June 28, 2016

Meet Hawthorne / Lawndale Makeup Artist: Denise Marquez

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Marquez. She is one of the most inspiring, well spoken artists we have met – her story and her goals are equally heartwarming. The world needs more people like Denise and we can’t help but root for her. Below you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with her.

Denise, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

After high school, just like most girls….I wasn’t completely sure what career was best for me. Besides, I didn’t fully know who I was either. I studied business and then thought I wanted to be a broadcaster. It was short lived. The entertainment and media world sparked my interest though. Besides looking through magazines and tearing out my favorite pictures….I truly enjoyed fashion and glamour. Every part of it. I landed a job with Macy’s in Culver City, California.

That’s when I was hired by Shiseido Cosmetics. I worked for them for many years. I was trained to be the best beauty consultant. I worked with women of all ages and when they left my counter, I knew I made them feel beautiful. I went above and beyond my job. I made sure the customer/ client was happy. I was honest and caring. Being around people and doing what I love is happiness for me. There were times a client or customer felt insecure or suffered from low self-esteem and I would remind them how beautiful they are. Because everyone has beauty in them, faces are unique and we have different features that make us who we are. My job is to remind my customers and clients how beautiful they are. After years in the retail world of cosmetics, I was hired to work for Shiseido’s Marketing Studio in Santa Monica, California. There I hired and trained new employees, taught facial massage classes, skin care classes and makeup classes. It was wonderful! I worked there until the studio closed.

Then…..Facebook opened up a whole new way of networking. I found groups who held photo shoots and events for creative people like me. Like, Photographers, Makeup Artists, and Hair Stylists. I would contact as many people as I could. Sometimes you get turned down, sometimes you don’t. But you keep going…..if it’s what you love, you never give up. From those groups and through networking, I have met so many wonderful and amazing people and talent. This where my portfolio was created. Not every job/ gig pays you. But if you work hard, are professional and build relationships…people will remember you! During photo shoots or private makeovers, I get the chance to style my client and or model as well. It’s a girl’s heaven! Clothes, makeup, jewelry and shoes! Then the shoot begins, seeing the model or client look fabulous and confident! And the results are amazing photographs due to a team of talented people who make it all happen, together. I truly enjoy what I do. It’s a career that feeds on creativity and inspiration.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future is to own my studio and become a well- known makeup-artist. Whether renowned, regional or national. While working on my dreams, I want to inspire, motivate and be a positive role model for young ladies and women. Throughout school, there was never a class that taught children, teenagers or young adults about self-esteem, self-love, the importance of believing in ourselves and having confidence. I want to help teenagers, young adults and all women build their self-esteem, have self-love and to strive to accomplish their dreams and goals. I want to make an impact and difference in the lives of others. I’ve always believed we are not only here on earth to live, but to help others while living.

I don’t want to just be known for just my work or talent. I believe sometimes that there is so much chaos in this world and perhaps in our own lives that we forget why we’re here and we’re here to help one another, to believe in ourselves, to love ourselves and to love another human being. If I could make a big difference in this world before I die, I would have lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. I think that we should all take time to volunteer and help other people and to help organizations for great causes.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
Growing up was not easy for me. I was raised by my Mom, she was limited financially but did whatever she could for me. Even if she had to sacrifice her own needs, she still struggled. My father chose not to be a part of my life. And at a very young age I questioned my identity, my self-worth and he disappointed me. I always thought that it had something to do with me, what was wrong with me? Why didn’t he want to know me and let me know him? That disappointment and pain broke my spirit, it hurt. All I could do was reach out, show him love and never give up. That pain made me stronger. As an adult I realized it was never my fault, it wasn’t about me. We don’t always get to choose the cards we’re dealt. So instead I took my adversities, learned from them and never gave up on myself.

Through my struggles, my pain and limited resources ….I still had hope and love. As a young girl I started volunteering, it brought me so much joy! I was crowned outstanding youth volunteer of Los Angeles in 1996. What an honor!

I believe there are two ways to deal with our struggles, pain and disappointment. We either believe in ourselves and we let nothing stop us or we let everything control us and fear and doubt can do that alone. Our minds are so powerful. Whatever we think, speak and believe of ourselves we attract. I think that’s a constant thing that everyone can say they battled from time to time if not every day. It takes a lot of discipline and motivation in ourselves to want to be better people and to want to strive for the best in every area of our lives. If I give up on what I believe in and what I love, then that would be giving up on myself and my dreams. I can’t do that!

Do you ever just stop and think WOW – I’ve made it?

I have not fulfilled my dream quite yet, so I cannot say that I’ve made it quite as far as I really want to be. As I stated before, I do want to own my own studio and also be a renowned makeup artist and that is a very big dream of mine. Because if I get that far up and become well-known….that’s where I’ll be able to make a bigger difference with the support of other people, companies and the media – to make a huge difference in the lives of other young adults and women in my city, my state and even nationwide.

Life is not easy and they’re good and bad people in this world. We all know that. I really just want to be known not only for my talent and artistry but that I helped other young adults and women succeed in every way possible. Whether teaching classes, having seminars, one on one sessions, or public speaking….I want to make a huge impact in the lives of others.

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