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Life & Work with Sara Pacheco of Thousand Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Pacheco.

Hi Sara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I spent the majority of my career as a retail manager, building and running successful teams and stores for other people. Over time, the long hours and constant pressure led to a deep sense of burnout, but not before I found myself drawn to the beauty side of retail. Makeup had always been something I loved, and working in that environment reminded me of the creativity and connection I’d been missing.

As I grew within the makeup retail world, I realized there was a bigger path for me beyond the sales floor. I’d helped build thriving businesses for years, so I finally asked myself: Why not build one for myself? I took a leap of faith, went back to school, and stepped fully into the artistry I’d always dreamed of pursuing. That decision became the foundation of my bridal beauty business, where I get to combine my love of artistry, my experience in leadership, and my passion for making people feel confident and cared for

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Because I wasn’t born and raised in Southern California and had only lived here about four years when I launched my business. I didn’t have a built-in network or deep community connections. I was genuinely starting from the ground up. Learning how to integrate into a new community, make meaningful connections, and build a name for myself has been one of my biggest ongoing challenges. At the end of the day, our supporters and clients are what allow our businesses to thrive, so earning that trust and visibility in a new place required patience, consistency, and a willingness to put myself out there in every possible way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my work, I specialize in luxury bridal hair and makeup, but what truly defines my artistry goes far beyond one category. I’m known for creating highly customized looks that are rooted in my clients’ individual style, not just whatever is trending at the moment. While I can recreate any popular look, my focus is on understanding what makes each client feel the most confident and authentic. That philosophy keeps my work incredibly diverse and allows me to shift effortlessly between styles.

My portfolio ranges from soft, supernatural beauty for clients who want to feel like the most elevated version of themselves… to precise, editorial looks for cameras and commercial projects where every detail matters… all the way to elaborate full-body painting, SFX, and character transformations for creative shoots and events. I love the challenge and creativity each category brings, and I’m proud that my skill set allows me to serve such a wide range of visions without ever compromising on quality or intention.

One of the things I’m most proud of, though, is the team I get to work alongside. I’m surrounded by a group of friends who have been by my side for nearly a decade—artists whose talent inspires me daily and who feel more like family than colleagues. Supporting their artistry and careers is just as meaningful to me as serving our clients. We’ve grown together, learned together, and built a culture rooted in trust, connection, and genuine love for each other and our passion for making others feel beautiful!

That energy naturally translates to the wedding day experience. When you have a team that communicates effortlessly, respects each other deeply, and truly enjoys working together, the morning feels calm, cohesive, and joyful for everyone involved. We’re known not only for our artistry and professionalism, but for the warmth, energy and groundedness we bring into a room.

What sets me apart is that blend of versatility, intentionality, and heart. I don’t create trends—I create your version of beauty. I don’t just lead a team—I nurture a family of artists who uplift one another. And I don’t just do makeup—I aim to create an experience where every client feels seen, supported, and genuinely celebrated.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve read plenty of books and listened to more podcasts than I can count over the years, but the truth is that my biggest source of growth doesn’t come from any app or publication—it comes from my community. The artists I work with, the creatives I collaborate with, and the professionals I’ve met in and outside of the beauty world have taught me more than any single resource ever could.

Their feedback, support, and shared experiences have pushed me to evolve, adapt, and thrive in ways that feel real and grounded. Conversations, mentorships, and the energy of the people around me have been the greatest tools in my development, both artistically and as a business owner.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
photos by Another Dream, Briana Dimond, Kelsey Rinaldi, Allie Dearie, Michelle Sobel, Mary Liz, Amelie Black, Hannah Adam’s, J Guerzon Pictorials

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