Today we’d like to introduce you to Milisent Saav
Hi Milisent, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 1999, at 10 years young, I stumbled upon a VHS tape that would change the trajectory of my life forever: “Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller.” I was mesmerized by how the makeup team transformed actors into such haunting characters. I must have watched that Thriller BTS about 20 times! It was an experience that sparked something in me. I became captivated by how brush strokes, pigments, and prosthetics could change a face, tell a story, and shape an identity.
From that moment, it was a wrap. I was hooked! I started experimenting with my mother’s and grandmother’s makeup, studying faces, and diving into the techniques of legends like Whitney Snyder, the artist behind Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look, and Kevyn Aucoin, whose work graced Cindy Crawford’s first Vogue cover. Their artistry taught me about precision, transformation, and the power of paying attention to detail.
Over the years, my passion deepened, and by the time I was 18, I took the plunge into freelancing as a makeup artist. It was my calling, my art, my heart. I had become the go-to friend for beauty advice, the one bringing their vision to life for special events. Building on that trust, I slowly grew a clientele. What started as a quiet childhood fascination turned into a professional career. It’s been a journey of creativity and honing my craft ever since.
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?
Nothing worth having comes without its obstacles. Turning a passion into a business means balancing creativity—the very thing that keeps clients coming back—with the practicalities of running a career. In the beauty industry, that includes sales, service, marketing, bookkeeping, inventory, licensing, continuing education, and compliance. Wearing multiple hats becomes essential.
Work-life balance can feel elusive, especially when there’s no paid time off or bereavement leave. As a small business owner, everything falls on you, with no buffer for life’s curveballs like illness, loss, or debt. I’ve faced my share and had to find strength I didn’t know I had. Whether self-employed or working a 9-to-5, we all encounter obstacles. But when you work for yourself, there’s an added pressure: your livelihood relies solely on your efforts.
In these moments, it’s about prioritizing work over feelings. Still, building this brand has been my greatest blessing. Through struggles, God has shown me that His plan is better than mine. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy; it’s about trusting that hard work, faith, and resilience lead to something worthwhile. The true reward? The person you become along the way, embracing that risk brings the greatest rewards.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Milisent & Co. Aesthetics, we specialize in delivering luxury hair and makeup services for a wide array of special occasions, including weddings, theatrical/ SFX makeup, photo shoots, proms, corporate events, galas, quinceañeras, engagement celebrations, and beyond. In 2019, we expanded our expertise to include hair restoration through the intricate art of cosmetic tattooing, with a focus on brow tattoo correction and ultra-realistic hair strokes that achieve a highly authentic look. Although Based in Miami-Dade, we proudly serve clients from across the globe who visit us for our exceptional brow services.
Our team comprises licensed estheticians, cosmetologists, and expert cosmetic tattoo artists dedicated to providing a premium experience and exceptional results for every client we have the privilege to serve. As a bespoke beauty company, we’ve curated a network of South Florida’s most respected industry professionals—specialists in skincare, hair extensions, and wigs—ensuring our clients can achieve their aesthetic goals and feel their best for any event; tailored to their specific needs.
Recognized as one of Miami’s leading hair restoration providers, we have also had the honor of working with cancer patients, helping them regain confidence by creating semi-permanent brows and providing medical-grade wigs. These efforts help patients recognize themselves in the mirror during challenging treatment periods when hair loss is unavoidable.
One of our proudest achievements is our comprehensive training program, through which we empower women in the beauty industry by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to build their own brands and monetize their passion. We assist trainees in becoming licensed and certified, enabling them to create their own brand within this community. These mentorships foster lasting relationships, where we not only guide them on generating leads but also offer collaboration opportunities, refer clients, and ensure our high standards are upheld by those we trust.
We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our second location, expanding our reach to better serve South Florida with our full range of beauty treatments. This new chapter allows us to continue empowering women and building self-esteem, one face at a time. Follow our socials and stay in the loop—more details are coming soon!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
While building my beauty business, I worked in the insurance and financial services industry, where I still hold my 2-20 and 2-15 licenses. During those 15 years, I gained experience with independent brokerages and top carriers like State Farm and Blue Cross Blue Shield. I believe that every experience is intentional, not coincidental. The skills I learned—like understanding the psychology of sales, mirroring clients, generating new business, ensuring customer retention, quoting, and closing deals—are not just relevant but invaluable across any industry. To this day, these skills continue to support me.
I think everyone should try their hand at sales. It’s not only highly lucrative, but the people skills you develop in sales play a crucial role in nurturing and maintaining relationships in all areas of life, setting the foundation for every new chapter.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milisentsaav?igsh=bTFycWt2djMzbmp2
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lis.m.roberts/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/milisentandco?igsh=MWwwMjBhenBoMjZ0aQ==
