Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey Cooke.
Hi Aubrey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to fashion, makeup, and modeling. Though the path wasn’t exactly as I imagined, I’m grateful for where it has led me.
Fashion lets me create complete looks, merging perfect pieces with the right hair and makeup. As a child, I loved tearing pages from fashion magazines with my mom, trying to replicate those styles.
I also cherished flipping through my mom’s Kevyn Aucoin’s Making Faces for inspiration, which fueled my passion for transforming looks.
Growing up, I always dreamt of making it big in the world of fashion and modeling. Like many aspiring talents, I envisioned New York City as the ultimate destination. However, fate had other plans, and I found myself in the vibrant city of Los Angeles—a twist I now cherish deeply. At 20 years old, I made the daring decision to leave community college after two years. With my sights set on the west coast, I packed everything I could into my car. Accompanied by my supportive mom and sister, we embarked on a journey that would change my life forever. Landing in Los Angeles was just the beginning. I dove headfirst into the bustling world of fashion, dedicating myself to building a strong modeling portfolio. My efforts paid off as I began to gain recognition, with my work appearing in prestigious publications such as Italian Vogue and Lid’s sports stores. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that each step, from leaving college to establishing a name in LA, was a pivotal moment in my career.
After a few years of modeling and taking note from the makeup artists while on set I decided to take a step back from my career as a model and focus more on hair and makeup. I had always dabbled in it but never thought of it as a career. I was already working with friends on set when one of my best friends, Voice over actress and reporter, Ashely Bornancin, started to hiring me personally and encouraged me to do makeup full time! I worked on sets mostly and did red carpet events and head shot photography makeup.
Covid came and eventually disrupted all those plans. I moved back to Joplin (not willingly I might add) and shortly after got my footing here. Bought my first house and launched my vintage business, Lost Hollywood Vintage and my makeup business Aubrey Cooke makeup.
I now mix my passion for fashion with hair and makeup to bring a little bit of the Hollywood set life to Joplin, I also teach makeup classes and provide personal styling services. I’m so excited to see what comes my way!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh boy, I could write a BOOK about my journey. It has not been a smooth ride and often times I question my own sanity. What propelled me to move straight from my parents home to Los Angeles as a 20 year old?
I have a lot of tenacity and drive. That on top of ADHD and an overactive creative mind!
Ive had money stolen from me, I’ve had my career threatened, I’ve had my car totaled twice by hit and runs.. I’ve been told to get plastic surgery to get modeling jobs, I’ve had my photos used without my consent or signing a release form for others financial gain and I’m sure I’m missing some however I’m thankful for those experiences bc I learned from them and now I can educate other women in this industry to protect themselves and how.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional self taught makeup artist and hair stylist. I also sew and make some of my garments and jewelry for my store.
I love special effects makeup and editorial makeup. I’m known for my elaborate Halloween looks and costumes and my eclectic style. My favorite designer is Betsey Johnson especially circa early 1990s.
I’m proud of my drive and going after my dreams despite all the hurdles. I’m proud to say I’ve been working towards my goals for the last 15 years and have achieved them- and I’m not done yet!
I’d say what sets me apart is my originality and the fact I’ve been a model in front of the camera too. I’ve worked in Hollywood on sets and I’m able to bring that expertise and experience to the Midwest as a makeup artist and stylist.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t know if I’d call it luck. The goal, anywhere are connections and relationships. Genuine relationships. Living in LA where it’s common for people to use each other (can definitely happen anywhere) most people genuinely want to see others succeed. We all need each other. I wouldn’t be able to do my shoots without models or photographers ect. So I’d say genuine relationships and connections are what have helped me grow in life and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aubreycookemakeup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyscooke/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ELLCSfrKW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrey-cooke-53375591
- Other: https://www.losthollywoodvintage.com
