In December 2023 I told The Woman how I became a make-up artist after years in a field that had nothing to do with beauty. If you are thinking about starting over, maybe my story will help.

From trucking to make-up

Until I was 30, I worked in transport, a tough, male-dominated world: I supervised lorry drivers on routes to Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. I wasn’t happy there. I was exhausted, found no satisfaction in the daily routine, my energy was going in the wrong direction, and the people around me didn’t inspire me.

“For a very long time a passion for colour, make-up and beauty had been smouldering inside me, but I didn’t have the courage to see it as valuable.”

When I felt the time for change had come, I let my intuition guide me back to my own values and to what I truly loved. The fear of regretting that I never tried was bigger than any other fear. And no, I never once asked myself whether it was too late. I felt it was the right moment for me.

Italy, Bucharest and my mentor, Dana Argeșan

For a while I lived in Italy. In Milan I looked for make-up courses, but they were very expensive, so I came back to Romania with one clear goal: Dana Argeșan’s course. Even though I had no experience, Dana took me into her class, and afterwards I was her apprentice for a year.

My first thought was: “Wow, I never imagined it was all so different!” I was fascinated by colours, by how to hold a brush properly, by how many textures there are and how much care they need. I admit I also felt overwhelmed. I often wondered whether I was right for such a demanding world, and I needed a lot of reassurance before I stopped doubting myself.

I admired Dana enormously. She taught me the ABCs of the job. I loved assisting her on set, watching how she worked with a whole team and how she did make-up on such different faces and themes. I didn’t care how many hours I spent on my feet; it was the best school I could have had. Her most important lesson: have the courage to find your own style, be 100% present and authentic in everything you do, and give the best service whatever the context.

What I brought with me from my old job

Nothing was wasted. From the transport years I kept two skills I use every day:

  • Adaptability: finding solutions quickly in difficult situations.
  • Openness to learning: admitting what I don’t know yet. It has kept me moving ever since.

And from my years in Italy I kept one belief: work shouldn’t only pay the bills, it should also fulfil you. When what you do matches your values, your professional and personal lives fall into harmony.

The price of building a career from scratch

I wanted to become one of the best, and I put everything into it. There were hours, even whole days, in photo studios and on film sets, very early mornings, cold, rain, weekends and holidays spent working. It wasn’t easy for my family to accept.

Today I understand how important it is to balance your career and your personal life. But back then I consciously chose to put all my energy into the work. I knew it was essential for what I wanted to build.

What makes me happy today

Working in fashion, beauty and editorials, I met producers and photographers from abroad who recognised themselves in my style. That is how the international collaborations with Gucci, Armani and Dior came about. The most memorable project is still the cover editorial for Vogue Beauty Ukraine, which I had wanted so much. For five years I was also the official make-up artist for Bourjois Paris in Romania and Eastern Europe. Working with international brands also taught me how important it is to meet deadlines.

More and more of my time now goes into teaching. Seeing my students progress brings me immense joy. I work through education, practical demonstrations, practice, constructive feedback, inspiration and motivation. For make-up artists who want to grow, I created the live programme Makeup PRO.

I don’t do it all alone. My sister, Carolina, looks after administration and finance, a PR agency helps with promotion, someone handles the online ads for my courses, and I create content with a photo and video specialist.

My advice if you want to start over

Starting out in make-up can be hard, but it is full of opportunities. Remember that a career takes time, dedication and a willingness to keep learning. If I started again today, I wouldn’t change much. Maybe I would do an exchange in Paris or London alongside a renowned make-up artist, and go backstage at fashion shows next to someone like Pat McGrath, to get used to working under time pressure.

“For me, the ideal job means waking up every day with enthusiasm and motivation, and loving what I do.”

If you simply want to learn to do your own make-up, without the pressure of a career, start with the AutoMakeUp workshop.

Source: The Woman - Tania Cozma, make-up artist: „Cred că machiajul este o poveste frumoasă despre pasiune și descoperire de sine” (in Romanian). Photo: The Woman.