Her Story
About Rhonda
Step Behind the Scenes with a True Industry Professional
Rhonda Cummings is a veteran makeup artist, cosmetologist, aesthetician, and educator from Peabody, MA, with more than 40 years of experience in the beauty industry. As a former owner of two full-service salons, a skin clinic, and the Face Forward Advanced Institute, she built a career combining education, artistry, and leadership, where she personally trained over 1,000 licensed professionals in the art of makeup.
Her contributions extend to industry advancement efforts, including participation in state-level boards and collaboration with fellow colleagues to help introduce and formalize training standards for technologies such as chemical exfoliating and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). Her dedication to continuing education earned her the job and title of Director of AAEA (American Aesthetician Education Association) in New England for many years and hosted the yearly event.
Recently she became the proud author of Behind the Scenes as a Makeup Artist for Film. Her book is filled with real life lessons she wishes she had known when beginning her career at age 18. Rhonda also shares her journey to becoming the director of the makeup department on more than a dozen INDI films. This is a role she first achieved at age 52 and continues today at 67.
Rhonda loves mentoring future makeup artists and supporting fellow instructors who are training the next generation. Through her writing, speaking, and ongoing book tour, she continues to advocate for continuing education while expanding her influence within film makeup.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rhonda
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I could give advice to young women entering the beauty industry, especially in spas or medical aesthetics, I would strongly recommend pursuing a dual license in aesthetics and nails, along with additional certifications to increase versatility. In presenting yourself professionally, lead with your aesthetic training first and include other licenses as supplementary skills, as this can strengthen career opportunities. If you plan to open a business, take the time to thoroughly research trademarks and business names before investing in branding, signage, or marketing, as overlooking this step can lead to costly legal issues and forced rebranding. Careful preparation from the start can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks and build a stronger, more sustainable business foundation.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are centered around networking and relationship building, as much of the industry continues to rely on strong professional connections for growth, visibility, and opportunity. At the same time, this also presents a significant opportunity—there is more access than ever to platforms, media, podcasts, and professional communities that allow beauty professionals to expand their reach, share expertise, and build influence beyond traditional spa or classroom settings.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work and personal life, I value growth, visibility with purpose, and meaningful impact within the beauty and aesthetics community. I am intentional about expanding my reach so that my work, including my book and educational contributions, can support and influence more beauty professionals and educators. At the same time, I value strategic communication and strong professional positioning, using media, publications, and established platforms to share knowledge effectively. I also place importance on continuous development and aligning myself with opportunities that elevate both my professional brand and the broader industry.
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