EARLY IN MY CAREER 2014 - 2017

I’m Mylynn, a Luxury Hair and Makeup Artist based in Calgary, Alberta. As the oldest sibling in a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant family, my journey in the beauty industry began over a decade ago.  Growing up, I witnessed the sacrifices my parents made—leaving their families, giving up their education, and starting over in a new country to build a better life for us.

It’s something many of us may take for granted, having been raised with more opportunities and stability, but their resilience instilled in me a deep drive to honour their sacrifices. I’m fortunate that my parents never pressured me into a specific career. Instead, they encouraged me to follow my passion, and that freedom has meant everything to me.

From as little as 2 years old, I watched my mom do her hair and makeup, completely captivated by her confidence and the ritual of it all. She would dress me up, and my dad would take photos of us—those moments were a magical combination of creativity, love, and connection. What started as a love for artistry quickly evolved into something much deeper—a way to uplift, empower, and connect with people in a truly meaningful way. From competing in hair and makeup competitions at 18 to working backstage at runway shows, collaborating on editorial shoots, and traveling as an educator for one of the world’s largest beauty retailers, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing so many facets of this ever-evolving industry. But the moment I truly understood the power of beauty was in 2013, during a simple foundation consultation that changed my perspective forever.

I was working part-time at Sephora when a woman came in searching for a foundation for an upcoming trip to New York, where she was set to receive an award for her writing. She was sitting in a wheelchair, accompanied by her mother. As I applied the foundation to half of her face and handed her a mirror, tears welled up in her eyes. She apologized as she studied her reflection—she hadn’t looked at herself closely in years. Cancer treatments had changed her skin, causing rough texture, facial hair, and thicker eyebrows. She told me she no longer recognized herself. My heart sank.

In that moment, I knew my shift was over, but my work wasn’t done. I asked my manager if I could stay late to complete her makeup. It wasn’t just about foundation anymore—it was about restoring a part of her she had lost. As I blended, buffed, and enhanced, I watched as her confidence slowly returned. By the end of our session, she was smiling, standing a little taller, and thanking me for making her feel beautiful again. But the truth is, she gave me something far greater—a purpose.

That experience solidified why I do what I do. Beauty isn’t just about how we look; it’s about how we feel. Every client I meet has a story, and I’m grateful for the trust they place in me to be part of their journey. Whether it’s a bride seeing herself for the first time on her wedding day, a woman stepping into a new chapter of life, or someone simply needing a reminder of their own radiance, I am honoured to play a small role in those moments.

This career has given me the opportunity to build lifelong relationships, celebrating my clients through all their milestones—from engagement shoots to anniversaries, maternity sessions, and beyond. It’s a privilege I cherish, and I can’t wait to be a part of your story.