Lisa Bush
Makeup Artist/ Runway Model
In today's fashion industry, many individuals have dual roles they perform within their skill sets. Here we'll focus on Makeup Stylist/Runway Model Lisa Bush and her candid views of the fashion scene in New York and Washington, DC.
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/CEO
Copa: Where are you from?
Lisa: I was born in Washington, D.C., however I was raised in Rockville, MD and Gaithersburg, MD located in Montgomery County, MD.
Lisa: I was born in Washington, D.C., however I was raised in Rockville, MD and Gaithersburg, MD located in Montgomery County, MD.
Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Lisa: I attended Washington Grove Elementary in Gaithersburg, Montrose Christian School in Rockville, MD, Gaithersburg Jr. High, Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, MD., and Montgomery College, in Maryland.
Lisa: I attended Washington Grove Elementary in Gaithersburg, Montrose Christian School in Rockville, MD, Gaithersburg Jr. High, Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, MD., and Montgomery College, in Maryland.
Copa: Have you always been intrigued by fashion?
Lisa: Yes, I have always been intrigued by fashion. My mother owned almost every color of Candies high heel shoes which back in the early 80’s if you owned a pair of Candies, you had arrived. I use to try to squeeze my size ten feet into her tiny size 8 shoe and prance around her room trying to copy her stylish prowl..lol! My mother was very stylish wearing patterned wrap dresses in almost every pattern known to WOMAN. My grandmother, another incredibly stylish woman in her day, wore the most mesmerizing hats, coats and jewelry, which women did in the 40’s 50’s 60’s and 70’s..that woman was classy and I wanted to be as beautiful as she was. When I was in school I took fashion merchandising which was a great opportunity for me to learn about the industry which back in the 80’s fashion was eclectic, bold, and wild! As I grew into my mid to late teens, I started working to support my love of clothing; things never change, but I love fashion and I love many styles of clothing from sporty chic, to the most stunning dress off the runways of NYC. I love Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, and Versace just to name a few amazing designers.
Lisa: Yes, I have always been intrigued by fashion. My mother owned almost every color of Candies high heel shoes which back in the early 80’s if you owned a pair of Candies, you had arrived. I use to try to squeeze my size ten feet into her tiny size 8 shoe and prance around her room trying to copy her stylish prowl..lol! My mother was very stylish wearing patterned wrap dresses in almost every pattern known to WOMAN. My grandmother, another incredibly stylish woman in her day, wore the most mesmerizing hats, coats and jewelry, which women did in the 40’s 50’s 60’s and 70’s..that woman was classy and I wanted to be as beautiful as she was. When I was in school I took fashion merchandising which was a great opportunity for me to learn about the industry which back in the 80’s fashion was eclectic, bold, and wild! As I grew into my mid to late teens, I started working to support my love of clothing; things never change, but I love fashion and I love many styles of clothing from sporty chic, to the most stunning dress off the runways of NYC. I love Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, and Versace just to name a few amazing designers.
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Copa: What was your first modeling experience like?
Lisa: My first modeling experience was a bit nerve wrecking and exciting, I was 16 at the time and I never thought that I was pretty enough to model, but boy was I mistaken. I remember Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg , Md. was holding an open call for teens to be on their Fashion Panel which was a panel comprised of models who would model for Lakeforest Malls retail stores and I never imagined that I’d be selected to model having been selected from dozens of models. I had an amazing experience working alongside my fellow teen models and the many retailers of Lakeforest Mall.
Lisa: My first modeling experience was a bit nerve wrecking and exciting, I was 16 at the time and I never thought that I was pretty enough to model, but boy was I mistaken. I remember Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg , Md. was holding an open call for teens to be on their Fashion Panel which was a panel comprised of models who would model for Lakeforest Malls retail stores and I never imagined that I’d be selected to model having been selected from dozens of models. I had an amazing experience working alongside my fellow teen models and the many retailers of Lakeforest Mall.
