Today we’d like to introduce you to Sullivan Hruska.
Hi Sullivan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So my story is more complicated than you might think. Before pursuing cosmetic tattooing, I was actually a celebrity makeup artist!
I always knew that college wasn’t for me and that I needed to be in a field that ignited my passion. So while I was still in high school, I started a mini business charging girls for prom and special event makeup! Then, out of high school, I tried cosmetology, which wasn’t for me. Not to mention, I joined right before the pandemic hit. So after that, I knew I still loved makeup and wanted to be in the beauty industry, so I picked it back up times 10. I started doing weddings and booking freelance photo and video shoots to build my portfolio, and I just loved it. Once moving to LA, I knew I wanted to do more. So I DM’ed and emailed my life away and ended up assisting some of the greatest celebrity makeup artists and working with celebrities like Camila Mendes, Snoh Aalegra, Madison Beer, Angourie Rice, Kelsea Ballerini, and more!
However, as amazing and fun this industry was, it was difficult financially, and I knew I needed something a little more stable. That’s when I stumbled upon cosmetic tattooing, and I fell in love. I found a great trainer in San Diego and carried my craft to Los Angeles with me. Now, I’ve had the chance to work with so many amazing people and tattoo artists and have recently found my home at Studio Sashiko in LA, working alongside some of the fiercest artists in the business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! There was so much unknown throughout this journey, and I’m still learning and doing my best! I truly had no idea what I was doing most of the time, and let the power of manifestation bring me right to where I needed to be.
I know many feel this way and can relate to me, that trying to build a career and find your purpose is always difficult, and adding a global pandemic onto that is a whole different beast. I’m open about it now, but my mental health took a serious dive throughout everything, and I didn’t see myself coming out of it. Every day felt like a struggle to get out of bed and shower, let alone work on myself and my career. Thankfully, I have the most incredible support system and through a lot of courage, found the help I needed. I constantly had faith in the power of energy exchange and the path that was meant for me.
I know so many others felt this way and still do. As corny as it sounds, it does truly get easier. Getting help and leaning on my support system (family and friends) saved my life and helped me get to the beautiful place that I am now in my life and career!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am still a working makeup artist, and also I currently specialize in hyper-realistic microblading and tattoo freckles. I hope to continuously build and add onto my craft and eventually break into restorative and paramedical tattooing. My focus has always been helping people at the core, and I truly believe that this industry goes well beyond just vanity.
I am probably the most proud of my resilience and refusal to give up. I have wanted to so many times, and each time I have trusted myself that this is what I’m meant to do! I feel like every set of brows or makeup look I do, I improve, and I never want to stop feeling that way!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Absolutely without a doubt my family and partner. Without them and their continuing support and love, I don’t know where I’d be! I also have so much love and gratitude for those that have taken me in and given me a space to be creative and myself in so many areas of my life. From the makeup artists that trust me to assist them to the shops that allow me to create art in their space, I would be nowhere without the brilliant people that I attract in my life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sullivanhruska.com
- Instagram: @sullivantattoos @sullivanhruska
Image Credits
(makeup photos) Photographer: Tariq Johnson
