Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Diaz
Hi Cynthia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Cynthia Diaz. I was raised in Los Angeles since I was 12, but my journey began long before that. Growing up, I wasn’t always the loudest in the room, but my story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose.
One of the most transformative years of my life was 2012, when my parents decided to move to El Salvador to start a new life. I began my education there, adapting to a new way of living, but as time passed, my mom deeply regretted the decision. She wanted my brother and me to have the opportunities that the U.S. could offer—opportunities for a better future.
My mother, born in El Salvador, made the difficult but love-driven choice to cross back to the U.S. one last time—for us. As a first-generation Latina, I had the privilege of flying back, but my mom had to take a different path. I waited months with no contact, hoping and praying that she would make it safely through the brutal desert. There’s so much more to that story, but this was the key turning point that shaped me into the woman and creative I am today.
Makeup became my escape, my way of expressing the emotions I couldn’t always put into words. I wasn’t always confident or outspoken, but I always had this warm feeling in my heart that I was meant for something greater. God gave me that reassurance.
Right after high school, I made the decision to go to makeup school—a path that wasn’t exactly seen as “right” in a traditional Hispanic household. But that decision was the first step toward the life I’m living now. I worked hard every day to show my mother that anything is possible, breaking through generational expectations and proving that creative careers hold power. I give all the credit to God.
For the past seven years, I’ve built my career as a professional makeup artist and photographer, working with A-list celebrities, top beauty brands, and the music industry’s biggest names. I’ve worked on set with artists like Saweetie, J Balvin, Karol G, Ozuna, and Nicki Minaj, bringing my creative vision to life through both makeup and visual storytelling. My work has taken me behind the scenes of music videos, red carpets, album covers, and global campaigns, proving that artistry has no limits.
But in 2019, my life took an unexpected turn when I met an artist who drained the creative energy out of me, bringing immense sadness into my life. This person manipulated, controlled, and dimmed my light, making me doubt my own worth and talent. I felt stuck, like my vision was being stolen from me. For years, I was trapped in that darkness, losing touch with the creative fire that once fueled me.
Then, something shifted. At 25, when my frontal lobes fully developed (literally!), I was blessed by God with the strength to walk away. I finally saw the situation for what it was, and I broke free. That chapter of my life no longer defines me—it empowered me. Now, I am creatively free again. I have reclaimed my vision, my passion, and my purpose.
Through my experiences, I’ve realized how many people suffer in silence within this industry, manipulated by those in power. That’s why I am committed to building a safe space for creatives—a world where artistry is nurtured, not exploited. I want to bring awareness to the wrongdoings of those who abuse their influence and create a community that is built on real love, trust, and support.
Over the years, my creative butterfly has blossomed. I am an artist—not just a makeup artist, but a storyteller through video, photography, graphics, music, and community. I started my production company, Soy Latina y Más, inspired by the many first-generation Latinas who are often overlooked. My mission is to remind them of their power through representation and to create a world where creatives can thrive without fear.
This is just the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my journey, I have faced countless obstacles—many of which I didn’t even recognize at the time. I have been manipulated, taken advantage of, and made to believe I was less than I truly am. For years, I didn’t even know what manipulation was, which made it easier for people to use me, control me, and make me question my own worth.
I’m not afraid to share this part of my story because I know it can inspire someone else to find the courage to walk away—to reclaim their sense of self-worth and creative power. Boundaries as a creative are essential. You cannot be forcefully overworked, sat in a car for hours, unpaid and unappreciated, and call that “brand building.” You cannot let someone call you just to break your spirit, question your talent, and make you feel like you are not enough. That is not mentorship. That is manipulation.
I have been surrounded by people who tried to break me, silence me, and tear me down—but I refused to let their words and actions define my reality. They wanted me to believe I was small, but deep down, I always knew I was meant for so much more.
Coming from a humble background, I know that the odds have always been against me, but that has never stopped me. I will continue to break generational cycles, proving that success is possible without sacrificing self-respect, mental health, or creative freedom.
I find strength in every struggle I’ve faced because I know I’m here for a greater purpose. I want to be a voice for those who feel unheard, to create a space where creativity is nurtured, not exploited. My story is still being written, and I will make sure it’s one of resilience, power, and truth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist—my definition is me. My creativity and vision set me apart because I know that we each have unique qualities, and I fully embrace mine. I love making something out of nothing, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. I could pick up a flower off the ground, glue it to my face, and call it makeup artistry—because to me, makeup is more than just beauty.
I am not the typical makeup artist. I don’t see makeup as just a way to look “beat.” I see it as a storytelling tool, a way to express emotions, culture, and individuality. It’s art in its purest form. But my creativity doesn’t stop there.
I am a makeup artist, hairstylist, photographer, videographer, video editor, graphic designer, social media manager, director, and music creative. I don’t just create—I bring visions to life, from the first spark of an idea to the final product. Whether it’s a stunning makeup look, a striking photo, a dynamic music video, or a full creative campaign, I have built my career by learning and mastering every aspect of my craft.
I am the kind of person who says “yes” first and YouTubes it later—because that’s how I’ve grown. I am not afraid of being uncomfortable, of trying new things, of pushing past limits. That’s what being an artist is all about. Some of the moments I’m most proud of include working closely with Saweetie, not just as a makeup artist, but as a creative partner, bringing artistic visions to life alongside her. Being able to collaborate, create, and contribute to her world has been a milestone in my career—one that reminds me of the power of my artistry.
Beyond that, I am incredibly proud of the community I’ve built online as a content creator. Over the years, I have created a space where I can express my roots loudly and proudly, representing El Salvador and Honduras through my art, voice, and storytelling. I’ve never been afraid to show who I am and where I come from, and seeing others feel inspired, represented, and connected through my work is one of my greatest accomplishments.
What’s next?
I’m excited to continue spreading my wings and soaring as a creative. I can’t wait to share my new creative endeavors and grow my community, ‘Soy Latina y Más.’ I’m definitely planning to start a podcast and create music to empower Latinas and show that we can do it all. We can be the representation we’ve always wanted to see in every room we walk in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/thecynthiadiaz?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaIPTUvXJN9ewQyqn0jrUUHSakRzjBxJ9JWzMzLeO5dVOU9mFWA5Pz4-C0_aem_MNNBaJ_PMpVAtDmdmkXowA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecynthiadiaz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt3a3J4n6grLbNLL6UUl28Q
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecynthiadiaz?lang=en
Image Credits
photos : @_lalligagging @lillieyazdi @thecynthiadiaz
