October 15, 2016

Meet Los Angeles Makeup Artist: Monica Guzman

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Guzman.

Monica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Fresh out of high school, I landed my first job as a makeup artist at the oh-so-famous MAC Cosmetics. That start would give me the opportunity to build my skills and allow me to soak up as much knowledge as I could. After several years I began to seek opportunities with photographers and models, this is where I would find a whole other world of makeup. Learning how to do print/editorial makeup would bring on a new challenge. But it also helped me discover a new found passion for the art. Through consistent testing I’ve been able to feed my hunger of developing my skills, giving me the drive to pursue my goals.

Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth? Of course not! That would take out all the fun of achieving goals. Figuring out how to network for me was one of my biggest issues, I really didn’t know anyone but I found my way using social media and other network sites. Also, learning how to handle different situations taught me how to work well with other people (who were not as easy). Regardless, I’m grateful for the struggles because it helped me develop even more confidence in my work!

What role has luck had in your life and career?
My luck (both good and challenging) has definitely taken me down some interesting paths. With the good experiences my luck has brought me, I’ve learned to seize the moments and just go for it! Though this industry can be somewhat intimidating, being able to step up to certain challenges has landed me some pretty amazing opportunities. If I had let my fear get in the way of taking risks and not put myself out there, then my career wouldn’t be able to progress.

Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
Hunger, drive, and dedication! Since I am self-taught I always find myself wanting to learn as much as I can. Feeding my hunger means I get to learn new things and gain more proficiency in my skills. Which builds more confidence in my work! Secondly, drive makes experiences and opportunities possible. Without drive, I wouldn’t take risks and be able to achieve goals in life. Lastly, being dedicated to my work gives me a purpose. Which is why it is important to stay true to myself even through the ups and downs.

Tell us about your favorite and least favorites things about our city.
I’m an LA native and am so proud to be brought up here. I mean this is where people come to go after their dreams! But I think what stands out to me the most here is the diversity of what the city has to offer. We have it all and I think it has a lot to do with how LA seems to embrace other cultures. For the least, it probably would have to be how we can be overly critical of others lifestyles. But then again that could be said of anywhere.

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