It is often said that no matter what your situation may be at the time, it’s all about how you work to get where you want to be. Whether growing up in a single parent household, enduring bullying, or simply not feeling comfortable in one’s surroundings, something as simple as sheer determination can change absolutely everything. For Ameri Amor, his determination led him to becoming a successful up-and-coming make-up artist with an already established portfolio and even more dreams to reach.
Growing up in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, Ameri’s childhood seemed to go by quicker than he may have wanted it to. “I feel like I grew up a little bit too fast, and I didn’t always get to enjoy certain things other kids my age were doing,” he admitted as he reflected on his younger days. Despite his bumpy ride as a child, Ameri cited school and church as his places of escape where he was truly able to be himself.
Ameri credits one personal aspect that got him started on his current path: his eye for beauty. Because of a lack of support and fear of judgement, he didn’t really tap into it until just a few years ago. “When you tired, you get tired,” he said. “I got this boldness a couple years ago because I was tired of not being supported. I eventually decided I was going to do what I want to do.”
Ameri’s first two major projects were ones he did not even see coming. He did make-up for Alex Holley of Philadelphia’s FOX 29 News and says his landing of that position was purely by the grace of God. “A big Philly make-up artist wasn’t able to do it, so he called on me to take his place.”
His other break came when he worked with R&B artist Tweet’s daughter and gospel singer Tashawna, another project that came by chance. “I was supposed to do make-up at Tweet’s event and I was pulled in to do her make-up,” he said. “That was from God also. I felt like I was meant to be there to do it so that I could have that experience.” Since then, Ameri has traveled within the tri-state area to build his clientele.
With every artist comes a personal style that they want to evoke through their work. Ameri says that his style includes heavily focusing on the eyes. “I feel like you can read through someone’s soul through their eyes. I try to tell a story when I’m doing make up and I start with the eyes.”
One potential route of backlash Ameri recognizes is the fact that he is a male in a generally female dominated industry. “There have been so many situations where I have been turned down from jobs or didn’t get gigs because I am a male.” However, he does not focus on the negativity and uses his work to speak for itself. “A lot of people go off of appearance before they see my work and are surprised when they do see my work.”
“I want to feel like I’ve worked with every person,” Ameri said as he gave a glimpse into what he wants to see in his future. “Eventually I want to work with just one person, but I still want to have time to do my freelance work as well.”
As far as that one person, Ameri cites celebs such as R&B singers Dawn Richardson, Chrisette Michele, and Rihanna are a few that he potentially wants to work with.
For others who are in Ameri’s position, he has just one simple piece of advice: be positive, think positive. “If you are an aspiring make-up artist, just practice and don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do it,” he added. “It’s a competitive industry so you have to be strong and be able to take criticism. But at the end of the day, you will get your chance.”
On Ameri’s episode of N_Ov8TV premiering on April 17th, you can watch and listen to him give more of his creative and inspiring spirit.
By: Matthew Brown