Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucrezia Mapelli.
Hi Lucrezia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started in makeup over 10 years ago with zero connections and a very clear feeling that this was what I wanted to do. I didn’t grow up in the industry and I didn’t have a big network handing me opportunities — I built everything from the ground up. What began as doing makeup because I loved how it made women feel quickly turned into a serious career path.
Early on, I invested heavily in education, refined my technique obsessively, and said yes to every opportunity that helped me grow. Bridal became a natural focus because I loved being part of such meaningful moments, but I always brought an editorial eye to my work — inspired by the precision and skin work you see during Milan Fashion Week. That balance between real-life beauty and elevated artistry became my signature.
As my client base grew, I realized I didn’t just love doing makeup — I loved raising the standard of it. Several years ago, I stepped into education, hosting workshops and mentoring artists who wanted to improve their technique, client experience, and business structure, especially in the bridal and fashion markets. Seeing artists gain confidence and elevate their careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Now I’m stepping into my next chapter: launching **LMH Beauty Academy – Makeup Education**. This has been on my heart for a long time. The academy is focused on structured, high-level education for makeup artists who are serious about mastering technique, understanding skin deeply, and building sustainable, profitable businesses. It’s about creating artists who are not just talented, but professional, strategic, and industry-ready.
Today, I run my studio in Downtown Kansas City, lead a team serving bridal parties with hair and makeup, and continue expanding into education and digital content. But at the core of everything I do is the same mission I started with — helping women feel like themselves, just elevated, and helping artists build careers they’re truly proud of.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
I started without connections, so I had to build everything from the ground up, especially when I had to relocate from Milan, Italy to Kansas City, MO. In the beginning, it was unpaid shoots, long bridal mornings, constant reinvesting in education, and learning business the hard way. Talent wasn’t the hardest part — learning pricing, boundaries, and confidence as a business owner was.
Burnout was real at times. I said yes to too much before I understood how to protect my energy and value my work properly.
A major turning point was being mentored by a well-known makeup artist in Milan who helped me step into fashion, celebrity, and TV work. That experience expanded my vision and raised my standards. It showed me what was possible — and it’s a big reason why I’m so passionate about mentorship now.
That’s also why I’m building LMH Beauty Academy – Makeup Education. I want to create the kind of guidance and structure that truly changes careers. Every struggle shaped me — not just as an artist, but as a leader — and now I want to help others shortcut some of that learning curve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional makeup artist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in bridal, editorial, and skin-focused artistry. I’m known for creating custom looks that feel like you, just elevated, with a focus on flawless, long-lasting skin that translates beautifully in person and on camera. Bridal is a big part of what I do, but I also love the creative challenge of editorial, celebrity, and TV work.
Beyond doing makeup, I’m really passionate about valuable education. I mentor other artists and am launching **LMH Beauty Academy – Makeup Education**, designed to give artists structured, high-level training to master both technique and business so they can build sustainable, successful careers.
What sets me apart is that I approach makeup as both an art and a business. I focus on quality, professionalism, and helping others grow — whether that’s a client walking out of my chair feeling confident or an artist leveling up their career. I’m most proud of building my studio and my career from the ground up while creating opportunities for other artists to succeed alongside me.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Honestly, I think the industry’s moving toward real, skin-focused beauty and authenticity. People are sick of overly filtered, perfect images and constant ads everywhere — they want to see real skin, real texture, and makeup that enhances who they actually are, not something that hides them. Artists who can deliver that while running their careers smartly are going to stand out.
Education and mentorship are going to be huge. More artists are looking for guidance not just on technique, but on how to actually build a sustainable business, manage clients, and grow their brand.
Finally diversity and inclusivity aren’t optional anymore — clients expect it.
At the end of the day, the artists who thrive will be the ones who combine skill, authenticity, and business savvy while creating experiences and content that feel genuine, not salesy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucreziamapellimakeupartist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmhbeautyacademykc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucreziamapellimua
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucreziamapellimua
