Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Cuesta.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stefanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my journey in Los Angeles after being scouted to become a styling intern for fashion powerhouse BCBG Max Azria/Herve Leger. My days were spent sending clothes to many Hollywood A-listers, Beyonce, Pink, and Fergie just to name a few. On my off days, Emmy nominatedI started branching out on my own working with production companies, photographers, and other stylists to begin the foundation of my fast growing business. After a year of primarily wardrobe, I decided to return to my roots in hair and makeup and beganEmmy-nominated and star of ”Peter Perfect” Peter Ishkhans at JosephMartin Salon in Beverly Hills for about 5 years. During that time, I moved my freelance base to the ever growing DTLA and started splitting my time between Beverly Hills and Downtown. I became the “go to girl” for many production companies and started to compile my own team of other stylists to assist me on various music videos, television, photo shoots, award shows, and weddings while continuing to maintain a regular clientele at the salon. My business continued to grow in Downtown and I left Beverly Hills and I am currently based in DTLA when I am not on location.
Great, 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?
No, it most certainly has not been a smooth road! I left a full clientele back in Tampa to pursue an entirely different path and knew not one person when I moved. I had to struggle and even took a retail job to make ends meet because the cost of living in LA is triple what it is in Florida so that was a shock. At times I had to work for free on my days off in order to make the connection with a photographer. Thankfully, all these struggles proved to be well worth it and got me to where I am today!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stef Cuesta – what should we know?
My business specializes in all things beauty! Whether it be day to day color and cutting, red carpet styling, and I also have become known a lot in the wedding industry. I love it when I get hired to provide hair, makeup, and wardrobe for a shoot because my company consists of conceptual artists that feed off of one another to create a total look! I feel like this is what sets us apart from others.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think majority of my clients would say that its my personality and the relationships that I create with them that draws them to me the most. I am, for the most part, always smiling and laughing and I feel that people really enjoy that. I also always try to be available and work with their schedules. Retention is everything in my business so if your clients genuinely enjoy spending time with you, then you will always be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stefaniecuesta.com
- Instagram: @thestefcuesta
- Twitter: @thestefcuesta
- Yelp: Stef Cuesta
Image Credit:
Kim Genevieve photo (bikini beach shot)
Jordan Duvall Photo (bathroom shot)
