MANALAPAN, NJ — Manalapan resident Lauren Dattolo didn’t always plan on becoming a makeup artist.
When Dattolo, 44, first graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she started her career in fashion merchandising and bridal work. Though Dattolo began in the fashion field, she said her love for makeup only grew as the years went by, and what first started as a hobby eventually became her career.
“I always knew I loved makeup,” Dattolo said. “I was always buying a ton of it, and when I worked at Saks 5th Avenue, I would do makeup for friends and family and stuff like that.”
As Dattolo practiced cosmetology more and more, she found herself taking classes at Make-Up Designory and training under other makeup artists. After she became pregnant with her son, Dattolo quit working in the fashion industry and started focusing on makeup full-time.
“I just started concentrating on creating a business,” Dattolo said. “You know? I was trying to hustle and turn my hobby into a career.”
Since then, Dattolo has launched her own makeup and spray tanning business in Manalapan. Whether it’s a special occasion like a wedding or bridal shower, or you just want to look nice for a family photo, Dattolo offers a variety of makeup and spray-tanning services for her customers.
“I offer makeup really for any occasion,” Dattolo said. “I do a lot of photo shoots, people who are taking headshots or family photos and things like that, and spray tan as a separate service.”
In addition to Dattolo’s makeup and spray tanning services, she also offers one-on-one makeup lessons for people who want to learn more about makeup and what products work best for them.
According to Dattolo, one of the best parts about running her own business is empowering women to feel good about their appearance.
“I just love it,” Dattolo said. “When I get to make women feel good about themselves, or I’m doing someone’s makeup for a special occasion, I love getting to be a part of that happy time in their life.”
According to Dattolo, the Manalapan community has been a vital part of her business success. Meeting community members through makeup has been one of the highlights of starting her work.
“I’ve made so many great relationships just being in Manalapan,” Dattolo said. “I’ve met a ton of girls and families doing things like prom makeup and spray tans, and it’s been great because people are so supportive of local business — especially female business owners.”
“I just want everyone to love the work I’m providing for them,” Dattolo continued. “And I love working with the community and hearing that feedback in any way.”
To learn more about Dattolo’s services, you can visit her website.
