What's your story?
“Career-me story”
-My name is Elizabeth Cook, but call me Liz. I was born and raised in a tiny town called Clinton, Ohio. I grew up loving the arts, music, animals, and playing outside for hours and hours. I moved to Lakewood when I was 18 to attend fashion school and started dabbling in makeup more. Fashion wasn’t my jam but makeup totally was.
In 2005 I “faked it till I made it” and totally nailed down a job at MAC Cosmetics for 3 years and started soaking it in. During that time I attended Brown Aveda Institute for my Esthetics license to learn more about my canvas, the skin. Then.... THE RECESSION. We won’t give that era much time but let’s just say- I was jobless. MAC laid 18 people off in the region and I was one of them. That was when I realized I couldn’t count on ANYONE to look out for me or help my goals happen. So I started making plans to go freelance... it took 7 long, painful years of working other jobs I couldn’t stand and growing my own business in my off time. Also trying to learn hairstyling on my own because clients want both makeup and hair talent in one person. (Because they’re SO similar! Eyeroll.) 2012 I left my last “real job” and went freelance. The scariest and best thing I have ever done!
It’s been almost 8 years of self employed bliss. Mostly working commercial, catalog, and e-commerce and campaigns for fashion brands. Did some movie work for 3 years before learning, that’s not my journey! (Ha!) I’ve done 9 years and over 18 seasons back stage at New York for Fashion Week, along with shows in Miami, Paris and Cannes. My all time favorite is when I get to work with Musicians or Performers/Actors.
"Real Me Story"
I’m an Aries Sun, Libra Rising, Leo Moon. I love my 3 cats, plants/making things grow, sitting on my couch, watching music videos, singing, sleeping, traveling, and I hate wearing makeup. If I could get paid for crying, I’d be a rich woman. I hate hanging out in groups, peas, “too many cooks in the kitchen”, and people who are late. If I wasn’t a makeup artist I’d be working with children/adults with special needs/developmentally different.
Fin.
What makes you nervous about having your portrait taken?
Im usually always on the other side of the camera! I get nervous about not looking “perfect” or having the right angle. I’m picky. Which is super lame... I work on that everyday. Self love is such a day to day adventure.
Can I share some of your images?
Sure! Some! 😉🤣
What do you love doing that makes you feel kick ass?
Going to concerts, watching live music, musical theater, and any kind of live performance. I just love being entertained!
Traveling to places I’ve always wanted to go makes me feel super accomplished and proud.
Working really hard for good memories is always my favorite! It took a long time to be able to save for trips and it’s someone I prioritize as much as possible now and am thankful I can do. Traveling makes me feel alive, present, and a part of something more, something bigger.
Music, adventure, art, people watching, good food, beautiful city centers or sweeping landscapes, historic architecture, and filling my senses with unfamiliar surroundings makes me feel kick ass.
What inspired your portraits?
I feel like most people only see one side of me, because that’s all I allow them to see. Professional or “Work Me.”
I think these photos show the outgoing theatre kid, the imaginative only child, a tough woman who’s gone through a lot, the introverted shy person who likes to be a shut in, and I’m really, really goofy! Which I really love. Ha!
What bad ass women inspire you?
So many!
My Mom, 100%. I’m so thankful to her for raising me to be sweet AND tough, someone with a voice. She raised me with respect, like a small adult, and I’m thankful to her everyday for that.
My sweet girl friends who’ve left this earth before me, far too soon. Molly, Kellie, and Ashley/Elly. Their strength and love of life keeps me going. Cherish every birthday, every year older, every day... Aging is a privilege so many are robbed from.
Honorable mentions in no particular order: Jane Goodall, Joan Jett, Carol Burnett, Yayoi Kusama, Selena Quintanilla-Perez, Amelia Earhart, Ve Neil, Gloria Steinem, Tina Fey, Patti Lupone, Ashley Graham, Cher, Debbie Harry, and Ann & Nancy Wilson.
Any Other Comments?
Thank you so much for doing this project! It’s so incredible to be a part of it! ❤️ Honored.