Copa: What encouraged you to becoming a Makeup Artist?
Lisa: I was encouraged to become a make up artist because just like fashion is transforming so is make up and when I discovered what a black eyeliner could do to reshape or accentuate an eye shape and its color, I fell in love! And let’s not forget what a pink or a red lip could do to brighten up a face. I started doing make up on myself for modeling jobs and then I started doing make up for girls in the neighborhood. I fell in love with color and textures and again, transforming myself and others. Make up is powerful and makeup accentuates the beauty of a face.
Lisa: I was encouraged to become a make up artist because just like fashion is transforming so is make up and when I discovered what a black eyeliner could do to reshape or accentuate an eye shape and its color, I fell in love! And let’s not forget what a pink or a red lip could do to brighten up a face. I started doing make up on myself for modeling jobs and then I started doing make up for girls in the neighborhood. I fell in love with color and textures and again, transforming myself and others. Make up is powerful and makeup accentuates the beauty of a face.
Copa: Who are your 2 favorite Professional Makeup artists?
Lisa: My two favorite make up artists are Pat McGrath, a British make up artist whose worked with Steven Miesel, Helmut Newton and Peter Lindbergh just to name a few pioneers in the fashion industry. Pat designed Armani’s make up line in 1999 and she was known for latex petals stuck to faces and vinyl lips! Pat is not afraid of color and she has an eye for face shapes and undertones and different complexions of skin which makes an artist a true artist.
Another one of my favorite make up artist is Kevin Aucoin, who is now deceased but this man was an artist and a photographer who did make up for almost every well known celebrity. Kevin embraced the nudes undertone make up as he believed not covering up a woman with layers of makeup, he believed in bringing out her already given features. Kevin also worked with many well known giants in the industry like Revlon and Shiseido just to name a few. Kevin Aucoin wrote several books demonstrating his talent and incredible transformations of his clients.
I love Bobbi Brown too! Yikes, you said name 2 professional artists.
Lisa: My two favorite make up artists are Pat McGrath, a British make up artist whose worked with Steven Miesel, Helmut Newton and Peter Lindbergh just to name a few pioneers in the fashion industry. Pat designed Armani’s make up line in 1999 and she was known for latex petals stuck to faces and vinyl lips! Pat is not afraid of color and she has an eye for face shapes and undertones and different complexions of skin which makes an artist a true artist.
Another one of my favorite make up artist is Kevin Aucoin, who is now deceased but this man was an artist and a photographer who did make up for almost every well known celebrity. Kevin embraced the nudes undertone make up as he believed not covering up a woman with layers of makeup, he believed in bringing out her already given features. Kevin also worked with many well known giants in the industry like Revlon and Shiseido just to name a few. Kevin Aucoin wrote several books demonstrating his talent and incredible transformations of his clients.
I love Bobbi Brown too! Yikes, you said name 2 professional artists.
Copa: Do you believe there should be a few changes in the local fashion industry? If so what should be done to make things better?
Lisa: I do believe that there should be a few changes in the local fashion industry. There are incredibly talented designers in the locally who do a good job at showcasing their designs, but I do believe that we don’t do enough locally to keep fashion going. When it’s done, let’s do it big like NY and Paris—we have what it takes and the resources to do it! And the talent ? Our local designers are more than gifted and they work hard.
I don’t feel that we live in an area that is as conservative as we’re perceived to be in our Nation's Capital. I’ve spoken with women and men who love fashion and light up at the talk of fashion we are everywhere. Take a look around , fashion is all over the place just go to your local malls where the mall is our runway...I’ve seen the latest Gucci Bags, to the finest pair of Monolo Blahniks worn by women so fashion is alive. And as for men , they’re shopping too and want to look amazing wearing the latest Armani suit or Salvatore Ferragamo shoe! I’d love to see more fashion shows showcasing the latest and the greatest trends ..there are plenty of models in the area who’d happily oblige. I think that fashion is alive here in the DMV, but the industry was really alive in the 90’s. I feel as though politics overshadows fashion. I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying that, but it’s true. We have amazing designers, gorgeous models, incredibly talented fashion coordinators and producers like Ron Cooke,
who are here to keep fashion alive locally. Fashion is here to stay in the DMV; we are working hard to keep it that way.
