Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Ljusterdal.
Caroline, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in the northern part of Sweden was really cold and dark until I found my passion for dance. After college I moved to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, to continue to study dance and eventually started to work as a professional dancer. I always did my own and my co-workers hair and makeup before performing on stage. Eventually I realized that I did not want to be in the dancing industry, I hung up my professional dancing shoes. Instead I started to pursue a career in the beauty industry. I had always worked with makeup on the side but now I felt ready to do it full time. I started to work at one of the leading makeup brands counter at the biggest department store in Stockholm. There I developed my techniques and broadened my artistic view. I also got to assist a well-established makeup artist at photoshoots and TV-commercials. I realized quickly that this industry is very small and competitive and that there were no room for mistakes. I wanted to gain more knowledge, feel more secure in my craft and build my portfolio. So I decided to move to Los Angeles to study and take my cosmetology license. It was the best decision I have ever made. I have learned so much about myself, the industry and about beauty. My skills are better than ever but I still keep pushing to be the best I can be.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly nothing will ever be as tough as being a dancer and that is what I remind myself of when I sometimes feel like I am struggling. There has been times when I haven’t been booked on jobs and I have doubted myself and my creativity, but I have never ever let that feeling take over, Usually those few times I have had doubts I get good news within hours. I am a strong believer that if you want something bad enough you’ll make sure to make it happen. I believe in myself and I know I am going to make it and I keep repeating that to myself. My weakness and my strength are my work ethic, I always say YES to job offers. Which can sometimes mean that I work every day for weeks in a row. It means I can’t hang out with my friends, that I can’t go out to parties, that I cancel plans with my boyfriend and that I get very exhausted. It not something I complain about, it is how my life is and that is the sacrifices I am willing to make to reach my goals.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a professional makeup artist and hairstylist. I mainly work with fashion and music videos, but I do TV-commercials, live performance, weddings and red carpet as well. My style is a mix of the European clean beauty and Hollywood glam and the fact that I do both hair and makeup is very appreciated. My main focus is always to bring out everyone’s individual beauty and to express through beauty and not hide behind it. Besides from being good at my craft, I value being professional, to always keep my kit clean, to be on time, bring a good energy to the team and help out where I could be needed even if it is not related to makeup or hair.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
That there is no snow! All jokes aside, the sun is one of my favorite things about LA. I believe it keeps people in a happy mood. I also like that people are so open and talkative, even to strangers! What I absolutely LOVE about Los Angeles is that everyone is allowed to dream and everyone is supportive to other people’s goals.
What I miss from Sweden is to be able to drink fresh water from the tap, that it is easier to be more environmentally friendly and that everything administrative works smoother over there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolineljusterdal.com
- Phone: 3234595405
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hmua.caroline/
Image Credit:
Gabriel Frasier
Emmanuelle Choussy
Alex Rosenkreuz
Nicolas Bates
Brian Love
Jose Manuel Cruz
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