Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica De’Andrea
Hi Veronica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, What can I say? I love it here. I’ve always been into several forms of arts since a little girl. Which is why I feel I’m so multifaceted now as an adult. I just knew I was going to be a Super Model or a chef one day because anytime a camera was pulled out I would strike a pose and I love to cook and love food. I didn’t become a Super Model or a chef but there’s still time lol. I love music and loved to dance and I took classes at Millennium Dance Complex as a kid. I recorded every Aaliyah to Mya to Usher music video on VHS to learn the choreography. I danced all throughout high school through the Performing Arts Magnet Program I was in and started working in an office at 16 years old. It didn’t take long for me to learn that the job wasn’t personable enough. I didn’t feel like I was helping anyone and I wanted to be around people. So I got a job in the mall. I’ve been basically been in customer service since. After graduating high school I attended a community college to study photography. Unfortunately the course was dropped at the college and I dropped out. I then found myself working at Sephora in side a JCPenney at 19 and the world of Makeup Artistry stole my heart Being able to combine beauty and customer service immediately became second nature to me. I didn’t attend a beauty school, I’m self taught. Persistence and connecting with and building relationships with people along the way has played a huge role in my success. I’m very passionate about helping people. I believe it’s my purpose. I have my parents to thank for setting such great examples of what helping others looks like. From helping family members struggling with addiction, NEVER judging them and or providing opportunities for others to work and earn for themselves. There’s nothing I enjoy more than uplifting others and making them feel the way they do about me, about themselves. Confident, beautiful but not just on the outside, by connecting, encouraging confidence and providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I definitely didn’t have a smooth road to where I am today. I’ve gone through a lot actually. My parents got a divorce while I was working at Sephora inside JCPenney and my life changed. I was on my own. I had some support from family as far a place to stay for a little while. I found a studio that ended up being under a slum lord and it was infested and immediately moved out and rented a room with complete strangers. Ironically the owner of the house was Tina Turners drummer once upon a time in his life. (Only in LA right?) lol. Nonetheless I eventually found a place with my then boyfriend. but we still were taking the train and any form of transportation until we didn’t have to. Unfortunately, My Dad was given a hospice diagnoses at the end of 2017 and had a near death scare in 2018. The stress I was under caused me to experience shingles. I lost my Dad in 2019. My Dad is the sole reason for my love for music, my work ethic and drive as an entrepreneur. No one loved it music more than he did. And he was the hardest working man I’ve known. I believe in when you lose one you gain one and I became a mother in 2021 and it’s by far the best job I have.
I’ve freelanced in LA without a car of my own for roughly 5 years. I’ve taken every form of transportation to and from my gigs. Nothing stopped me. Nothing can. I may slow down but I’ll never stop. A lot of the time I was spending what I earned, on my trips to and from the same gigs. Nothing has been easy. I’ve found a lot of challenges needing to have a “day job” and pursuing my passions. In LA might I add where it’s not cheap to live lol. It’s been dope as hell nonetheless.
This year I have given more time to content creating, putting together outfit inspiration videos and makeup tutorials and recipes, and acquiring some PR relationships by doing so which has been a new journey. Discouraging sometimes but not really. I’m doing what I can with what I’ve got. That’s been my motto since having to figure this thing called life out at an early age. Now at 35, I love it here. Life still be lifing! Don’t get me wrong but I’m grateful For everything and everyone who’s poured into me or contributed to my success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specifically specialize in special occasion makeup and editorial/film makeup artistry. As a creative, I am exploring the many interests and passions I have through my content creating while still working in the retail space in Luxury Management, Makeup Artist Sales Specialist and still freelancing. With 19 years in retail/customer service and 14 years as a freelance Makeup Artist, I don’t see myself ever leaving the world of fashion and beauty. I’m most proud of, professionally, is my ability to move people. Knowing I leave a positive impact on the people I work with in every space by being a leading example of what it is to be a leader and genuinely connect and help people. Not just through being encouraging but my sense of humor. I love to laugh! I might tell you a joke but I’ll never tell you a lie! Nonetheless delivering exceptional work ethic and service has definitely contributed to my success.
What does success mean to you?
I define success by how many people lives you make positive impacts in. Be it small or big. There’s no better feeling than knowing how you have made a difference in someone’s day, but in their life?! Leaving people better than I found them is something I will forever take pride in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.veronicadeandrea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronicadeandrea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheeVeronicaDeAndrea
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VeronicaDeAndrea
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/photobymani_/
https://ipix.club
