July Apron Ace: Davia Matson

If you love your Chef Works apron, use it outside of the traditional kitchen setting (makeup artist, potter, florist, baker, etc.) and would like to be an Apron Ace, email marketing@chefworks.com.  Pictured above is makeup artist Davia Matson in her Memphis Waist Apron. 

Davia Matson bubbles with pride after she’s finished a job. When people look at a model in a commercial or in a photo spread, they won’t know that it’s Matson’s work they are looking at. And she’s fine with that.

The stylist – who does makeup, hair and wardrobe – has had her time in front of the camera. She still pops in for gigs with her band, Dakoda Motor Co. But most of her days are spent helping others look and feel their best. The stylist was kind enough to take some time in between photo shoots to chat with the Chef Works blog about what makes her an Apron Ace.

What drew you into the business?

Davia Matson: I think I’ve always been the type of person that is very creative. I do some singing and used to act and I always liked the various aspects of entertainment – that includes hair and makeup. I’ve done a little bit of everything. I was on both sides of it when our band toured and I always enjoyed the production that goes into a show. That’s kind of how it all got started. (Writer’s note: Dakoda Motor Co. will be doing reunion shows on July 28 at the House of Blues in Anaheim, Calif. and Aug. 4 at The Cannery in Nashville, Tenn.)

What’s the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

DM: I think it’s just making people feel happy and helping to bring out a version of themselves that they love. That’s a really satisfying feeling. You can see when they are done in the chair that they have this confidence about them that they didn’t have when they first sat down. To see all of that come together is really special.

What’s something about the industry that people may not know?

DM: While this job looks like it’s a lot of fun – and it is – it’s not always easy. You’re dealing with a lot of different personalities. And if you’re freelance, you never really know where your next paycheck is going to come from. There is a lot of hustle that goes into being a stylist. It’s super fun, but if you don’t have that next job lined up or if a regular customer decides to try a different stylist, it can get a little stressful. You have to really be a promoter and a marketer and build good relationships with people.

Do you have any interesting stories from people in your chair?

DM: Right after 9/11, I did the makeup for [the late newscaster] Peter Jennings. He was out here [in San Diego] doing a report and it was a really serious time for the country. I was really nervous. I got everything set up at the station. He was nice, but he was very intense and very intimidating. After I did his makeup he wiped most of it off and said ‘Perfect, that’s how I like it.’ He didn’t want touchups. Needless to say it was nerve-racking working with someone like that. It makes for a memorable makeup story. It was just a tense time for everyone.

We love that you’re a fan of your Chef Works apron. It looks like these days you’re using the Memphis Waist Apron. What makes our aprons so important for your work?

DM: It’s really about the simplicity of having everything easily accessible. I can keep all of my tools together because a lot of times we’re going back and forth between a set where we’re shooting and then it’s a different location and then back again. It’s nice to be able to have everything you need right with you in a durable apron that can hold a lot, but isn’t going to wear down after I keep washing it. As locations change, I don’t need to haul everything with me. I just pop what I need in my apron and I’m good to go.