cosmetology career

Elise Brill's love for the power of cosmetics started simply enough; as a child she found herself drawn to people's faces and was always taking pictures of them. Years later Brill would follow that passion to Columbia College where she studied film arts before embarking on a career as a casting director. But when her work became so hectic that she had to reschedule her own wedding, Brill knew it was time to return to her first love, cosmetology, with the help of the knowledge she had accumulated on-set.

"I have an appreciation for each individual," explains Brill. "Everyone has their own beauty...there's something to be said about working with what you have."

Thanks to Brill's work in casting -- which had her comparing actors' headshots with their real-life appearances during auditions -- she learned how to construct the best make-up look for both on- and off-screen. Applying her understanding to her new cosmetology career, Brill soon went on to work as a freelance make-up artist for venues such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and InStyle Magazine.

But Brill soon yearned for greater freedom and, in 1993, decided to turn her cosmetology career into an entrepreneurial opportunity by starting her own make-up business (www.LeesiB.com). Now with 16 years in the industry, Brill specializes in beautifying brides in Illinois -- a job that she thoroughly enjoys.

"You're contributing to people feeling good about themselves," says Brill. "You're there for each girl on that day -- one of the most important days at the time. It's a blessing to be involved."

Because of the demand for a great wedding look that works both down-the-aisle and in the photo album, Brill's work has gained widespread recognition for making women look as lovely in-person as they will on film. Says Brill, "I try to help [women] be the best versions of themselves ever."

While Brill enjoys that her cosmetology career allows her to help people while never experiencing the boredom of a predictable workday, she does warn that cosmetology is not for everyone. According to her, it takes a person who is good at communicating and is not easily taken aback or shy.

The important thing, though, is to do what you like. As Brill tells her own customers, "You have to be crazy -- as a woman with all of the opportunities out there today -- not to go out and do what you love."

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