Today we’d like to introduce you to ANA MORCILLO.
Hi ANA, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Colombia, surrounded by nature, mountains, and rivers. Right after high school, I went to cosmetology school — I grew up around salons and scissors. At 23, after finishing work on a Colombian film production, I moved to the U.S. on a student visa. My goal was to learn English and study American history and photography. I lived in Greenwich, Connecticut — not far from upstate New York — where I went to college during the week and worked as a babysitter in the afternoons.
On weekends, I’d take the train into New York City and work for a beauty-on-demand app called Priv. It was the early 2010s, right when the tech world was booming — Uber and dating apps were changing how people lived. I stayed on friends’ couches in Brooklyn and Tribeca, and honestly, I barely spoke English. It was scrappy and confusing.
After a year in New York, I moved to Los Angeles, where I’ve lived for over 12 years. I’ve built a career as a hairstylist and makeup artist in the entertainment industry, working with amazing people and learning so much along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth, but I think that’s the Latin way — we’re hustlers by nature. There were definitely challenges: language barriers, cultural adjustments, moments of uncertainty. But I’ve always felt grateful. This country has shaped me in so many ways, and I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of American people, my chosen family, and friends who believed in me when I was still figuring it all out.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I always wanted to work in film — to be part of building characters through hair and makeup. I’ve had the chance to work behind the scenes on some productions and campaigns, and honestly, things move so fast in this industry that sometimes we forget the full list of projects I’ve touched. I love the pace, the collaboration, the energy. Over time, my path shifted more towards hair — especially coloring and cutting. I’ve come to love how those details can transform not just a look, but how someone carries themselves — the story behind each person. I want to understand their culture, their vision, their energy — and help bring that to life through their hair, or a makeup look. Working in L.A. is special. The city is a mix of people from everywhere, and as a stylist, you get to absorb that and turn it into something visual. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and the way I’ve grown through it — creatively, personally, and professionally.
What does success mean to you?
I think success is being able to look at your younger self — the child, the dreamer — and realize you’ve done the things you used to dream about. The need of honoring that version of you. But it hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments of solitude, sacrifice, and doubt — sometimes it feels like there’s a price to pay for chasing a personal dream. Still, being present and prepared for what’s next is part of that success too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glitzingup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glitzingup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066617389983
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glitzingup/
Image Credits
shoots by @trevorpikhart and @markgriffinchampion
