Meet Trailblazer Shaina Nussbaum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaina Nussbaum.

Shaina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
A California Native, born and raised, self-taught by watching videos on YouTube. Working as a make-up artist and hairstylist for 6 years, I then decided to attend Make-Up Designory in Burbank, California to further my education in beauty and special effects. From there, I decided to attend the Cosmetology program at West Valley Occupational Center. I am now a Licensed Cosmetologist in the state of California as well as North Carolina. I have worked on numerous photo shoots, special events, as well as with many other talented make-up and special effects artists, such as: Gage Munster, Marcel Banks, Jo Holland (Face-Off Season 1), Greg Lightner (Face-Off Season 2), Kris Kobzina (Face-Off Season 4), Laney Parkhurst, also known as Laney Chantal-White (Face-Off Season 5), and Johnny Leftwich (Face-Off Season 10). As an artist, I love to find different ways to transform my clients into a work of art or enhance their natural beauty. I also believe that continued education in the beauty industry is the key to success because there are always new innovations coming into our world every day. There is never a job too big or too small. I will go above and beyond to deliver fantastic results as well as bring an enjoyable and memorable enviornment with me no matter where I go. My clients choose me for my skills, professionalism, personality, positive attitude and vision. There is no better satisfaction to me than making you look and feel your very best, while also putting you at ease so that you can enjoy every part of your day.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s definitely is not a smooth road. The hair and make-up industry is very competitive and there are a lot of younger folks still joining our community day by day. If you want it, you can achieve it. I’ve had struggles of being taken advantage of on set as well as in the salon environment and finally found a place I was happy. Although California is very difficult when it comes to expences the industry for hair and make-up here is booming. With that being said, as long as you market yourself, are outgoing and not afraid to talk to people, you will be successful. Make friends with your clients. Don’t treat them like a client or just someone who is about to pay you. Make sure you talk to them and unless you are asked about your life, make sure the conversation stays about them!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hair & Make-Up By: Shaina Nussbaum – what should we know?
I do everything in the beauty industry from beauty make-up to special effects make-up. I also color, cut, style hair in a salon environment. Along with everything I have mentioned above, I do hair and make-up for weddings, prom, engagement shoots, photo shoots and so much more! I am mostly known for being a Knott’s Scary Farm Monster Maker, being apart of the Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Creature Crew, and being a Halloween fanatic. However, I am known for my color techniques and beauty make-up skills.

As far as brands for make-up, I swear by Make-Up Forever because they are dermatologist tested, but there are also many other brands I love to use as well. For hair color, I ask my clients and those I do not know to please not use box dyes as they will ruin your hair, but professional use color brands I love include Redken, Schwarzkopf, Goldwell, Pulp Riot, Guh Tang and Joico.

What sets me apart from others is that I am always willing to learn, continue my education and I am well rounded in multiple areas of the beauty industry. I am also outgoing and my clients are my friends, that is an important aspect in the industry of make-up and hair.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t really know much about finding a mentor, but networking is very important. Going to hair and make-up shows, advertising on social media and constantly passing out your business cards is very important. If someone compliments the way your hair or makeup look in a mall, hand them a business card and let them know where they can find you!

Pricing:

• Wedding Make-Up starts at $95 per person
• Balayage Color starts at $95

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shainanussbaum.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmogirl1204/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CosmoGirl1204/

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.