Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Solares.
Melinda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for beauty stems from my family heritage in Cuba – where my grandfather founded a haircare brand – and from growing up playing with stage makeup as a competitive dancer. My career at Sephora began at the San Francisco HQ in 2015 in the Makeup Merchandising Department working with some of the fastest-growing brands on the market to develop their new products and beauty trends. When I decided to make the move back to Southern California and leave the Makeup Merchandising Department, I heard that Sephora was opening a video studio in Hollywood. At that point, it became my mission to become a part of it. Looking back, I was just a baby, but I mustered up the courage to ask my then VP about any opportunities. She was and is an incredible woman who really supported me and my career. Sephora ended up creating a new position for me here in Los Angeles at the studio and the rest is history. When I arrived, my passion for video content expanded even more while I was on Sephora’s Social Media Marketing Team. There, I ideated and created beauty tutorials for Sephora’s YouTube channel, built Sephora’s IGTV video program, consulted for external brand video shoots, coached countless talent, and made so many new connections. Soon after, I had the honor of being one of the first-ever members of the #SephoraSquad, a crew of unique, unfiltered storytellers with diverse points of views and interests. I advanced to my role as a Sephora Beauty Director in 2020, where I now get to share all of the beauty knowledge I have acquired along the way.
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?
It has been an emotional rollercoaster, which is why I like to think getting to where I am now feels so good. Oftentimes, the biggest challenges reap the biggest rewards; that is inevitable with any career journey in any industry. I have been fortunate to find mentorship through some of the strong females I work with at Sephora but there is always uncertainty and discomfort in growth, and it takes a minute to figure out that it can actually be a good thing. Sit with the discomfort and learn from it. One of the most important things I have learned is that at the end of the day, you are the only person in control of your own career. If you want something, go after it. If it is meant to be, it will fit. Hustle, but most importantly, practice self-care. Whatever you do, don’t wait too long because your happiness and well-being in this life is most important to your success. I am so grateful for where I landed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Sephora Beauty Director, I offer the community an unbiased look at beauty through various platforms. I regularly meet with brand founders to learn about the science and stories behind their products, I educate Sephora’s audience through video content on social media, events, and interviews, and advocate for a beauty community where everyone belongs to something beautiful. I am also a mental health advocate. I have anxiety and depression and my drive to find my inner peace led to wanting to help others. I like to think what sets me apart in this industry is my vulnerability. However, let me be clear, I am still working on it and push myself everyday not only to help myself but also those out there that may not have access to mental health awareness or resources. Mental health is an epidemic and if we don’t collectively start pushing for progress, it is going to be a very sad world. I am incredibly grateful to work for a company that allows me to use their platform for this cause.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I absolutely love the app Headspace. Regardless of your mental health, everyone that lives in our society can benefit from the mindfulness that develops from meditation practice. I realize some people think meditation sounds a little out there, but it is basic science. Meditation has become my secret weapon for the high-pressure situations I am often in for my role. I only wish I had started sooner!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sephora.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyymelinda/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sephora
Image Credits
Image credit for headshot: Ryan Nolan – https://www.instagram.com/ryannolan.xyz/
