A “good” job can still be the wrong fit and sometimes the moment you lose it is the moment you finally breathe. I’m sitting down with Chandrika Mackall, a beauty expert and permanent makeup artist who spent 20 years in a federal government career while quietly keeping her love for makeup artistry alive on the side. When that secure path ended, she didn’t panic-scroll job boards. She felt relief and took the leap into purpose.

We talk about what it looks like to pivot careers in midlife, especially as women who’ve spent years putting everyone else first. Chandrika shares how creativity can feel like a gift you’re responsible for using, why spreadsheet life can drain an artist, and how to “feed” your passion even when you can’t quit your day job yet. If you’re exploring entrepreneurship, a side hustle, or a second-act business, her story brings real talk about risk, mindset, and trusting the nudge.

The heart of this conversation is why beauty is more than appearance. From foundation matching after radiation to eyebrow solutions for people navigating cancer treatment, Chandrika explains how makeup, PMU, and brow work can restore confidence and help someone step back into the world. She also shares her vision for giving back through her More Than Makeup training program and a future nonprofit.

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*You can find out more about the More Than Make up Training Program by following Chandrika on Instagram @cmack_beauty.  

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