The old one-dimensional female archetypes -- the soccer mom, the starving artist, the successful-but-lonely boss lady -- are dead. Women are creating new, multidimensional archetypes and defying stereotypes.
The most fulfilled women are constantly creating in multiple areas of their lives, whereas burnout often happens when we feel like the routine of our day job is all we have time for. The Archetypal Woman Series is a tribute to inspiring women who rearrange time and space to explore and excel in a range of activities. May their stories encourage you to expand into your own uniqueness for the benefit of you and everyone in your orbit.
Editor's note: In the past we picked one profession and stuck with it our entire lives. Now we're in the much more expansive era of the multi-hyphenate. Brooke is a makeup artist and hairstylist for films and television (of course I've wanted to ask her what some of the politicians she works with are like, but I've restrained myself--she's a professional!). She has also launched a podcast called The Collective Pro to unite and encourage professional and aspiring creatives. ~ Mary Margaret
Can you tell us a little bit about the work you do?
I'm a Beauty Creative. I cultivate the creation of beauty by artists (makeup artists and hairstylists) who fully support each other within evolution and revolution, in the form of education, healing and storytelling.
In other terms, I'm a Makeup Artist/Hairstylist focusing in Film/TV, Educator (@brookeleesmith), Story Teller, Podcast Creator (@thecollectivepro) and Energy Artist.
We are in a time of rapid change! What encouraging trends are you seeing in your industry?
It's so encouraging to see all of the innovation during this time of change. Makeup artists and hairstylists who typically shy away from the camera are now stepping in front of the camera through Instagram lives, new YouTube channels, Zoom classes and Zoom parties. The innovation is coming from a place of being uncomfortable, and the push to step outside of our comfort zones.
What are some practical tools you use to help manage your time and energy?
To manage my time, I still use pen and paper. I'm a list maker, and use a physical non-digital calendar. Of course I have a calendar attached to my email, as well as my phone, but my go to is pen (or pencil) and paper.
As for my energy, I have a daily practice that consists of Kundalini Yoga, meditation and kriyas. I also tune in with my energy (Reiki) every morning. This seems to help my flow and manage my energy throughout the day.
This is the Archetypal Woman Series, where we shine a spotlight on women who are bringing forth new, multidimensional ways of living and working. How would you describe the archetype you’re bringing onto the planet?
I've always steered more toward the multidimensional ways of living and working. To define the archetype(s) I'm bringing forth, I would say they are multidimensional. I bring forth the intuitive mystic and the always-creating maiden.
Can you tell us about a woman who has had significant impact on the trajectory of your career? What lessons did she impart?
There have been several women that have had a significant impact on my career. I would have to say that they're two whom I met when I first entered the beauty industry, and they have just as strong of an impact today.
The first is Jan Allen. Not only did she teach me the foundations of cutting hair, but she taught me that foundations are in place for a reason. And that you must foundationally believe in yourself or the rest is senseless.
The second is Stephanie Nimmer. Stephanie showed me that you CAN follow your heart and your dreams while being a Mother. That being a Mother doesn't hinder us, but propels us. These lessons have had a greater impact on me than the beautiful color she taught me to master.
What's next for you? Do you have any projects in the pipeline you'd like us to know about? How can we support you and your work?
In the pipeline I have a few projects underway:
Hairstyling for Makeup Artists - a digital course and book
Healing the Sister Wound - a digital course
I also produce interviews with hairstylists and makeup artists, sharing their stories. You can follow me on Instagram @brookeleesmith to receive updates
What message do you want to share with the world?
We all have a story to tell. And it's this story, our TRUTH, and all the components of our truth, that creates the beauty that is us. Share your story, your truth, and your beauty.
You can follow Brooke on Instagram @brookeleesmith and on her website www.brookeleesmith.com
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