Lessons From an Industry Trailblazer: A Conversation with Marietta Carter-Narcisse

Listen On:  Spotify  |  Apple  |  YouTube

What does it really take to build a lasting career as a makeup artist?

Not just a season of success. Not just viral moments.

But a true legacy - built on skill, integrity, perseverance, and a deep love for the craft.

In this powerful throwback episode of the Hey Glowfriend Podcast, I’m sharing a conversation from the Coming In Clutch Club archives with none other than Marietta Carter-Narcisse.

Marietta is a living legend in our industry and one of the most generous mentors I’ve ever met.

From working with icons like Samuel L. Jackson and Cindy Crawford, to navigating union politics, burnout, and motherhood, Marietta drops decades of wisdom in this interview.

This isn’t just a story about success. It’s a masterclass in longevity.

💫 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The truth about working in film and TV as a woman of color
• What every artist needs to know about union benefits, pensions, and retirement
• How to negotiate with power (and walk away when you need to)
• The realities of working on set while raising a child
• Why understanding the history of our industry is crucial to changing its future

🎙️ Standout Moments From the Episode:

• The jaw-dropping story of Marietta’s flight with Selena just days before her passing
• Why she turned down jobs that didn’t meet her rate (and what happened next)
• Her candid take on burnout and giving yourself permission to step away
• A look at how the industry has evolved (and what hasn’t changed at all)

💬 Favorite Quote from the Episode:

“If you’re not willing to walk away, you’ll always be taken advantage of. Know your worth, and don’t negotiate it.”

🌟 Ready for More?

This conversation originally aired as a private session inside the Coming In Clutch Club, the membership for makeup artists who want real community and unfiltered education.

The full version includes a behind-the-scenes Q&A with Marietta (and dozens of other industry titans) covering union tiers, how to set up your retirement portal, and what she wishes every artist understood about financial planning.

👉 Click here to join the Coming In Clutch Club

And remember...

💖 When I shine, you shine. We all shine together.