Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuna Min.
Yuna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was that girl in middle school who stood out wearing eyeliner and powder that doesn’t even match my complexion because I stole it from my mom’s bathroom! Not having any money to buy my own makeup, the only option was to take whatever laying around in mom’s mirror cabinet.
It’s not a surprise that I became a makeup artist as an adult because my childhood was filled with artistic background. I was always an artsy-fartsy kid who loved to draw, paint and do crafts. I took private art lesson almost my whole entire childhood as well.
During my early college years, I worked at an after-school academy and taught children’s art class, too. Around then, my best friend, Stacy, convinced me to join her in the Napoleon Perdis MakeUp Academy program. I resisted at first due to my pursuit of becoming a songwriter, but budged after over a year she attained her certificate.
Enrolling in the Napoleon Perdis Academy was probably one of the best decisions of my life!
I was blessed with two amazing instructors who gave me hope and teachings I could never forget.
I finished with course with the “Student of Distinction Award,” honoring my diligence and passion for makeup.
Going onto 6 years with my makeup career, I am more enthusiastic about it than ever. It took nearly 5 years to actually become comfortable with myself and what I am doing. Confidence needed its own master; my passion and patience were the best masters.
In less than 6 years, I created myself to become a celebrity makeup artist, took part in numerous projects for major companies and most rewarding of all, became someone who is needed in the name of beauty. Being hired for “my style of work,” is a wonderful thing, and I am ever so grateful for the blessing.
I’d promised my Father that I would become the best makeup artist of all, and I strive each day to keep my word.
Has it been a smooth road?
Roads to accomplishments shouldn’t be smooth; unless we’re talking about bowling.
I had countless rocks in my way which at times even flattened my tires and had me wondering if this was even the right road I’m taking.
Makeup, as pretty as it sounds, there are many sensitive sides to overcome in order to build yourself strong enough to proudly say, “I am a makeup artist.”
Regardless of how much of a people-person one can be, when you’re working so up close to someone and making sure their level of happiness is really high the entire time, it takes more than artistic skills.
There are a million (literally) makeup artists in Southern California. What will it take for clients to choose ME? Over and over again?
Obviously, there are artists out there who are SO GOOD and cause unbeatable challenges that can discourage your skills to bloom its full potential. The key is to not give up. Life happens and it happens often! You’re not simply a sole-proprietor, you’re actually an entrepreneur growing a one-man business. You have to endlessly work on your craft, market yourself and style of work, customer service is at your hands, and all the while creating an unforgettable experience for your clients.
Once you get these points under control, the road becomes less rocky, I promise.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a Los Angeles- based makeup artist working in the entire metropolitan areas of DTLA, Hollywood, Koreatown, Beverly Hills, etc.
I specialize in beauty makeup, and as a freelancer, am on call for various projects and occasions. From photography, filming to weddings, I am where beauty is needed.
Korean makeup styles and products are very popular nowadays- and my specialty is doing fusion makeup. I would blend the trendy styles of K-beauty with up-to-date Americanized makeup methods/concepts.
I take a lot of pride in perfecting the skin and overall complexion of faces. Both male and females clients/talents are amazed at what I do for their countenance.
My artistic background plays a huge role in my treating the face as a canvas. Also, having a degree in English Literature helped me understand in depth the importance of one’s face and the drama it can create.
My style of makeup is theatrical in the most practical way. I love to deliver a full picture, not just a pretty mask.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
How can there be an opportunity without preparation?
I believe a woman can nail anything she puts her mind to. The problem is the lack of believing in her own power. We live in a world with overflowing resources available at your fingertips – utilize them.
Women are built to be tender and loving, and therefore well positioned for expressing their minds and views.
They need to be self-encouraging to be creative beings. Every woman lives with and under different circumstances, but every woman has a choice and space to be creative with herself, her insides, her mind.
Opportunity begins with her mindset. How she positions her mind in society, can create a magnetic force to attract better opportunities. Her view of self is where she will be positioned in society.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @4yunamin
Image Credit:
@sulemcalderon, @nataleelinnes, @bri_ashbarnes, @alexanriarousset, @anniemaaal, @madelenelisella
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.
