Meet Nica Tan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nica Tan.

Nica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was around 9 or 10 years old, I would watch my mom put on her makeup in the kitchen of our small house we lived in at the time. I would always be fascinated and asked to play with it until fifth grade she finally let me put it on my face. I would only wear chapstick and really light eyeliner on the corner of my eyes and wore it to school. I remember being made fun of for trying to look like a “big kid” and from that point I learned that it was actually about me learning to express myself in my way. Makeup has always been my creative outlet and even at a young age I knew it empowered me and was going to become my thing. As my mom gradually let me wear more makeup, I took it more seriously in middle school and started a YouTube channel. This is where I started my social media presence on YouTube and Instagram by making beauty videos and talking about makeup. I learned everything I know through YouTube and watching beauty gurus like Michelle Phan and Bethany Mota.

Fast forward to high school, I graduated a year early and went straight to a music college. I’ve always had a love for music and singing and I wanted to get into the music industry somehow. I majored in music business and wanted to become an A&R. At the time, it was difficult for me to stay motivated because all of my friends were enjoying their senior year of high school while I was stressing out about what I wanted to do with my life. I learned that the music business industry wasn’t for me and I became a college drop out at 17. It was scary at first but ultimately this decision made me realize makeup has always been there for me so why not pursue it? This pushed me to wanting to become a makeup artist and I started going to beauty school. Then, I started creating my own photo shoots and putting myself out there and I haven’t looked back since! I feel truly lucky to have found my place in this world and my passion as young as I am. Makeup is my healing and makes me feel amazing being able to empower other people like it does for me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wouldn’t say it has been the smoothest road; there are definitely it’s ups and downs. In this industry especially it is difficult being a young woman trying to make a name for yourself and be taken seriously when almost everyone is into makeup and anyone can call themselves a makeup artist. It was definitely difficult at first making a clientele and having people trust your work. There were a lot of moments where I had to use all the strength in me to just keep pushing and not give up because as powerful as being an artist is, we can get very discouraged and unmotivated. It took me a while to be able to have consistent photo shoots and even longer to have more paid shoots.

A lot of people don’t realize how expensive being a makeup artist is and how difficult it can be to do free work that doesn’t pay off all of the makeup you just bought to use on other people. Being a makeup artist definitely takes a lot out of you financially and mentally, but if you keep pushing it always pays off. There is a feeling like no other watching someone’s face light up and radiate confidence because of the art you just put on them. There are its trials with this job but empowering people to feel more beautiful and better about themselves has always been my favorite part and definitely makes up for the struggle. Though, there are moments where I have had to deal with some rude clients and people feeling like they are entitled to talk down on you. Working in the fashion industry with models and actors, I have had my fair share of superficialness. I had to learn to be completely secure within myself and my work and to come into a job everyday with positive energy. If I was able to do my job and be proud of it, get my check, then I learned that nothing else should phase me.

Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I am a freelance makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California. I do photoshoots, client work, prom makeup, wedding makeup, music videos, basically anything I’m called for I’m there! I specialize in a lot of editorial makeup but I don’t like limiting myself to one specific style. I love doing any type of makeup but I definitely have the most fun when I can use color and go out of my comfort zone. I creatively direct a few of my shoots and have been diving into photography and modeling to get more multifaceted with my skills.

I am proud of myself for being 19 years old and getting the opportunities I’ve made for myself. I honestly feel like I have done a lot for my age and I am so excited to see where this all goes by the time I am 21. I feel like my persistence and meticulousness sets me apart from others because all of the work I do is always carefully thought of and put in with a lot attention. I feel like my job isn’t done if a look hasn’t met its fulfillment. Whether it’s something natural or purposely messy, I work very hard and precisely to match the vision of what the client wanted. I do my best to have my clients be happy and encourage more love for themselves and to feel empowered! Makeup is an art form and a way to love what you already have even more and I hope I convey that message in my work.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom has supported me through every stage of my life and I know it hasn’t always been easy. It is definitely a lot to see your kid go through different career paths and terrifying to drop out of college but she has been there for me every step of the way. She was the reason I even started liking makeup as a kid and played with her stuff and now she comes to me to apply her lashes and do her face. It is a full circle and I am grateful to have a mom like her who is unconditionally loving and never lets me feel alone. She’s my biggest role model on becoming an entrepreneur and being an independent woman. I’ve seen her have so many jobs at once and be extremely hard working for as long as I remember so its definitely always inspired me. She’s taught me to stay resilient and not let my personal life get in the way of my career, and that no matter what to just keep pushing.

I am also grateful for the friends I have and the people I’ve met on this journey that have always supported me and helped me keep creating. Some people who I barely know or haven’t even met that have always believed in me on my Instagram has helped me continue to do what I do. My friends and the creative circle I have around me constantly inspire me. I give all the credit to my family and my friends and all the artists I constantly work with and admire, for pushing me to become the artist I am today and continuously helping me elevate and grow.

Pricing:

• My rates range from $40-$90+, prices may vary depending on how dramatic and what materials are being used
• $40 for simple ONLY eye makeup
• $60 starting price for simple full glam
• $10 fee for lashes, glitter, embellishments (jewels, feathers, pearls etc)
• $10 starting price for transportation
• $70 starting price for dramatic glam

Contact Info:

• Email: tan.nica1d@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Asia Carrido, Emily Eizen, Emily Krouse, Cristine Armosilla

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.