June 28, 2016

Meet Encino Makeup Artist: Nika Geneva

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nika Geneva.

Nika is an artist by birth and her passion for creativity was fueled by her artist parents. After going through a whirlpool of difficult times, Nika has made it in the LA makeup scene and has a long list of professional feats. She’s exceptionally ambitious, hard working and we couldn’t be more excited to watch her career bloom. Below you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with her.

Nika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

I come from a family of artists (both mother and father artists and art teachers) I graduated from art school with subject Lighting Design My focus has always been on colors, lines and detail I have been in love with makeup since I can remember and creating beauty has been my passion my whole life I found Makeup was the media that I express my art and creativity best in Enhancing people’s beauty and seeing the happiness in their eyes after applying their makeup filled my heart with joy and So after moving to L.A. from Bulgaria I took classes at Marinello Schools Of Beauty Being an absolute perfectionist and having the eye and hand for it the Makeup class was easy for me After completing it my Makeup Artist instructor invited me to work with her on my first big project ‘Underdog Kids’ film. I would like to thank her for everything she taught me and for giving me that opportunity to grow as a Makeup Artist Step by step and project by project I came to be Key Makeup Artist and Hair stylist for two Short Films this year, also commercials, infomercials, music videos and fashion shoots, various photo shoots, private events and weddings

Has it been a smooth road?

It has been a journey and I am still on that road! The hardest was the beginning when I had to have my side job to pay my bills, like every artist Just made it hard because it takes so much of your time just to cover the basics and you are left with so little to pursue your dreams But what got me through was persistence and love for what I do, determination and hard work, faith and positivity But above all my friends, who are my family and my mom

What are your plans for the future?
My life is definitely here in Los Angeles – it was this amazing connection I have had with this city from before we met and after – we fell in love with each other. The City of Angels really feels Home to me! Of course I would love to travel the world but I will always come back hereIn my career my biggest passion is fashion and editorial, I hope I will be a part of New York fashion week one day and my work will be published! Also films are something that touches my soul and inspires me so much. The connection people build with each other, and the way they become like a family thru out such a short period of time amazes me every time. I have worked on films and hope there are many more to come!

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?

I think that was the time when I first moved to L.A. coming from Bulgaria I did not know a single person here, had no money, no job, no car and no place to stay! It was scary but I BELIEVED everything will fall into place and it did! My mother have said many times my life is like a puzzle and I meet all the right amazing people so they can help me get to where I am going and give me a hand in hard times; and all the right things come to me at the right time and fit like pieces of the puzzle! So I have met my friend Rudy couple months prior moving to L.A. He is from Las Vegas but used to live in Los Angeles. I called him and asked for his help, told him I needed a place to stay for couple of weeks until I figure things out. So he introduced me to these amazing 2 girls who became my friends and gave me so much love and help. I ended up staying with them for 6 months, one of them gave me her old car and her job, which she was quitting at the time for a better one. They gave me strength and love, friendship and hope! Their words were: “You were born to live here, and you deserve it and we will help you do this” Couple of months later I met another 2 of my best friends till this day, who also gave me roof over my head and helped me with everything I needed, and when I had the hardest times! So I have been extremely fortunate and privileged to have known and have met the most beautiful, amazing, generous and absolutely extraordinary people who are still in my life. Here I would like to say THANK YOU to all of my friends who are my family and my mom – they have always been there for me and I would have not been where I am right now without you!

Do you ever just stop and think WOW – I’ve made it?

I really feel that NOW is the time my career is starting to get to where I dreamed it would

I am still on my way to the top of the hill but I can see it and I know I am getting closer every day

I connect with more and more people every day, working with incredible talents on projects that I absolutely love! That gives me inspiration and lifts me up, lights up my soul and strengthens my faith! I have a very important interview next week – it is for Key Hair and Make-up position for feature film, which means a lot to me! So send out your love and good vibes my way!

Pricing:

$65 for Makeup application
$85 Prom $120
Bridal (Package deals available) $100 for headshots (one look included) Lashes are included in all the prices Airbrush available at no additional cost

Contact Info: