Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Megan Solano.
Tina Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Tina, I’m 39 years old, based on Kearny, NJ. I’m autistic. Diagnosed late in life. I’m a mom of three beautiful children. One of whom is autistic as well. I’ve been in the makeup industry for about 15 years now. I started out as a hairstylist and later on realized I loved doing makeup much more. I quit my job at the salon and I continued to freelance.
After a while, I was getting much more inquiries for makeup than I expected. So I decided to go to makeup school and get my certification. Once I was certified, my career took off from there. I landed jobs for indie films, music videos and private clients, and then eventually working on tv shows and feature films. I also became head of the makeup department at a haunted house called Brighton Asylum. In 2001, I won the Hollywood Horror film festival’s best special effects makeup for a movie called Triaphilia. Currently, I still work as a freelance artist and I love it! I honestly couldn’t see myself in any other profession. My future goals are to open a special effects studio for makeup and props. I have a deep love for the horror genre and hope to build on that. I also own a small vegan makeup line called Tellaro Cosmetix. Catering to professional make-up artists but also the everyday makeup enthusiast.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. I didn’t have many connections in the beginning so I pretty much built my career from the ground up. I went to networking events and trade shows. Tried to meet people and gain clientele. I was turned down for many jobs but also booked for many as well. Freelancing is not easy and requires a lot of dedication and drive. One thing I do pride myself on is building my name and career without help, solely as a freelance artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do makeup for all occasions, but I specialize in Special Effects. What I am mainly known for are my prosthetic applications and realistic injuries. I am definitely most proud of the award. I won for the Hollywood Horror, film festival… I think what sets me apart from most people is the fact that even with all of the trials I may have faced along the way in addition to my autism diagnosis, I have never let anything stop me from achieving any goal I set out to do. Being neurodivergent in such a competitive industry is definitely a challenge. But I also believe my genuine love for what I do shows in my work.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is happiness. Someone could have all the money in the world and still hate their job. I love my career and I never feel like it’s work. I never stop enjoying it, and I still feel the same excitement and passion in every job I book. That to me is success in itself. My children are happy and healthy and don’t want for anything. I would say that defines successful…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AllTellaroEverything.com
- Instagram: @TinaMeganMua
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