We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Cristiano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

The most important lesson I learned at a past job that has helped me as a business owner has been knowing my self-worth. I worked in Beverly Hills years ago at a studio and was thrown into the deep end as a new employee. Knowing I could handle most situations, I agreed. Not that I felt that I had much of a choice, being the only employee that did this particular service at the time, and I wanted to make a good impression.

The client happened to be a famous actor from years ago, but still had quite an air about them. I was as professional as I could be given their attitude and entitlement, but I had no idea people treated one another this way. I saw it in movies growing up, but never really had experienced true entitlement until working in Beverly Hills. Being put in the situation I was in, I hyped myself up and went for it. I was very friendly, warm and professional. I did a great job and everything turned out great-or so I thought. The client decided they didn’t like the service and treated me like I didn’t even exist. They refused to pay or tip or even acknowledge that this is what they had asked for. I had never felt so low and so mistreated for doing my best and just trying to do a good job. I felt so shocked not only by this person, but by my employer’s response as well. I didn’t get paid for my work and felt so used that day. I remember just being baffled by all of it, but I didn’t leave, I continued to work there until I felt confident enough to go out on my own a few years later. The most important lesson from this experience that has helped me as a business owner is to know my worth and not give up. It is not for the faint of heart, working for yourself, but when things go well it’s an invaluable feeling to know how hard I’ve worked to get here.

Stephanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Stephanie Cristiano and I am a licensed esthetician and makeup artist based in Los Angeles. I started L.A. Principessa in 2019 to honor my Italian roots and everything beauty related. I offer makeup & lash services, eyebrow shaping & tinting, makeup lessons and I have recently added reiki and meditation teaching to my list because I think beauty from the inside out is just as important as outer glam. It helps to feel good if you want to look good as well!

I specialize in makeup for red carpets, photoshoots, FILM/TV and special events, including weddings. I also run a mobile business which makes it easier for the client to feel at ease since they’re not rushing to a location before a big event. Whether it’s a lunch time brow pick me up in office, or a full at home makeup application, we come to you! No more having to rush to a salon before they close after work or sitting in traffic to go across town for a 30 minute appointment!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been fostering strong client relationships. It takes many years to grow a good clientele and having trustworthy relationships with my clients has helped L.A. Principessa grow. When others trust you and know you are reliable then they feel confident recommending you to others. You have to start small and slowly build the foundation, and then you can decide what is working and what isn’t. I think everyone has a different approach that works for them, but I have prioritized quality over quantity because a great client will bring you other great clients as opposed to just working non-stop for anyone and burning out quickly. It’s also more meaningful that way.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I started my business in 2019, before the pandemic and before I knew that my Mom’s cancer had returned that same year. The first year of L.A. Principessa was exciting. I felt free, inspired and things seemed to take off quicker than I had expected they would. I was getting offered makeup jobs with celebrities, and everything seemed to be figuring itself out, at least for a minute.

It was a magical time, that also came with a lot of growing pains. I was motivated and ready to take on freelancing and a new business, but I had no idea where to start or what I was even doing. Then everything changed in 2020, I got engaged and I was planning my wedding pretty much all by myself, while also taking care of my sick Mom and getting her to her doctor’s appointment amid a horrible pandemic. I didn’t think I could handle it all, but I also felt high off the rush of stress and just kept going. Until everything stopped. I was forced to go on unemployment since I wasn’t considered an “essential worker,” but I felt fortunate that I could spend time with my Mom and still afford to pay my bills. It was a very emotionally taxing time and took a toll on my mental health and I thought I’d probably have to go back to working for someone else once the pandemic ended.

Instead, I didn’t. I rebranded, finally made a logo, networked, became certified in reiki and meditation teaching, networked some more, cried a lot, did therapy and ya know, posted on Instagram a bit. Even though it wasn’t easy and some days I still consider if i’m doing the right thing-career wise, I value my resilience and know that every day is a new opportunity to begin again. L.A. Principessa just celebrated 5 Years in business in January 2024 and I can’t wait to continue to reach my goals and hopefully inspire others who may have a dream of their own.

Contact Info:

• Website: scristiano.com
• Instagram: L.A.principessa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeUpByStephanieCristiano/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-cristiano-07aba34b/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-principessa-los-angeles
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7400293/

Image Credits
Carsten Tice, Alloy Images