September 13, 2016

Meet Stunning Boyle Heights Makeup Artist: Alexus Hernandez

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to the lovely Alexus Hernandez.

Alexus, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My passion for makeup started back when I was 14 years old but professionally started my makeup career right after high school. I went to school for cosmology but realized it was more about hair than makeup, so I dropped and joined a 3-month program to become a certified makeup artist. After I received my certificate, I went to school for 1 year and graduated in Special Effects Makeup. I worked 2 different makeup counters after that but I decided to quit my job, and take a leap of faith and start doing youtube full time, as well as freelancing when I can. It’s the best decision I ever made for myself.

Has it been a smooth road?
There was a lot of bumps in the road after I quit my job, I didn’t really get the support I thought I’d get from my parents, also not knowing how I’d make ends meet but now I have their full support and they’re seeing how my hard work is finally paying off.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I love freelancing and doing youtube but my ultimate goal in life, career wise, is to have my own cosmetic line. I want to leave my mark in the beauty industry and that’s the best way I could think of.

Let’s explore some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way. What was the most difficult part of your career so far?
I think the hardest part of my career is putting myself out there, for everyone to see. YouTube is open to the world, anything I post online, someone can just say their opinion about me. I’ve had people judge me by just the way I look, bullying is real. Sometimes I question if this is what I want to do. I’ve had amazing support from my followers, subscribers, and friends. I always tell myself ‘for every person that hates me, I have 20 other people that love me’ so it outweighs the negative. Some dumb comment isn’t going to stop me from chasing my dreams!

Do you ever feel like “Wow, I’ve arrived” or “I’ve made it” or do you feel like the bulk of the story is still unwritten?
I think that ‘wow moment’ was when I had people message me on Instagram and SnapChat just complimenting me and telling me how much they loved my videos, but once I would reply, they would freak out, thinking I wasn’t going to reply to them. It was really flattering and humbling, but very weird, knowing I made someone’s day by just replying to their message!

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