Hollywood Beauty Industry Struggles Amidst Strikes and Pandemic Shutdowns
NEW YORK (AP) — The Hollywood beauty industry has been hit hard by the ongoing strikes of writers and actors, exacerbating the effects of months of pandemic shutdowns. Hair stylists, makeup artists, and manicurists find themselves out of work, facing financial struggles as they search for alternative sources of income.
Kim Kimble, a veteran hair stylist in Hollywood, has experienced the full spectrum of the entertainment industry, working in film, television, and fashion. However, the pandemic forced her to close her salon, leaving her without a backup plan.
Kimble, along with countless others in the industry, is feeling the effects of declining rates and the lack of work opportunities caused by the strikes. Production crews, support staff, and assistants are also facing unemployment nationwide.
Linda Dowds, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who has worked in the industry since 1987, expressed the heightened anxiety amongst professionals due to the strikes. Dowds shared an Oscar for her work on “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” and currently relies on her health insurance through the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild. However, she recognizes the unsustainable nature of this situation in the long term.
Joining Dowds is Kim Kimble, known for her work with Beyoncé and Taraji P. Henson, who shares the same union membership. Kimble is uncertain about her future prospects outside of the hair industry, stating that she loves the business and struggles to envision a different career path.
Makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, whose work takes him around the world, has also been severely affected by the strikes. He emphasizes the declining pay rates in recent years and the subsequent financial strain on professionals. Maulawizada finds himself without a backup plan and is uncertain about how to sustain his livelihood.
Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist in New York, has been working in the industry for several years. She has managed to sustain her income through her online entrepreneurial skills teaching beauty professionals. Despite her efforts, Kandalec worries about being able to afford rent due to the effects of the strikes.
Andrea Pezzillo, a celebrity stylist and men’s groomer, has also been impacted by the strikes. She has been seeking alternative ways to generate income, such as house calls and online teaching, as many of her clients are currently unemployed actors.
The strikes come at a time when professionals in the industry have already been grappling with reduced pay rates. Maulawizada shares the significant decline in income for jobs that used to command much higher rates. The pandemic has further exacerbated these financial challenges, making it difficult for professionals to sustain their livelihoods.
As the strikes continue, professionals are left to consider their future prospects. Maulawizada is particularly concerned for his colleagues who solely focus on film and lack an online presence to generate alternative income. To offset the financial strain, he has been pitching brands to donate funds to professional makeup artists in exchange for social media endorsements, highlighting their expertise and showcasing how to use products.
Whitney Anne Adams, a costume designer primarily working on feature films, finds herself in a dire situation, with no work opportunities currently on the horizon. She is dedicated to union work and constantly shares information about available resources with her peers.
The beauty industry professionals belong to various unions affiliated with the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees and Motion Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts. They hope that their solidarity during the strikes will pay off during contract negotiations next year.
The collective struggles of the Hollywood beauty industry highlight the precarious nature of the entertainment industry, where professionals are heavily reliant on the availability of projects and contract agreements. As the strikes continue, the professionals in this industry face uncertain futures and mounting financial burdens.