Check Out Natalie Olivas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Olivas.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
I put on makeup for the first time when I was around 15 years old after a softball accident and 2 black eyes as a result. I absolutely fell in love. I started doing weird creative looks really early on that I still won’t show anyone to this day. I always knew from that moment that this was my passion and that I wanted to make a career out of it. To my parents, that was not very realistic, and I needed a “real education and job.” So, for the first couple years of my journey, it was a hobby while I was doing school or working, but any chance I got, I was practicing on myself and anyone who let me. I took clients here and there, but in November of 2021, I finally took my first step towards it being more real by enrolling in cosmetology school. I appreciate hair and the knowledge to do my own but that was definitely not my path, but I met so many wonderful people and gained the confidence to start advertising myself seriously. I did end up dropping out right before I finished in late 2022, but I was taking clients consistently and growing in my art. Then a few months later after getting burnout out from regular glam on a random Monday in May of 2023, I decided it was time to leave Seattle and come to LA and finally seek out what I truly dreamed of doing which is editorial work. I was moved into my new place that same week. Once I got here, I just started reaching out to artists of any form and hoped they liked my work in return. That has actually worked out so wonderfully. I’ve met and worked with so many cool people. I feel so grateful to be in a place where I’m no longer looked down on for the art I want to create but appreciated and sought out for all the weird things in the depths of my brain. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely not easy. I didn’t have a lot of support for the longest time, and I lacked a lot of self-confidence, so I held myself back a lot. My choice for wanting to follow my dreams and not attend a 4-year university was definitely not supported so for a long time I didn’t even have time for makeup with being young and trying to survive on my own for the first time with no help. Choosing to chase my dreams literally put them on hold, and that was hard to deal with for a long time. After years of hard work, and dedication, I was finally able o put myself through cosmo school which was really did open so many doors for me. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a freelance makeup artist that specializes in creative/editorial/literal art painted on your face type makeup. My graphic eyeliner looks are my most requested by clients. I am most proud of how much I’ve grown as an artista and the confidence I’ve gained. I use to be scared of wearing too bold of a lipstick, but now I will run errands in full clown paint. I think what sets me apart is that I make the editorial and crazy part of my everyday life I don’t think it only belongs in certain occasions or events. 

What matters most to you?
My chosen family. For a long time, I really didn’t feel like I had anybody in my corner or anyone who truly appreciated me and what I put out into the world. I’ve since found those people, and they are who shaped me and helped me be the best version of myself today. Lack of confidence has always been my biggest issue, and if you’ve known me for a long time, you know I’ve grown tremendously. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivasnat_mua?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089688281802&mibextid=cr9u03