Hollywood Stylists Struggle Amid Writers and Actors Strikes
Celebrity stylists in Hollywood are feeling the financial impact of the ongoing strikes by writers and actors. Julie Kandalec, a renowned manicurist, and Kim Kimble, a veteran hair stylist, are among those who have been left without work due to the strikes and the decline in rates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA have left a wide range of entertainment industry workers unemployed, including makeup artists, hair stylists, and wardrobe specialists. The strikes have also hampered the production of new projects, further prolonging the unemployment period for these professionals.
Linda Dowds, a makeup artist with decades of experience, highlighted the impact of the strikes on the industry. She noted that even before the strikes began, studios were hesitant to greenlight projects, leaving many professionals unemployed for months. Dowds added that while she currently has health insurance through the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild, she knows that it is not a sustainable solution in the long term.
Similarly, other stylists like Matin Maulawizada and Andrea Pezzillo are concerned about their financial stability. Maulawizada, a makeup artist who usually works with celebrities, revealed that there has been a drastic decrease in pay for their work in recent years. Pezzillo, a celebrity stylist and men’s groomer, has been struggling to find salon clients due to the lack of regular work for actors.
For Maulawizada, a lengthy actors strike could force him to sell his house, while Pezzillo worries about paying her bills. Maulawizada also expressed concern for colleagues in the film industry who solely focus on their work behind the scenes and do not have a strong online presence. He is currently pitching brands to donate funds to professional makeup artists in exchange for social media exposure.
Whitney Anne Adams, a costume designer, shared her experience of the industry slowdown. She revealed that her work has completely dried up, and she has limited options for alternative employment. Adams emphasized the need for solidarity among union workers in negotiations for fair contracts.
As the strikes continue, the future remains uncertain for these stylists and other entertainment industry workers. The prolonged unemployment and declining pay rates have made it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.
