Today we’d like to introduce you to Quesia Salazar.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Quesia. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
As a young child, I was introduced to the beauty and fashion industry through my father. Since the age of ten, I would sit and mimic my father’s art & craftsmanship. His love for arts and design inspired me. In a short time, I soon discovered a talent for drawing. However, I began to notice that my inspiration focused on the eyes. So, those were the majority of my drawings. As I developed my passion for the arts, my focus from eyes became a love for the overall natural intricacy of a woman’s face. As a teenager, I moved with my family to Miami, FL and quickly took classes in dancing, acting, & modeling. Having been in front of and behind the camera, I was introduced to many artists whom I highly respected and appreciated for having learned so much from them. Throughout the years, I have been able to develop my own unique style, with one focus… to bring out each persons natural beauty. In my career, I have had the pleasure of working for companies such as Calvin Klein Makeup, Benefit, Becca Cosmetics, SmashBox, Dior, and Philosophy. Working for each one has helped to always keep up with the latest fashion and art trends. I believe deep within every woman there is some kind of gorgeous.
I want to thank my loyal vendors, clients, and the constant support of my amazing family & husband. I’ve been able to run a successful makeup & hair business right here in Miami, FL. I have also been able to showcase my work in Las Vegas, New York, and San Francisco. It’s been an amazing 15 years of beauty, and I’m truly thankful and grateful to do what I love for a living.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been an easy road. Very early in my professional career, I had to endure many secular trials. I was 23 years old when I married my husband, and sometime in our first year of marriage, I was booked for a photo shoot as the lead makeup artist. The photo shoot was held at Miami Beach where my car was broken into, and my entire makeup kit was stolen. Thousands of dollars worth of makeup, and many products that were irreplaceable. At that moment, I had no idea what I was going to do. Here I was, a professional makeup artist, without my makeup. Products that I worked so hard to get. To make things worse, I had three upcoming weddings that same week.
Thankfully, everyone I worked with was all amazing! All were so caring and willing to help in any way they could. For many years, I had been working pro-bono at photoshoots just to gain one makeup brush. I even worked for a company just to get gratis. These efforts and many long hours behind the counter was all to begin building my kit again from scratch. My biggest advice would be to stay true to yourself and to your art. Don’t try to be someone else. I know that sounds cliché, but, the reality is that we can sometimes try too hard to be the artist we look up to, and we lose sight of the artist we truly are. The ones we look up to should remain as an inspiration for us, and not as ones we idolize.
I always give credit to those that extended a hand to help me. Be grateful for every opportunity that comes your way. The reality is whether you are behind the counter selling a lipstick or doing someone’s make up for their wedding day or whatever special event, no matter what you do, you still get to play with makeup. So, be the best Make-Up Artist.
Please tell us about Make-up & Hair by Quesia.
I am a full-time makeup/hair artist.
My specialty is natural beauty both in makeup & hair.
In terms of my makeup artistry, I am mostly known for my C=complexion application, I truly enjoy healthy glowy skin.
In terms of hair effortless waves, vintage curls.
I am proud to be continuing my adducation, I love to be better & learn from the best. Learning new techniques & sharing that with my students truly makes me so happy.
I am all about beauty within, taking care of the skin is a must for the perfect makeup outcome.
I also truly love photography, I make sure that my clients look flawless behind cámara & in person.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I have an active spiritual life. I am not a fan of reading just books until I started to read the Bible. It has truly helped me deal with so many things & overcome many others. It keeps me grounded & helps me keep focus on my personal & work life.
Contact Info:
- Email: makeup_hairbyquesia@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/makeup_hairbyquesia
- Twitter: @quessiasalazar
- Other: https://greenweddingshoes.com/moody-bohemian-inspired-coastal-wedding-in-northern-california/
Image Credit:
Jessy Salazar, Quesia Salazar, Hazel photographers
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