From humble beginnings and matcha mornings to million-dollar launches, Patrick Ta is more than a celebrity makeup artist—he’s a storyteller with a brush. Through his eponymous brand, Ta is reshaping the beauty industry with purpose, precision, and a deep sense of community.
Redefining what it means to be a celebrity makeup artist
The phrase “celebrity makeup artist” often conjures images of red carpets, high-profile clientele, and viral looks. For Patrick Ta, it means all that—and more. With over four million Instagram followers and a client list that includes Gigi Hadid, Camila Cabello, and Alix Earle, Ta is undeniably one of the most recognized artists in the industry. But his true distinction lies in how he’s parlayed that visibility into something greater: the launch of his namesake brand, Patrick Ta Beauty, in 2019.
From the start, Ta approached the business not only as a seasoned artist but also as a proud Asian-American entrepreneur. “After years of building my name and reputation, I felt ready to take the next step—to not only contribute to the industry but to help shape it,” he explains. That ambition, combined with a clear creative vision, has fueled a brand now estimated by WWD to have generated $30 million in revenue by 2022—just three years after its debut.
From artistry to entrepreneurship
Starting a beauty brand wasn’t simply a business decision for Ta—it was a deeply personal leap. Alongside his partners, Rima and Avo Minasyan, Ta co-founded Patrick Ta Beauty with the mission to merge professional-grade performance with real-world accessibility. “There’s rarely a moment that feels completely perfect to take a leap,” he says, “but I was so driven to bring the brand to life that no timing ever felt wrong.”
That doesn’t mean the journey was without fear. “Cofounding Patrick Ta Beauty was one of the most vulnerable experiences of my life,” Ta shares. The shift from makeup artist to entrepreneur brought new pressures—beyond technique and artistry. “For the first time, I had to show not just my work, but who I am as an entrepreneur and creative.” With support from his team, he pushed through self-doubt, leaning into his identity and trusting the vision he’d spent years developing.
The power of community and representation
For Ta, community has always been a cornerstone of his success—especially the AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) community that shaped his worldview. His advice to aspiring AANHPI entrepreneurs is clear: look inward and build outward. “There’s something so powerful about connecting with those who understand the unique cultural nuances we face,” he says. “Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or shared experiences, we gain strength in leaning into our heritage.”
Ta believes building a business today is about more than products; it’s about perspective. In an industry often criticized for exclusion, Patrick Ta Beauty champions inclusivity, celebration, and confidence—not just in what people see, but in how they feel.
Finding balance behind the scenes
Despite the fast-paced nature of his work, Ta’s daily rituals are surprisingly low-key. He typically wakes between 8 and 9 a.m., but his mornings vary depending on where he is and what project he’s tackling. One constant? Matcha lattes. “I drink matcha lattes!” he says with enthusiasm. His go-to outfit for a day of work is equally laid-back: a sweatsuit and dad hat.
Ta’s relationship with beauty goes beyond the surface. He grew up helping in the kitchen and originally dreamed of being a chef. His first job? Bussing tables at a sushi restaurant. That grounded beginning taught him discipline, humility, and how to work under pressure—traits that now serve him well as a business owner managing product lines, public appearances, and a growing team.
Rejection, resilience, and redefining success
Like many creatives, Ta’s path to success has been shaped by rejection. “It’s not something to fear, but something to learn from,” he reflects. Early struggles in school and feeling like an outsider forced him to forge his own path. “Not fitting in became one of the greatest catalysts for my success. It forced me to discover what made me different—and ultimately, what made me strong.”
Today, that philosophy informs how he handles setbacks in the beauty world. Rather than letting rejection stall him, he uses it as momentum to grow. “Rejection isn’t the end,” he says. “It’s a redirection toward something even greater.”
Defining a moment of success
Despite his accomplishments, Ta doesn’t measure success by headlines or numbers. Instead, it came to him during a moment of connection: the opening of the first-ever Patrick Ta Beauty pop-up in May. “It was truly surreal,” he recalls. “People lined up for blocks. Some traveled long distances just to be there.”
That emotional experience was a turning point. “Success, to me, is defined by the impact you have on others,” he says. Meeting fans and hearing their personal stories reminded him why he started in the first place. “It was one of the most validating and heartwarming experiences of my career.”
Little joys and favorite things
While Ta has built a beauty empire, his everyday joys remain refreshingly simple. After a long day, his favorite treat is boba. When it comes to saying thank you, he turns to a classic gesture: flowers. And if he weren’t a makeup artist and founder? “Interior designer,” he says without hesitation—yet another creative avenue where aesthetics and emotion meet.
And as for his favorite product? The Patrick Ta Beauty Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo holds a special place in his heart—and his makeup kit. “When layered together, it delivers rich pigment, lasting wear, and a dewy glow,” he says. But the true reward isn’t just in the formulation. “The love it receives reminds me that makeup isn’t just about the look—it’s about the confidence it creates.”
Patrick Ta’s journey from local busser to beauty trailblazer is more than a success story—it’s a masterclass in authenticity, community, and creativity. Whether he’s developing a product, mentoring young artists, or simply making someone feel beautiful, Ta continues to shape the future of beauty—one human connection at a time.
