What inspired you to pursue both modeling and a career in the beauty industry?
I have always had a passion for the beauty industry and modeling since I was a little girl. I remember looking in magazines and wanting to be exactly like the models in them. Everything was so glamorous and I love the creativity behind photo shoots. I was always that friend who did everyone’s hair and makeup for homecoming and prom and it just eventually turned into a career. Best decision I’ve ever made! Before I started modeling, I was the MUA. One day, a photographer reached out and wanted to shoot with me. I had such a great time and wanted to do more and more shoots. Now, I’ve modeled for local businesses in Santa Fe , New Mexico and I’m ready to model for the next big brand!
As a business owner, how do you balance running your beauty business and expanding your modeling career?
Being a business owner is a 24/7 job. I’m always working even when I’m not in my studio. That being said, it’s also a perfect opportunity to get to do both modeling and running my business because I am able to make my own schedule. I can easily be accessible for photographers anytime and that has really helped.
What do you love most about working with clients to help them feel their best through hair, makeup, and beauty treatments?
What I love most about working with my clients is seeing them see the end result of my services and the confidence that they feel after. You look good, you feel good. I love the confidence that I can help bring out of them.
How has your experience as a makeup artist influenced your approach to modeling?
My experience as a makeup artist has influenced my approach to modeling in many different ways. To me, makeup and photography are forms of art. I love thinking of a concept and bringing it to life through makeup and photography. I definitely love the more avant-garde and bold looks.
Savage X Fenty celebrates diversity and confidence—what draws you to the brand, and how do you see yourself aligning with its mission?
I’ve always aligned with their mission! I love that Savage X Fenty was the first lingerie brand to seriously be inclusive. It’s nice to see normal, everyday people feel sexy and confident and not “less than” because they do not look a certain way. As a society, we are so used to the “beauty standards” of 90’s runway models and that’s just not real life. I am by no means 5’11” and 110lbs. I’ve always been on the curvy side and I stand at 5’1”. No one is looking to hire me as a model just from those points alone. Savage X Fenty shows that you can be a curvy model and still make it into these big brand campaigns. I love that they showcase models of every race, shape and height. It should be expected and I wish all brands would follow.
What creative projects have been the most exciting or fulfilling for you to work on so far?
All creative projects are fulfilling to me. Although, I will say, Halloween themed or anything boudoir and editorial are my absolute favorite. I really get to be creative and think outside the box. Seeing the vision come to life with these creative projects is always the most fulfilling.
You’re known for your attention to detail and artistic approach—how do you channel those qualities in both your beauty services and modeling?
When it comes to modeling, I always ask the photographer what vision they have for the project and go from there. The little details matter! Everything is intentional from what outfits I choose to the makeup style.
When it comes to my beauty services, attention to detail is so important. As a service provider, you need to listen and hear your client. It’s easy to misinterpret what a client wants so it’s really important to be open and transparent. Not every client is the same so I like to find what features work for them and bring them out.
What do you find most rewarding about helping clients transform their looks for special events?
The most rewarding thing about helping clients transform for special events is the confidence that they get after seeing the final product. People tell me all the time “wow, that’s really me?” And I’m like “yes girl! That’s all you!” Seeing people blossom and love what they see in the mirror is the most rewarding. In a world that is so judgmental, it’s good to know that I can make someone feel their best.
As someone with big dreams of becoming a renowned celebrity makeup artist, what steps are you taking to achieve this goal?
I’m taking a few steps to achieve this goal. Primarily networking and just putting myself out there. You never know who’s watching.
How do you stay inspired and keep your creativity alive in such a dynamic and competitive industry?
I think a huge factor for staying inspired is going out in the world and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I live in the desert. It’s a lot of mountains and dirt. So for me, when I get to travel to a big city or a tropical place, those experiences really inspire me. Also, this is a majorly competitive field. Staying authentic to myself and my ideas, as well as pushing myself to think outside the box and try different things help to keep the creativity alive.
What advice would you give to others looking to pursue multiple creative passions like modeling and beauty entrepreneurship?
The advice I would give to someone wanting to pursue multiple passions would be, first of all, GO FOR IT! This has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It’s hard word and it’s a 24/7 job. I work holidays and weekend. It’s demanding. It’s not easy but if you’re ambitious, have determination and drive, there’s no way you’ll ever fail.
Looking ahead, where do you see your career in five years, and what do you hope to have accomplished in both the beauty and modeling industries?
In five years, I see my career flourishing. I’d like to educate and inspire the up and coming models and makeup artists and just let them know that you really can do everything you love doing and have a career out of it. In the modeling industry, I would like to accomplish being in a big brand campaign. In the beauty industry, I hope to accomplish being a celebrity makeup artist
Makeup Artist: Ana archuleta @littlemissmua_
Photographer: Shannon Baca @couturecaptureboudoir
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