Lisa: I do believe that there should be a few changes in the local fashion industry. There are incredibly talented designers in the locally who do a good job at showcasing their designs, but I do believe that we don’t do enough locally to keep fashion going. When it’s done, let’s do it big like NY and Paris—we have what it takes and the resources to do it! And the talent ? Our local designers are more than gifted and they work hard.
I don’t feel that we live in an area that is as conservative as we’re perceived to be in our Nation's Capital. I’ve spoken with women and men who love fashion and light up at the talk of fashion we are everywhere. Take a look around , fashion is all over the place just go to your local malls where the mall is our runway...I’ve seen the latest Gucci Bags, to the finest pair of Monolo Blahniks worn by women so fashion is alive. And as for men , they’re shopping too and want to look amazing wearing the latest Armani suit or Salvatore Ferragamo shoe! I’d love to see more fashion shows showcasing the latest and the greatest trends ..there are plenty of models in the area who’d happily oblige. I think that fashion is alive here in the DMV, but the industry was really alive in the 90’s. I feel as though politics overshadows fashion. I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying that, but it’s true. We have amazing designers, gorgeous models, incredibly talented fashion coordinators and producers like Ron Cooke,
who are here to keep fashion alive locally. Fashion is here to stay in the DMV; we are working hard to keep it that way.
Copa: Do you believe there should be a few changes in the local fashion industry?
If so what should be done to make things better?
Lisa: I do believe that there should be a few changes in the local fashion industry. There are incredibly talented designers in the locally who do a good job at showcasing their designs, but I do believe that we don’t do enough locally to keep fashion going. When it’s done, let’s do it big like NY and Paris—we have what it takes and the resources to do it! And the talent ? Our local designers are more than gifted and they work hard.
I don’t feel that we live in an area that is as conservative as we’re perceived to be in our Nations Capital. I’ve spoken with women and men who love fashion and light up at the talk of fashion we are everywhere. Take a look around , fashion is all over the place just go to your local malls where the mall is our runway..I’ve seen the latest Gucci Bags, to the finest pair of Monolo Blahniks worn by women so fashion is alive. And as for
men , they’re shopping too and want to look amazing wearing the latest Armani suit or Salvatore Ferragamo shoe! I’d love to see more fashion shows showcasing the latest and the greatest trends ..there are plenty of models in the area who’d happily oblige. I think that fashion is alive here in the DMV, but the industry was really alive in the 90’s. I feel as though politics overshadows fashion. I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying that, but it’s true. We have amazing designers, gorgeous models, incredibly talented fashion coordinators and producers like Ron Cooke,
who are here to keep fashion alive locally. Fashion is here to stay in the DMV; we are working hard to keep it that way.
If so what should be done to make things better?
Lisa: I do believe that there should be a few changes in the local fashion industry. There are incredibly talented designers in the locally who do a good job at showcasing their designs, but I do believe that we don’t do enough locally to keep fashion going. When it’s done, let’s do it big like NY and Paris—we have what it takes and the resources to do it! And the talent ? Our local designers are more than gifted and they work hard.
I don’t feel that we live in an area that is as conservative as we’re perceived to be in our Nations Capital. I’ve spoken with women and men who love fashion and light up at the talk of fashion we are everywhere. Take a look around , fashion is all over the place just go to your local malls where the mall is our runway..I’ve seen the latest Gucci Bags, to the finest pair of Monolo Blahniks worn by women so fashion is alive. And as for
men , they’re shopping too and want to look amazing wearing the latest Armani suit or Salvatore Ferragamo shoe! I’d love to see more fashion shows showcasing the latest and the greatest trends ..there are plenty of models in the area who’d happily oblige. I think that fashion is alive here in the DMV, but the industry was really alive in the 90’s. I feel as though politics overshadows fashion. I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying that, but it’s true. We have amazing designers, gorgeous models, incredibly talented fashion coordinators and producers like Ron Cooke,
who are here to keep fashion alive locally. Fashion is here to stay in the DMV; we are working hard to keep it that way.
