Today we’d like to introduce you to Reina Zuniga.
Reina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In my adolescence, I developed a passion for makeup. Friends of mine would ask me to do mini-make overs. I was not the greatest, but I enjoyed it and saw it only as a hobby. I was expecting my first child as a single parent at the age of 21. I wanted to set an example for my soon to be daughter of a strong independent woman by pursuing a career as a makeup artist, shortly after I began my education in Cosmetology.
Growing up in Panorama City, I noticed my community did not have any trendy or cool places where you can pick up the newest on-trend outfits and beauty services. I had a vision of opening a beauty bar boutique that felt like the ultimate hang out spot but also super high end as if it were on Melrose. I pitched the idea to my sister and former business partner she loved it and this is how our first business ZZ Beauty Lounge was born. As the owner and lead makeup artist, during the first few months I struggled to book clients which made me question if it would be a success. Slowly but surely clients began booking makeup sessions with me. I went from one client on a Saturday to being booked for the entire year. We were in business for four strong years; it took a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but worth it to pursue a passion that would later turn into a career.
In our fourth year of business, at the age of seven my beautiful daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unfortunately, she lost her life only three months later. Everything happens so fast I was in disbelief and completely shattered. After this tragedy, my sister and I made the difficult decision to close the doors to ZZ Beauty Lounge. I quickly fell into a deep depression and lost all passion for anything. However, because of all my amazing client’s love and support they encourage me to get back to my passion. After about a year, I decided to book clients when I felt up for it, in a way makeup became my source of therapy. This is when my freelance career began.
This December will be my babies three year anniversary and my 2nd year as a freelancer. Every day I get up to take on the day my daughter’s memory keeps me going, I hope I’m making her proud and hope to continue my passion and accomplish as much as I can in her memory. I hope to inspire at least one person that is going through a similar situation or someone who is going through a difficult time. Please know that there will be better days and that may seem hard to see in the darkness. Things do get better and I hope you continue to keep moving forward please never give up!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not! Nothing worth having comes easy, I have learned this the hard way. At the beginning of my career, I was not known so booking a client was near to impossible. Shout out to my lovely clients for your referrals and continued support! Especially in the era of COVID, artists are suffering so much right now. We as a community will bounce back stronger than before!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in bridal makeup, that is my nitch! I love getting my clients ready for their big day. It’s a joyous occasion full of love and joy, so who wouldn’t want to soak up all that energy! I genuinely believe my life experiences set me apart; I always make it my duty to radiate love and good energy since being so close in contact with a person and their personal space. I try to be as calm and as “good vibes” as I can. All my clients can vouch for me on this! Also and most importantly, I feel like my makeup technique set me apart I have studied for over ten years to try and perfect my craft. I continue my education and stay up to day on the latest makeup trends.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is being able to get up every morning and having your passion be your career. I don’t define it as a dollar sign or materialistic things, it doing what you love every day. That is success to me.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (747)322-9486
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Makeupbyreinaz
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
