered me on every step of the way, allowed me to freely express myself, and trusted my judgment. My mom is my biggest cheerleader!

My fiance, Alex, is the other person in my life that deserves a big shoutout. He celebrates all of my successes, no matter how small, and is genuinely proud of the woman I am. When I hit a bump in the road, his words of encouragement, wise advice, and loving nature are exactly what I need to pick back up and persevere. He also encouraged me to start my own business which has become a thriving, successful brand.

Website: www.setandfury.com

Instagram: Emilycaitlan

Image Credits
Nova Lyric Photography All images of prior work have been emailed to avoid distortion. Thanks!