Copa: How would you describe your individual style?
Lisa: I love the sporty chic look. Most days I’m wearing military style balloon pants with combat boots and a blazer jacket to top it off. And other days I wear jeans a sexy top, which by the way a white sleeveless tee is sexy too with jeans. But, when I want to get out with my girls, I’m flirty and fun without trying too hard, which may include a pencil styled pant with a sexy top and a high heeled shoe—I’m not high maintenance.
> I have a Bohemian sense of style too that includes woven leather bracelets, and open toed flat sanders. I don’t spend a lot of money on my clothes. I buy pieces from Forever 21 on a regular, and Kohl’s. People who know me well also know me by my trademark red lip and my aviator sun glasses. And as far as my hair is concerned, I do pull it back a lot..I’m simple and natural.
Lisa: I love the sporty chic look. Most days I’m wearing military style balloon pants with combat boots and a blazer jacket to top it off. And other days I wear jeans a sexy top, which by the way a white sleeveless tee is sexy too with jeans. But, when I want to get out with my girls, I’m flirty and fun without trying too hard, which may include a pencil styled pant with a sexy top and a high heeled shoe—I’m not high maintenance.
> I have a Bohemian sense of style too that includes woven leather bracelets, and open toed flat sanders. I don’t spend a lot of money on my clothes. I buy pieces from Forever 21 on a regular, and Kohl’s. People who know me well also know me by my trademark red lip and my aviator sun glasses. And as far as my hair is concerned, I do pull it back a lot..I’m simple and natural.
Copa: What does the future hold for Lisa Bush and her world of fashion and style?
Lisa: Life is too short. I lost my mother in September of 2018, went through a devastating break up, moved on from a job of a few years, and moved from Montgomery County, MD—I stayed in hotels and with friends for a few months, and recently moved to Fairfax Co., VA. When I thought that my world was crashing before me I realized that I have my beautiful daughter Brie, family, and friends. I’ve registered Heavenly Faces, LLC a company I started in the early 2000’s recently in VA., which is a small business that will include make up artistry, makeup artistry lessons, a casting company and a few other ideas that I am currently working on so stay tuned. I have been modeling, acting, and working with some pretty amazing people in the make up and fashion industry too who are helping and supporting me. My father Lenwood Coley, a business owner of 40 years to Coley’s Barber shop at Iverson Mall, has been a great source to me as well. I don’t want to give out too much information and jinx myself but this girl is definitely going places...she has been all along; just took a little pain to see it. God is good and I am blessed to have so much support and love from my clients and talented folk here and abroad in the industry.
Lisa: Life is too short. I lost my mother in September of 2018, went through a devastating break up, moved on from a job of a few years, and moved from Montgomery County, MD—I stayed in hotels and with friends for a few months, and recently moved to Fairfax Co., VA. When I thought that my world was crashing before me I realized that I have my beautiful daughter Brie, family, and friends. I’ve registered Heavenly Faces, LLC a company I started in the early 2000’s recently in VA., which is a small business that will include make up artistry, makeup artistry lessons, a casting company and a few other ideas that I am currently working on so stay tuned. I have been modeling, acting, and working with some pretty amazing people in the make up and fashion industry too who are helping and supporting me. My father Lenwood Coley, a business owner of 40 years to Coley’s Barber shop at Iverson Mall, has been a great source to me as well. I don’t want to give out too much information and jinx myself but this girl is definitely going places...she has been all along; just took a little pain to see it. God is good and I am blessed to have so much support and love from my clients and talented folk here and abroad in the industry.
~Copa