By Kelly Waldron
Emmy-award winning makeup artist Valenté Frazier met with Susquehanna students and staff on Thursday, Sept. 26 for a night of conversation, inspiration and beautification.
Sharing his 30 years of experience in the makeup and fashion industry, Frazier spent two hours in Stretansky Music Hall. He shared funny stories, makeup tips and his career journey as he did Hawk Hub’s Student Support Specialist, Li Lian Schultz’s, makeup.
Frazier began his journey as a fine arts major at Norfolk State University. After graduation, he began working for Elizabeth Arden at a convenience store.
Learning from beauty books, magazines and fashion television, Frazier moved to the Bronx to live with his grandfather and expand his career. Slowly, Frazier worked different small jobs and began to build his client base.
“I’m very grateful for the people who were really honest with me in the beginning of my career to really get me together,” Frazier said.
Frazier later would go on to work with Tyra Banks, Rihanna, Iman, Jenifer Lewis and Angela Basset. His ability to enhance someone’s natural beauty also landed him positions on shows such as America’s Next Top Model, America’s Got Talent, The Kelly Clarkson Show and Abbott Elementary.
As a makeup artist, Frazier said he has traveled to six continents and become a citizen of the world, even though he never could’ve imagined successfully working in this field.
However, the accomplished artist said that he enjoyed the change of pace that visiting Susquehanna has offered. Frazier enjoyed the opportunity because he could slow down, relax and meet with students to share everything he’s worked for.
“The students are the reason I’m here… I’m here to share my techniques and my journey with you,” Frazier said.
Overall, the night was a success as Schultz left looking beautiful and the audience left happy.