Conversations with Julia Shulga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Shulga

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been passionate about makeup and beauty for as long as I can remember. My first clients were dolls when I was just 3-4 years old. Growing up, I became the friend everyone turned to for a quick makeover or a polished look. My first bride was actually a close friend of mine over 20 years ago. Her stylist didn’t show up on time, so I stepped in, improvising her entire look. It turned out beautifully, and that experience gave me confidence in my skills and taught me the importance of reliability. In fact, throughout all my years of work, I’ve never been late to a single appointment.
Professionally, my journey into makeup didn’t start right away. I spent over 15 years working as an event planner, sometimes combining it with makeup artistry by helping colleagues and clients get ready for events. For a couple of years, I also worked as a wedding planner, which now greatly helps me in my work with brides. I understand the nuances of planning a wedding day and am always happy to offer recommendations where I can.
To further enhance my skills and knowledge, I obtained my Esthetician license. This allows me to provide a deeper understanding of skin health, which is crucial when preparing clients for their big day or special events.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing my passion for makeup with other responsibilities has been a challenge, especially as a wife and mother of two wonderful daughters. It’s no secret that juggling self-realization with maintaining a happy home can be tough. Over time, I’ve learned to manage my time better and delegate tasks, which has allowed me to do more. What helps me most is my belief that every minute counts. Proper planning and a focus on priorities have become my most valuable tools.
The incredible support of my family has also been key to my success. Without their help, I wouldn’t be able to achieve as much as I have.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in working with brides and helping everyday women of all ages see their natural beauty. My goal is not to create a mask of makeup but to enhance their features in a way that allows them to see themselves—not the makeup—in the mirror.

Beyond bridal makeup, I also create a variety of looks tailored to different occasions and needs. This includes makeup for photoshoots, where the focus is on enhancing features for the camera; elegant evening makeup for special events; professional business makeup for important meetings; playful and light children’s makeup; and specialized makeup for sports and dance performances or competitions. Each look is designed to suit the client’s unique features and the event, ensuring they feel confident and beautiful.

Hygiene is one of the most important aspect of my work that sets me apart. I’m extremely meticulous about cleanliness. For on-location work, I prepare a separate set of tools for each client. I also always use a palette for applying products to ensure client safety.
Continuous learning is another cornerstone of my approach. I’m always enrolled in some form of training because I believe creative professions require constant growth and inspiration. Staying informed about new techniques and trends allows me to offer my clients the best possible service.
When it comes to social media, I believe people are tired of overly perfect Instagram pictures that are edited and retouched to the point of being unrecognizable. Trust me, if you were to see some of the looks from Pinterest in real life, they’d rarely match the pictures. There’s a growing trend toward authenticity, and I fully support it. Makeup artists should work with real people, not just focus on making the perfect photo with ideal lighting.
That’s why, on my social media, you’ll only find authentic, unretouched work. I share real results, not polished illusions. I also don’t post every look I create, as I respect my clients’ privacy. I always ask for their permission before sharing their photos, and I believe this respect for privacy is an essential part of my work ethic.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As a former event planner, I strive to organize all aspects of my life. I’m a planner person, and I currently use three planners to manage tasks of different scales. For client work, I rely on one of the most convenient apps for scheduling and managing appointments, Masters, which keeps my schedule organized and ensures timely reminders for my clients.
A significant part of the content I consume is related to my professional development, but I firmly believe in growing beyond just one’s profession. I always have something interesting downloaded to listen to, whether it’s educational or motivational. Before bed, I make it a habit to listen to meditations to calm my mind and unwind from the day.
In our fast-paced, information-overloaded lives, it’s crucial to filter what truly matters and, more importantly, teach our children to do the same. And the best way to teach is by setting an example. To recharge and replenish resources, I believe in taking regular walks without gadgets, finding time for genuine conversations with loved ones, and truly disconnecting to reconnect with what’s important.

Pricing:

• Makeup for special ocasion is $150
• Makeup for brides is $250

Contact Info:

• Instagram: js.makeup.events