Today, we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Angulo.
Hi Isabella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Isabella; I am Colombian, born and raised, 28 years old, and a full-time bridal makeup artist, hair stylist, brow artist, and esthetician. I am the founder and owner of two businesses: Bellissima Artistry and The Bridal Artistry. I have been in the beauty industry for over five years and am so grateful for all the roads that have led me here.
I came to the United States with my family from Colombia when I was eight years old. We were able to get our residency because my dad is an artist, and his talent made it possible for us to create a new life here. Although I am blessed because my family never failed to provide everything I needed, it was not easy. I saw how much my parents struggled to make ends meet; without degrees in this country, stable jobs, and, of course, the language barrier that robbed them of so many opportunities. I was always a great student, honor rolls, awards, etc. I took school very seriously, and I did everything in my power to make them proud.
When it was time to go to college, I felt in my soul that I should go as a first-generation student and be the first in my family to obtain a college degree. I got accepted into my dream school – the University of Florida. Since I was a little girl, I have always been very creative, just like my dad, so I decided to pursue a Visual Arts degree. Although I always wanted to go to beauty school, I put it on the back burner and made the decision to go to college to make them proud. I graduated Cum Laude, and even though I made my family proud, I felt lost. I realized I didn’t want to be an artist like my dad. That feeling inside of me that beauty was my thing never left. I just ignored it for a couple of years, but I KNEW that I wanted to pursue makeup and beauty.
I was in and out of jobs after college, doing things that had absolutely nothing to do with my degree. Working for other people drove me crazy. I always felt like it was my calling to be the boss! In 2019, I decided to launch my makeup and hair artistry business. I was working for Estee Lauder at the time, and in 2020, I lost my job because of the pandemic. I decided to go back to school and pursue a career as an esthetician. After I graduated, I was in and out of spa jobs while taking my makeup and hair clients on the side and cleaning houses with my mom. I was pursuing three different roles, and it was extremely exhausting.
I ended up working at a medical spa, and I got fired on December 2o22 – 2 weeks before the holidays. This was my breaking point and my catalyst for deciding to never work for someone else ever again. Knowing someone had the ability to control my life like that was devastating. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I took the risk and decided to give it my all so I could work for myself. It was the best decision I ever made, and now- a year and a half later, I can officially say that I am the proud owner of two businesses, and I have made my family proud.
It feels so good to know that I did it and am the owner of my time. I have multiple avenues of income and don’t need to rely on anyone else to get by. Now, I get to give back to my family after all they did and sacrificed so I could be here telling my story today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the most difficult thing has been believing in myself and pushing through despite what everyone else thinks. There will always be people who don’t believe in you or think that your dreams are too big. There have been many times when I have failed, and I never felt like I could completely do this on my own.
I didn’t know if I would ever have enough clients to provide for myself solely through my business. But it just takes patience, hard work, and perseverance. Nothing worth having comes that easily, and it is something that I had to learn over the years. Working with a coach was the best decision I ever made for my success. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that it is okay to ask for help. You can only do so much on your own.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a bridal makeup artist, hair stylist, brow artist, and skincare specialist. I am most proud of being able to be the best at all these things. Many people say you can’t be a jack of all trades- I say YES, you can, as long as you study, practice, and dedicate yourself enough. I would like to think that I am very adaptable and versatile. I am able to bring so much to the table as an artist.
I am a leader, and it is very important to me to educate others and help people feel beautiful and confident every single day. With over five years of expertise in my industry, I have been able to educate other women who want to pursue this as their career, and I am so grateful for all the mentors I have had throughout the years as well. I want to make an impact in this industry, and what better way than to be an educator myself?
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
I can definitely say that YouTube has been my best friend in learning new tips and tricks. However, I will further my education by taking 1:1 master classes and learning through courses online. There are many books and podcasts that have helped me on my self-development journey, which also influences my workflow and generating income.
I have been reading a lot of books that have to do with attracting abundance, believing in myself, and being able to show up as my best self every single day. I am also part of an entrepreneur group that is based around heart-centered leaders, which is a daily Zoom call in the morning. I attend many networking events as well. All of these things combined have really prepared me and helped propel me towards a brighter future for myself and for my businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bellissima-artistry.square.site/
- Instagram: @bellissimaartistry & @thebridalartistry
- Other: thebridalartistry.godaddysites.com
Image Credits
Paolo Angulo and Natalie Lange
