What do Mariah Carey, Kim Cattrall, Robin Roberts, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, Joy Behar, Lisa Ling, Angela Bassett, Salt-N-Pepa, Vivica Fox, Lynn Whitfield, Robin Givens, Amerie, Vanessa Williams, Julissa Bermudez, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, Lee Daniels, Dwight Freeney, Michelle Williams, Hill Harper, Kelly Rowland, Cicely Tyson, and Gary Sheffield (and so many more) have in common?
They’ve all trusted the magic hands of Elena George, an eight-time Emmy® Award-winning, world-renowned hair and makeup artist.
As one of the most sought-after stylists in the industry, Elena has built a reputation as the go-to artist for the world’s most successful and powerful women (and a few lucky men too!). Whether it’s a red carpet moment or a casual on-screen appearance, Elena is there to make every client shine. But her journey to the top wasn’t all glitz and glam - it’s a story of heart, hustle, and undeniable talent.
Elena’s journey began in Panama, where her father dreamt of a better life for his family. That dream brought them to New York City, where young Elena quickly realized her passion for helping women discover their full beauty potential. To refine her skills, she trained at premier beauty schools, including The Wilfred Academy in New York and Dudley Cosmetology University in North Carolina.
Fame knocked on Elena’s door through a high-school friendship with Sandy “Pepa” Denton of Salt-N-Pepa. What started as a favor for an early music video turned into a full-time gig as the group’s exclusive hair and makeup artist.
For over 14 years, Elena toured with the iconic trio, shaping their style into the legendary looks we know and love. Those bold, trendsetting designs? That was all Elena’s fearless creativity at work.
“I wasn’t trying to start a trend,” she recalls. “I just wanted to do something different and cutting edge. They trusted me to experiment.” And experiment she did—setting trends that redefined style for a generation.
From magazine covers to television specials, Elena’s work has been showcased everywhere. She’s graced the pages of Vogue, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Essence, Vibe, Allure, Ask Us Beauty, and Newsweek. Her artistry has also been featured in countless major events, including the Emmys®, Grammys®, Golden Globes®, Oscars®, VMAs, and AMAs.
Talk about a resume!
In 1998, a simple phone call to fill in as a makeup artist on ABC’s The View turned into a career-defining moment. For over six years, Elena’s magic touch transformed the faces of Star Jones, guest hosts, and featured guests five days a week. Her artistry earned her two Daytime Emmy® Awards in 2002 and 2003 and a third in 2006.
From Mariah to Morning TV
After leaving The View, Elena joined Mariah Carey as her personal stylist on tour - a dream job for any artist. Soon after, ABC’s Good Morning America came calling, and Elena became Robin Roberts’ exclusive makeup artist. Whether she’s perfecting Mariah’s stage look or Robin’s morning glow, Elena’s passion for her craft shines through.
Elena credits her success to her relationship with the Lord.
"God has blessed me with a gift to see beauty in people that sometimes they can’t even see themselves. Every day, I pray for creativity and innovation to make women feel more beautiful than they were the day before.”
This deep faith and unique vision have made Elena not only a premiere celebrity stylist but also a beacon of inspiration for anyone seeking to look and feel like a star.
Elena George.
Making the World More Beautiful, One Face at a Time
With her unmatched talent, trendsetting vision, and a heart full of faith, Elena George is more than just a makeup artist - she’s a beauty pioneer, a stylist to the stars, and a true inspiration. Whether she’s creating an iconic red-carpet look or crafting lip gloss for everyday glam, Elena proves that beauty is more than skin deep - it’s a gift to be shared with the world.
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