Funk It Up Turns 20! Discover The Heart Behind The Art

Many know Corissa Ivory as an established makeup artist. Those who truly know her, however, know she wears her heart on her sleeve, leads with compassion and is always ready with a laugh, both in and out of the salon.

This year marks 20 years of Funk It Up, after two decades of glamour, growth and memorable moments shared with the Mackay community.

“20 years has flown,” Corissa reflects.

“I still remember every special day, every occasion, every location.”

When she pauses to take it all in, she admits it’s “quite an overwhelming emotion.”

While her talent has opened doors to remarkable opportunities, including fast-paced runway events she describes as “the most fun, most adrenaline-filled, highlights of my life,” Corissa is quick to redirect the spotlight to her biggest supporters.

“I couldn’t function without them,” she says of her team.

Many have stood beside her for 10 to 15 years.

“The care is there and the friendships are still solid. Without my team, without my clients, there’d be no Funk It Up still here… I would have crashed and burned a long time ago.”

The salon itself hums with personality and vibrancy.

“We love it when we’re all together. It’s very fun, like home, and loud,” she laughs. “It’s very loud.”

Yet beneath the energy in the room is something far more important – connection.

“I don’t want to be a façade, and I’m definitely not in it for the money. I just want everyone that walks through these doors to feel beautiful and heard.”

For two decades, connection has remained at the centre of Funk It Up.

“I think how you make people feel is probably the most important thing that you can achieve in your day,” Corissa says.

“For me, knowing I’ve achieved that means more to me than anything.”

When clients open up in the chair, she considers it sacred, and a true honour.

“For someone to share something with you is the greatest compliment that you can have as a person, because it means they trust you and they feel comfortable with you… I just love that.”

From pamper parties, now nearing the 800 mark, to more than 1,500 weddings, Corissa has been present for her clients most cherished milestones.

“Highlights for me are being present in those moments,” she says. “I want people to leave here feeling like they’ve had the best experience.”

Watching young girls grow from pamper party guests, into graduates, and even brides has been a full circle moment for the team at Funk It Up to witness.

“I really do love what I do.”

Behind the businesswoman is a devoted mother and wife.

“I’ve made it pretty clear to everyone that he comes first,” she says of her son Logan. “My business isn’t my baby. He’s my baby.”

She credits her husband, and even the partners of her team, for the unseen support that keeps the wheels turning, especially during the whirlwind of wedding season and busy Saturdays. On Sundays, she dedicates her time to her son and husband, recharging for another successful week ahead.

As for the future, renovations may be on the horizon, but the heart of Funk It Up will remain unchanged. As the exclusive Mackay stockists of Australian professional makeup brand Harlotte, she remains “so humble and grateful” for the loyalty that has defined the business with others in the industry.

And at 20 years strong, Corissa isn’t slowing down.

“I have no plans to finish up anytime soon. At the moment, the joy is still here. We still love it.”

Perhaps that’s the secret — not just beauty, but belonging.

“I want to say a huge thankyou to my clients and team members – I couldn’t have done these last 20 years without you!”

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