Michael’s career as a make-up artist began in 1987 and after years of building some serious credentials, he wound up in New York City as the assistant to make-up mogul Bobby Brown. It was while working for Bobby Brown that Michael painted the faces of such superstars as Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker and too many rock stars and runway models to name.
Michael also acted as the on camera media liaison for Bobby Brown Cosmetics and traversed the globe making daily television and public appearances. He was also the head of education for the company and after his first year, helped develop their worldwide education program.
After four years of hard work and little sleep, Michael decided it was time to go. “The time was right for me to do something for myself, on my own,” he said. “I got tired of saying ‘Bobby loves this, Bobby says this’; I just needed to find out where Michael Moore went and who he was. That was two years ago in November and I chose to relocate to Denver because I love Colorado and its beauty and sunshine and I really wanted to get out of New York.”
Michael’s childhood was spent a long way from the bustling life of Manhattan on a dairy farm outside of Flynt, Michigan. He was the youngest of six children and his family farmed corn, oats and soybeans. “My father worked at GM, but we also had a working farm so I grew up outdoors riding tractors and rounding up cows.”
After considering a future in the theater and as a lawyer, Michael focused his artistic talents on using make-up to help people feel better about themselves.
Michael does individual make-up consultations but he says Simply Moore is more than just make-up artistry. “My clients get a lot from me – they not only look fabulous when they leave my studio, but they get a renewed confidence,” he says. “They feel different when they leave my chair versus a department store make-up counter, because I think it’ s about telling people about what’s really right about them and explaining how to bring out what’s best … every single woman is beautiful in her own way. I want my new cosmetics company to be a company that every single person can access, rich or poor. It’s so important to me that each client leaves my chair and feel that I have made them feel better about themselves. “
What gives a woman/man style? Individuality
Do you have any volunteer activities? I volunteer with Dress for Success and help with parties on an as-asked basis. I donate gift certificates for make up sessions for numerous silent auctions like the 5280 Single in the City fundraiser.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? The Queen of Jordan. I did her make up for a personal appearance in New York and she was the most unassuming person – you’d never expect that she was a queen. She’s beautiful and a real woman of the people.
Who is your hero and why? My Father. My mother passed away ten years ago and she had always been the lifeline of our family and my father took that over in a wonderful way. He is like an old oak tree- always there for me, standing strong.
If your life were a movie, who would play your part? People tell me I look like Patrick Swayze or Harrrison Ford, so hopefully it would be one of them.
What was your first job? Trimming Christmas trees at age 13.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Procrastination
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Close-mindedness
What is your greatest indulgence? Time for myself What or who is the greatest love of your life? My mother. What is your current state of mind? Perplexed often these days. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Spiritual transformation What is your most treasured possession? I don’t believe in possessions anymore. I lost a lot of personal items, letters and pictures, this year during my move and it doesn’t bother me. I have all the words my mother wrote to me in letters in my head and in my heart and I’ll never forget them. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Selflessness. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Not being connected with your self, not knowing who you are and living your life the way you think it should be lived versus how you want to be living it. What do you most value in your friends? Honesty. What word would you use to describe yourself? Whole What word or words would you like others to use to describe you? Gentle and loving When you move what will your home tell its next owner about you? I was very taken care of. Who are your favorite writers, what are some of your favorite books? Ralph Marsten, a motivational speaker, daily motivational books and the book about Lance Armstrong called, ”It’s Not About The Bike.” What is your favorite quote? “Do good and throw it in the well” Shri Shri Ravi Shanker , the Indian Saint.
