local storiesMarch 17, 2025

Daily Inspiration: Meet Dina Orozco-peterson

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina Orozco-peterson

Hi Dina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For me, beauty or the world of beauty was a choice made out of desperation. As a LA local 433 Ironworker beauty wasn’t even in my vocabulary. Transitioning from a male-dominated industry like welding into the beauty world required more than just technical skill—it demanded emotional intelligence. Working with men often meant direct, transparent communication, but in a female-driven industry, I quickly realized that women possess an intuitive ability to read people. If I lacked confidence, if I wasn’t secure in myself, or if I wasn’t being completely honest, my clients could sense it before I even spoke a word. In 2008 I broke my foot working at LA LIVE. Little did I know it would be the beginning of my metamorphosis. Fast forward 14+ years later I can say I’ve fallen in love with the beauty industry, woman and the essence of woman. I used to be very bias towards women, being that I saw first hand how hard they work to provide. Now I have a more balanced view on men and women.

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?
My journey hasn’t been easy. In 2008, when I broke my foot, my career as a structural steel welder came to an abrupt end. Out of desperation, I stepped into the beauty industry, not realizing the challenges I would face along the way.

Physically, I’ve endured four major surgeries—two of which forced me to shut down my business completely. The other two, I was able to survive with the support of my team. These experiences left me debilitated at times, but they also taught me resilience.

Mentally, I’ve struggled with focus, concentration, and indecisiveness for years. While I’ve never considered myself to have ADHD, staying on track has always been a challenge. When I broke my foot, it wasn’t just my career that ended—it triggered memories from my childhood and teenage years, forcing me to confront things I had buried. I also learned to allow myself to be loved during these dark years. My hubby now, Kenny Peterson and my dearest therapist who has become a lifelong friend and healer were and are a major part of my healing.

It’s been a long road of healing, learning my strengths and weaknesses, and, most importantly, accepting that it’s okay to slow down. I’ve had to make tough decisions, including saying no to big opportunities, to protect my mental and emotional well-being. Through it all, I’ve learned that true success isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s also about knowing when to pause, reflect, and take care of myself. I heard a speaker say it’s an amazing thing when you’re recovery time is not the end all. I’ve learned to embrace my pains and suffering, my fortitude comes after every major stop, challenge or disability and disappointment. It hasn’t been easy buts it’s a beautiful place when you can find peace and self love in the midst of your mess. That’s true beauty….healing from the inside out.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By profession, I am a lash artist and a licensed esthetician—but my work is so much more than just lash artistry. I have a deep passion for creating curriculums, drafting designs, and developing innovative ways to teach. Creativity has always been a part of me, whether through writing or drawing, but it wasn’t until I entered the beauty industry that this side of me truly resurfaced.

I’ve developed numerous lash manuals, and in many ways, my love for design stems from my background in welding. I always appreciated blueprints—the raw, structured designs behind buildings—and I bring that same approach into my teaching. I enjoy breaking down complex topics into clear, structured lessons that make learning more accessible.

I’m best known for my public speaking and for creating the Lash Map Board, a tool that has become a staple for beginner lash educators. Many of the lash education products and projects I’ve developed were born out of my own need to stay mentally engaged while teaching. Over time, they have become essential interactive tools, helping educators elevate their training and making lash education more effective and engaging.

Beyond beauty education, I am deeply involved with several women’s nonprofits, working to empower underserved women and survivors of sexual abuse. I’ve found a way to merge both of my passions—lash education and advocacy—by creating programs that provide skill-building, mentorship, and personal development. Through my work, I aim to give women not just technical training, but also the confidence and support they need to rebuild and thrive.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love reading and music, music helps me focus and has helped me heal. I play guitar and write songs. Some artist I enjoy are Claudia Isaki, Victory Boyd, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Kings of Lean, Sharikars old work, many Spanish artist and pretty much anyone who writes music I truly appreciate.

My favorite book I would have to say is my Bible. It’s a book that can never be exhausted. It’s refreshing to read stories about people who made major mistakes, had great insecurities and deficiencies yet they didn’t give up or had the opportunity to make wrongs right. I have Brendon Burchard’s High Achievement Planner. Highly recommend.
I journal mostly everyday, I get a new journal every year. I began writing more frequently in 2008. I enjoy listening to Lisa Bevere, business podcast, health and wellness and anything the helps with strategy for mental wellbeing.

Pricing:

Custom Classic Lashes $150-$175
Custom Hybrid/Volume/Mega Lashes $175-$200
Master Educator Class $1997
Lash Fundamentals Course $1400
Private beauty School consultant $4997

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ruth Orozco,
Ken Peterson, Johnny O’Kane, Calender “woman non-traditional trades” Lucy Orozco

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