Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Santa Ana.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I’ve always loved coloring, art, painting anything creative. As I got older into junior high and early teens to early 20s started obsessing with the fashion industry from models, shows, working backstage and the production behind the scenes to create an image, movie, commercial or look book. From high school until graduation, I always practiced and had fun glamming anyone that allowed me.
One random gig I was backstage in my early 20s as a dresser for a runway show. Payed 50 box a day and was a struggling artist so decided to take any job even if I was cleaning or steaming clothes backstage. A makeup artist didn’t show up, I jumped on the opportunity and offered myself to help. The model I worked on was so happy with how fast I glammed her she told her agency and boom was signed with my first agency.
From there on I worked on building my portfolio/book, practiced more hair and makeup for different types of production, built a great reputation with clients, and have been loving my career as an artist always growing and always learning. There are so many fields in the makeup, skin, hair industry that I have enjoyed this ongoing journey. So random but clients always ask what is the craziest or most random gig I’ve done… well one amazing gig was for characters in a video game and another is for a tile company and their video training guides.
Another fun gig was for a vitamin company in Mexico. It’s not always glam or smokey eyes, sometimes in this industry, we make the talent look camera ready like removing redness and shine. Days on set are long but the connection with crew and goal to finish the project is what brings our bonds together. Since I have started in this industry, I’ve helped to opened salons, education in makeup, skin, hair for different brands, shot with vogue and even had the honor of working on Paris shooting for jewelry and couture designers also worked Paris fashion week. That was awesome!! Truly honored and humbled. Overall plan on growing more in this GLAM world wherever it takes me. Possibly opening more retail, classes to new artists, opening an agency of my own one day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been tons of struggles as an artist starting at 19. Those exact moments were so hard, felt like a failure, wanted to give up. Not getting enough work or going through dry spells. No gigs, no income…Doubted myself… should I go to school in the medical field, Even Recycling cans hahaha… I don’t live in the past but love learning from what I’ve done. I am so grateful for going through those “struggles” because I taught myself how to improvise and made each struggle a lesson that helped me further grow and learn in my career.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business in makeup, skin, hair and what sets me apart is that I focus on my client’s aftercare. I provide products to nourish skin and hair after a long day on set, wedding or shoot. I don’t just make sure clients faces look amazing but skin from head to toe… and I mean head to toe (I even provide body balms or moisturizer for all skin types, nail polish, tampons or pads, deodorant, toothbrush and all… I have to make sure my clients are always prepared for either red carpet, photoshoots or even weddings). I’ve had the same amazing clients for over 10-15 years from author’s, actors, photographers and production companies that constantly hire me based on me “set etiquette” making sure all goes well. Some clients will even move production dates to have myself and team be available based on how they love my work, speed and overall care of all crew. That is so touching and truly blessed to have such strong relationships. What sets me apart is that I believe that in my part of this industry, I am here to serve the purpose of the OVERALL GOAL, whatever that may be based on the job.
What were you like growing up?
Super creative, loved anything with color and art. I even loved producing my own plays in our room with my two siblings who were always force to be I’m the plays hahahahha… I would do their costumes and makeup just to make sure it was perfect for whatever random play I wanted to do… I remember a Christmas pageant I did with cousins who were visiting so about 6 of us kids, all ten years old and under. It was a mix of the nativity scene with Santa and reindeers all done in a small bedroom using props from whatever we found in our complex. But I loved creating! I was and still, am obsessed with how makeup and skin care was made from ancient times in different cultures.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.patricksantaana.com
- Phone: 6264884565
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.