Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikole Vega.
Hi Nikole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to the US from Colombia 3 years ago wanting to pursue my makeup dream. I was doing makeup & photography in Colombia but when I moved here was like starting all over again. Not only the language was different, but also the products and the industry itself.
I was scared but the only thing I knew it’s that I wanted to do makeup no matter what. I applied to all the makeup stores in my county and close counties, I did countless interviews but no one ever called me back. I’d cry every day thinking it was my English or I was just not good.
However, I didn’t give up and I told my boyfriend I wanted to open my own makeup & hair studio in Santa Barbara, CA and he said I was crazy I didn’t even have clients but I said “If they’re not giving me opportunities I’ll create my own.”
At the same time, I was realizing that I really enjoyed being creative with makeup, so I started doing collabs and working on sets and that was the moment where I found my call. I knew being on set was my passion. Two years later, I still do bridal that’s what keeps me busy and gives me the most revenue but I haven’t stopped pursuing campaigns and editorial work.
I do some paid gigs here and there but I haven’t had the outgrowth I want yet on that industry. I apply to agencies every day hoping they will call me some day in the meantime creating content for social media and working with brands it’s what I do to keep my creativity flowing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy. The language has been really difficult for me but thanks, God. Now I feel a lot more comfortable with English than before. Plus this is a very difficult industry to get in without the right connections.
There are some days where I feel I don’t have more energy to keep pursuing this but I just talk to my family, take a deep breath and give myself some encouragement because I know I can do it maybe it’s just not the right time yet.
I always try to stay true to myself, my values and my style of work thinking those are the things that will eventually lead me to succeed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in soft glams and creative makeup.
I enjoy creating a beautiful glowy real skin and every time I have a chance I like to play with graphic liners, colors, or textures. When I do makeup my goal is to create something that inspires others and leave them speechless.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Get out of your confort zone, never stop learning & believe in yourself. You’d be surprised how many things you can achieve if you do those 3 things.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: nikolevega.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nikolevega_pro?utm_medium=copy_link
Image Credits
Pam Creative and Veils Tails Photography
