Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Trujillo.
Hi Amber, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for makeup begin in college when I became obsessed with watching makeup tutorials on YouTube instead of doing my homework. I would watch countless videos and practice new techniques on myself and my friends. I graduated college with my bachelor’s in Civil Engineering but knew that was not the profession for me. I moved to Long Beach in June of 2012 and decided to go after my dream of becoming a makeup artist. I spent an entire day going to every MAC store and counter I knew of and gave my resume to anyone who would take it. My persistence paid off and in February of 2013, I was hired as a part-time artist. I took in every ounce of practice and advice anyone would give me. I learned so much and grew as an artist and the foundational skills I have now are rooted from working with some of the best artists in Southern California.
I left MAC in fall of 2017 and began working an office job. Quite literally the exact opposite of who I am and the career I saw myself pursuing. But it served its purpose. I knew that I didn’t want to be in this position forever but I didn’t know where to start. Thankfully in this day and age, we have social media as a free way to advertise and market ourselves to the world. So I started my makeup Instagram page in February of 2019 and posted my first picture of my friend who let me do her makeup. And so it began…
Almost two years to the day after I created my makeup Instagram, I left my 9-5 office job to pursue full-time makeup freelancing in February 2021. I attended a bridal course that got me in contact with other makeup and hair professionals and my career has been an exponential increase ever since.
I am now a full-time luxury natural bridal makeup artist. I have been able to glam some of the most gorgeous brides and be such a part of their special day. One of my favorite things about this job is that I am part of quite literally one of the most monumental days of someone’s life. Getting to know and become friends with my brides is my favorite. I have some brides who are now friends. I journey alongside them and glam them for not only their big day but maternity photos, family photos, etc. I also connect with anyone who loves Disney, has a great taste in music and loves a good cup of coffee!
I am obsessed with everything makeup-related. I am constantly watching makeup tutorials and attending classes to perfect my technique. My style is very traditional soft glam bridal. I love neutral tones on the eyes with a pop of color on the cheek and a brown-toned nude lip! I love investing in the best products for my professional makeup kit and organizing my kit to be super compact and easy for travel. I am always looking to improve my skill and kit to better assist my next client. Learning never stops. I am so excited to embark on year two and see all that’s in store for this new chapter in life!
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?
With anything, there is always a challenge. One of the biggest struggles I personally dealt with was comparison and finding my niche. Wanting my work to look like other artists I knew was my biggest hurdle at first. I am a very versatile artist. I learned so many skills and techniques from other artists I worked with at MAC but posting my style of makeup on my feed gave me the reach for the perfect brides and not just booking anyone who came my way but the ones who were in love with my style of makeup. When I tapped into the fact that my style is MINE and there is no other Amber, The lid was taken off and I was booking the right clients for ME.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in luxury natural bridal makeup. I am for the bride who wants to still look and feel like herself, just elevated. I love when brides book me because they love the way I perfect the skin without it being extremely full coverage and feeling very lightweight. I am proud of my work ethic and how I show up for clients. I take on a huge responsibility that my clients are booking me for one of the most important days of their lives. So I prepare by being ready the night before with an organized makeup kit and clean brushes. I take makeup hygiene very seriously. I want my clients to feel confident with the makeup that’ll be done but also the space around them will be neat and that I will be showing up with to give my best and make the time as memorable and fun as possible.
I believe what sets me apart is my faith and honor to God. I am a believer who unapologetically puts God first. I observe Sundays to serve my home church, Freedomhouse OC. I believe by putting God first, he blesses my business.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When finding a mentor, look for someone who practices the same values and business ethic you’d like your business to have.
When it comes to networking, it’s all about relationships. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Be the one who reaches out to people. I am constantly reaching out to women who I’d like to do their makeup to use for content. It’s not a paid job but it helps me practice, get the right content for my social media presence and they have first-hand experience to your work so when it comes time that they need an artist or someone asks them they’ll refer you because they know your work.
Also, working with other creatives in your area is a great way to showcase your work and for others to know your name and recommend you.
Be genuine and be YOU! When you are working a wedding, you are networking yourself so remember how you conduct yourself. People will have no problem referring you if you brought a good vibe to their getting ready process.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.ambernicolemakeup.com
- Instagram: @ambernicole.makeup
Image Credits
Brenda Guerrero (@bystandermedia_)
