Exploring Life & Business with Emily Kolozsvari of BeautyCamo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Kolozsvari.

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually started my career in fashion! I went to FIDM in Los Angeles and spent about seven years pursuing fashion design and product development, graduating with my AA in 2016. In 2017, I got my brows microbladed, and that appointment sparked an interest in permanent makeup that quickly grew into something much bigger. When I discovered the paramedical side of the industry, I was completely sold. I loved the idea of using tattooing not just for beauty, but to help people feel more confident in their skin. A little while after COVID, I decided it was time to pursue a long-term dream and learn an entirely new skill set.

I left my full-time fashion job and picked up a serving job so I could have the flexibility to apprentice and get my foot in the door. For almost a year, I was driving from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica three times a week, working unpaid while learning everything I could. It definitely took a lot of commitment, but I knew it was what I wanted to do. Eventually, I was hired on full-time, and things really took off from there. I quickly worked my way up to master artist and lead instructor, teaching everything from microblading and powder/ombre brows to paramedical tattooing and tattoo lightening.

After working full-time in the industry for a little over two years, I found a beautiful salon suite on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach and decided it was time to spread my wings and open my own business. BeautyCamo officially opened in 2023, and I’m so happy to say that we’re still here and thriving! Looking back, it’s crazy to think that one brow appointment completely changed the direction of my career. What started as an interest in permanent makeup turned into a business I’m genuinely passionate about, especially because of the impact restorative tattooing can have on someone’s confidence and how they feel about themselves.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road! Like any business owner, I’ve had my fair share of challenges and learning experiences along the way. In the very beginning, a good friend recommended a marketing company, so I decided to invest in their program to help get my business off the ground. Long story short, it ended up being a poor financial decision on my end, and it taught me a really valuable lesson about being intentional with where I invest my money and who I trust with my business.

Starting a business in an industry where you’re constantly building trust, educating people, and trying to stand out is not always easy. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t necessarily see, from the financial side of things to marketing, building a clientele, and learning how to wear all the different hats that come with being a business owner.

I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have everything figured out from the beginning. You’re going to make mistakes, some of which are expensive, but those experiences can teach you a lot if you’re willing to learn from them. At the end of the day, I’m really proud of how far BeautyCamo has come. Building something of your own takes a lot of patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.

We’ve been impressed with BeautyCamo, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
BeautyCamo is a restorative tattoo & permanent makeup studio in Newport Beach, California, specializing in paramedical tattooing and cosmetic enhancements. My biggest focus is on the paramedical side of the industry, including scar camouflage, stretch mark revision, and areola repigmentation, including 3D areola and nipple tattooing for clients who have undergone breast reconstruction or other breast surgeries. I also offer cosmetic services like freckles, lip blushing, and brows!

What I love most about restorative tattooing is that it’s about so much more than the tattoo itself. Many of my clients come to me with scars from surgeries, injuries, or experiences that have impacted their confidence. Being able to help soften the appearance of those scars and help someone feel more comfortable in their own skin is incredibly fulfilling. Every client has a different story, and I never take it lightly when someone trusts me with something so personal.

I think what really sets BeautyCamo apart is the environment I strive to create. I want everyone who walks through my doors to feel welcomed, comfortable, and accepted, no matter their gender, background, identity, or what their skin looks like. I’m genuinely interested in getting to know my clients and hearing their stories. I never want someone to feel like they’re just another appointment on my schedule. For some people, discussing their scars or the areas they’re self-conscious about can be vulnerable, so creating a safe, judgment-free space is just as important to me as the work itself.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that BeautyCamo combines a professional, high-quality experience with a very personal and approachable feel. I want my studio to feel elevated and luxurious, but never intimidating. I also believe in being honest with my clients about what’s realistic. Restorative tattooing isn’t about promising perfection or making every scar disappear; it’s about improving the appearance of the skin in a way that helps people feel more confident.

Ultimately, I want people to know that BeautyCamo is a place where they can explore their options without feeling embarrassed or judged. Whether someone is looking to camouflage a surgical scar, restore the appearance of their areolas after cosmetic surgery, or simply feel a little more confident with freckles or lip blush, my goal is always the same: to help them feel good about themselves while making sure they feel cared for throughout the process.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Honestly, a lot of the things that make me happiest are the simple things in life. My husband, our dog, Mowgli, and our two cats, Tokyo & Dizzy are my little family, and I love spending as much time with them as I can. We love going to the beach, and when we’re home, you can usually find us outside working on the yard or tackling some kind of project around the house.

I’m really into gardening, so I love tending to my vegetables, watching everything grow, and talking about whatever I’ve recently harvested. There’s something really satisfying about putting the time and effort into growing something yourself. My husband and I also love barbecuing on the weekends, enjoying a cocktail outside, and just spending time with good company over great food.

I think a big part of what makes me happy is having that balance between working toward my goals and being able to slow down and enjoy the life we’re building together. I’m very passionate about my business, and I put a lot of myself into it, so having those moments outside of work to recharge and be present with the people I love is really important to me.

Pricing:

• Scar Camo $350+
• Freckles $450+
• Lip Blushing $600
• Brows $600
• Tattoo Lightening $300+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beautycamopmu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautycamo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/BeautyCamo-100084609582876/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyalthinekolozsvari/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beautycamo-newport-beach
• Other: https://share.google/iw2gWnpSRlCXuQEna

Image Credits
My husband, Carson Kolozsvari