Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathie Quintanilla.
Hi Kathie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Being born and raised in Los Angeles, I was filled with ideas and dreams. I remember at some point, I wanted to be a pop singer, but I realized I could not follow a song note, so I changed my mind and realized I was into makeup. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was not allowed to wear any makeup until I turned 18 years old, so in the meantime I would cut out my favorite makeup looks from magazine, at the time magazines was like Instagram for me. I collected my favorite makeup looks and imagined myself recreating the looks. Once I turned 18, my mom introduced me to eyeliner and that is when I unleashed myself and went on a shopping spree to M.A.C. I then desired to become an influencer on social media just so that I can get free makeup products. I badly wanted to make videos and create beautiful makeup looks, but at the time I felt that I was not going to go far with my makeup career because of the competition, which was very intimidating. I ended up talking myself into buying. a camera and lighting to set up my mini studio to film makeup videos.
I began creating videos which was very challenging at first, I did not have any knowledge about editing or color correcting, etc. I finally learned to edit my videos and began sharing them on social media, and that is when my dream of receiving free makeup PR became true. Then suddenly the unexpected occurred when I get a call from the actress Louise Linton wants to set a makeup appointment for her events and a movie she was starring in. I was obviously freaking out, there is no way she wanted me to do her makeup, but yep she did and since then, I was motivated to work hard to perfect my work. I was self-taught, I learned it all on YouTube, thank God for YouTube. Fast forward to now, I am booking makeup appointments for performers at the forum. I am still in awe in how a dream became a reality, but I could not have done this without the support of my family. The hopes is that I can work full time as a makeup artist, it is truly a passion, I love it. I enjoy making people feel confident and beautiful just by a touch of makeup and of course, my amazing personality, I am here to make you smile and leave you with a flawless makeup look.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has not been smooth at all, it has been difficult. I struggle with my own insecurities about not being good enough. Everyone can believe in your work, but if you do not believe in yourself then the road to success can be difficult. I think the biggest struggle was not going viral on Instagram and not getting enough likes or shares. I know it sounds selfish and ridiculous, but I am being real with you, I would stress the heck out about why my videos did not get enough views. I needed people to validate my beautiful creativity and I wanted to please the audience. It is crazy how social media can really affect you. I had sleepless nights where I would ponder on how to create better videos and have more followers. At the time, my mentality was stirred in the wrong direction, I kept thinking to myself “if I am not famous, I am not successful.” I had to finally put a stop on my mentality and reflect on that beauty of working as a makeup artist and why I truly enjoyed it. I would say my top 3 struggles were insecurity, doubt and fear. I probably achieved 1 of my struggles, I am now fearless about what others may think of my makeup work. I still struggle with doubts about being a full-time makeup artist just because I am not the only makeup artist out there and I continue to be insecure in my work. I am my toughest critic, but I am still a work in progress. I am grateful on how far I have gone and how much I have grown in this industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a makeup artist and I specialize in making others feel beautiful and confident, I am known for making your makeup last 24hours and giving you that flawless natural glow. I am most of working with one of the biggest Latin American bands, ‘MANA. I made sure the band had their makeup as natural as possible on national television. What sets me apart from others is being just like others, with a dream to achieve their goal. I have met so many incredible people that connect with me because we all have one goal, to succeed in Los Angeles so that we can support our family and friends. In terms of my makeup career, what sets me apart is the love I pour to people no matter I will overshare my knowledge about makeup and provide free makeup goodies to anyone who books me as their makeup artist, name another makeup artist who gives you a goodie bag of makeup just for setting up an appointment.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is never to lose faith in your goals. There were moments where I wanted to give up and throw that makeup brush away because I felt not good enough. I know it sounds cliche, but never stop pursuing your goals, even when you do not have any sales, support or appointments, stay consistent and be committed to your dreams.
Pricing:
- Bridal Makeup pricing $300.00
- Airbush Makeup pricing $350.00 +
- Production set Makeup $1,000 +
- Glamour Makeup $250.00
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quintanillakathie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathie.e.quintanilla
