Today we’d like to introduce you to Danika Osumi.
Hi Danika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back now, I’ve had the same interest as kid as I do now, tattoos, makeup, and anything old (cars, movies, antiques). I’m part Japanese/White and Mexican, my background has very much influenced me. In love with traditional Japanese and Chicano art, I think a tattoo shop was very fitting. Sprinkle that with makeup and vintage; you have a very Danika concoction. Watching Cry Baby (John Waters movie) every week since I was like 7, I wanted to look like the girls in that movie, red lips and pin-curled hair. I would sneak into my aunt’s bathroom where she had a wall of red lipstick, and I would just have a field day. I started professionally doing makeup in 2017 working as a makeup artist at Sephora and freelancing on the side. Sephora gave me a space to really practice my craft on a variety of beautiful faces in all shapes and sizes but also introduced me to the world of skincare. Of course, living in LA there’s no such thing as having one job or one trade. I was asked by my friend and amazing local LA artist Alfonso Garcia (Alfonso Garcia Lettering) to be his assistant.
What was supposed to be a couple of days a week starting in 2019 now has become a full-time 24/7 position, and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. Working with Alfonso who specializes in sign painting, murals, and tattoos I was able to surround myself with extremely creative, passionate, and hustler mindsets. Inspired me to go into business for myself in the things I was passionate about. I got my esthetician license in 2021 and since then I am blessed enough to start Nikadoesskin at a private barbershop (The Lab) in Downtown LA where I specialize in facials, brow artistry and event makeup. All while right downstairs is my home away for home The Artifacts Tattoo studio with Alfonso. Mix of assistant, shop mom, esthetician, and makeup artist. all just two floors away from each other. Busy definitely, but an unfolded dream come true, and this is just the beginning.
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?
Starting is the hardest part. It took me a long time to start, knowing what I wanted to do I was so fearful in not being successful or good enough. Having odd jobs here and there I realized a lot of people are just stuck, working just to work. They were not happy and they were not passionate about what they were doing. When I felt myself getting stuck, I felt more fearful about falling into that over failing over something I love. Once that clicked, I started surrounding myself with the right people who motivated me to turn what I love into a life. Of course, there’s bumps in the road but with the goal ahead makes it worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Jack of all trades.
I am an Esthetician, makeup artist, and assistant.
I am probably best known for doing it all. Haha
Being able to balance all has been a roller coaster ride, but hey theme parks are fun.
They all seem like very different worlds but for me, it all connects.
I love with my positions that I have the chance to make people feel good. Happy with whatever service they come to me for, the feeling it has when I help someone with skin or makeup that boosts their confidence and makes them feel better than when they sat in my chair is pretty much why I love doing what I do.
What does success mean to you?
Having your passions as your life. When you love what you do for work, it’s not really work. All the bumps in the road to your destination are just speed bumps to have you slow down to enjoy the journey not to stop you.
Contact Info:
- Website: thelabartsdistrict.com/nika
- Instagram: nikadoesskin, nikaloowho
Image Credits
Instagrams @riavianna @shelbyjunephotography @cyeonara
