Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalie Valentin.
Hi Nathalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Nathalie, however Naty for short. My story all started back in 2020 when I lost both of my jobs due to the pandemic. I felt so disoriented with everything going on during the craziness of the pandemic. I went from working seven days a week and being a full time college student to not working. To distract myself from being bored during the lockdown, it lead me to do my makeup.
As the days progressed and my makeup skills got better, I randomly got the crazy thought to open up a makeup Instagram page. I had no intentions when opening up my page. I just wanted to post cool an colorful makeup looks I was doing. As time passed and my looks elevated, I created my YouTube page and started to do makeup tutorials.
When the new semester at Florida International University started, I did not have three hours to play with makeup. I then started to advertise makeup services at $35 to get experience. Fast forward to today, I have been in the industry for 6 years and I am so happy I chose to purse a career in professional makeup artistry. I not only get to work with amazing women, but I have an amazing time doing what I love. Being in the mecca of the bridal industry is a blessing, but the best part is I can work anywhere I want. I am so happy to announce that Makeup by Naty is expanding to New Jersey and New York City.
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?
Building my business has not been an easy road at all. You will learn many lessons throughout the way. The main lesson is that the only thing in your way when building something, is you and your mind. You have to be mentally strong, because no one else will get things done when you are building a business from scratch. You are the artist, social media manager, accountant, brush cleaner, and anything else you can think of.
Working in the beauty industry, you will be faced with difficult situations where client might not like your work. It could be that you did not match the style they were looking for. Although things like this will happen, you still need to maintain your confidence in your work bounce back even better. The best advise I can give new artists, “practice is perfect”. I cannot repeat myself enough. If you had an issue with a specific hairstyle or makeup look. The following day go back into the lab and perfect your craft so it does not happen again.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2021 I began working in bridal makeup. I loved everything about the wedding industry; the fast paced environment, glamming up multiple girls in a short amount of time, and the best part of all was networking with other artists. When I first emerged in the industry, I only knew how to do makeup. I had no knowledge on hairstyling at all. I did not even know how to do a curl that will last.
As time passed and I realized I would lose a lot of work opportunities since I did not provide both hair and makeup services. I then decided to book a hair mentorship program with Laurie Beauty. Since then, I am as dual artist who is able to provide hair and makeup service.
Throughout my whole journey, I am most proud of myself because I am a go getter. I will work anywhere work brings me which will provide me with many learning experiences throughout the way. Some artists do have boundaries in the times they work. Yes, I know work life balance is important. However, if you have an early morning shoot and a 4 am makeup appointment you can count me in.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I feel like the most important characteristic in my success is my eagerness to work. I am always looking for work or networking opportunities. At least once a week I will reach out to a list of photographers, event planners, content creators and many more people in the industry and introduce myself and the services I offer. Out of 50 people I message, maybe none will answer. But if one even person answers me back that is one more contact that will know how I am and the services I offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupbynaty.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupby__naty/
