Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cynthia Álvarez . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cynthia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since I was a little girl, I knew that makeup and creative artistry were my passion. One of my most vivid memories is a Christmas when I was 9 years old, and my dad gave me a Barbie makeup set—a toy, of course. I would often spend hours in front of the mirror, trying out different looks and immersing myself in makeup tutorials. As I grew older, my passion didn’t fade; in school, my friends would line up for me to do their makeup for events, always saying, “You do it so beautifully.”

Even though I studied nutrition at university, makeup was always present in my life. After graduating, I faced the reality that finding work in my field was more challenging than I had imagined. It was then that my husband, with his full support, encouraged me to take the next step and study professional makeup. That decision marked the true beginning of my journey.

I started small, balancing my work as a nutritionist with my new role as a makeup artist. The early days weren’t easy, and the pandemic brought its own set of challenges. I landed a stable job at a major multinational pharmaceutical company, and for the first three years, I dedicated myself completely to it. But as time passed, my motivation began to fade, and that’s when I decided to return to my true passion on the weekends: makeup.

One day, someone asked me a question that would change my life: “Do you really enjoy being a medical sales rep?” She knew about my love for makeup and always noticed how my eyes lit up when I talked about it. My honest answer was no, and she responded, “I can’t imagine how amazing you’d be if you pursued what truly excites you, especially since you’re already excelling at something you don’t even enjoy!” Those words sparked the courage in me to step out of my comfort zone and take the risk of dedicating myself to what I love.

Today, I don’t regret taking that leap. Seeing the happiness on the faces of the women I do makeup for, knowing that I’m contributing to their confidence and self-esteem, fills me with deep satisfaction. That moment when I dared to turn my passion into my profession was a revelation that changed my life. Now, every brushstroke not only enhances faces but also nourishes my soul.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From a very young age, makeup and creative art were an essential part of my life. I fondly remember a Christmas when my dad gave me a Barbie makeup set. Although it was a toy, that gift sparked a passion in me that has never faded. I would spend hours in front of the mirror, experimenting with different looks, and soon I became the “official” makeup artist for my high school friends.

Although I initially studied nutrition in college, my passion for makeup was always present. After graduating and facing the challenge of finding a job in my field, my husband encouraged me to study makeup professionally. That was the beginning of my true path in this industry. I started small, balancing my work in the healthcare field with makeup on weekends. The early days were tough, especially in a country where the industry was still growing.

During those years, the pandemic brought unexpected challenges. I secured a stable job as a sales representative for a multinational pharmaceutical company, which helped support my family, but at the same time, I felt something was missing. I knew I wasn’t following my true dream. It was a coworker who, noticing my enthusiasm for makeup, asked me the question that would change my life: “Do you really enjoy being a sales representative?” That conversation was a turning point. I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and fully dedicate myself to my passion. Years later, makeup has become more than just a job for me; it’s my calling.

I provide professional makeup services for weddings, social events, and editorials, always striving to deliver excellent service with the latest trends in makeup and hairstyling. But my offering goes beyond that: I also provide hairstyles that complement each look, ensuring that my clients feel unique on their special day. Additionally, I have dedicated myself to teaching through self-makeup courses for today’s women—those multifaceted women with many responsibilities but who don’t want to neglect their well-being and self-care. These courses help women feel confident and empowered in their daily lives. I also offer advanced courses for other artists in the industry, sharing my experience and knowledge not only in the latest trends in makeup and/or hairstyling but also in content creation and positioning on social media, making it a comprehensive and complete experience.

What distinguishes me is my constant desire to learn and improve. Since I started in 2018, I have never stopped training with top makeup artists in the industry, always seeking new trends and techniques. I don’t just offer a service; I provide a complete experience that transforms my clients’ most important day into something unforgettable. But beyond external beauty, my goal is for my clients to see and feel powerful, confident, and ready to achieve their dreams.

I aspire to build a community of empowered women and artists who support each other in this competitive industry. My goal is to have a makeup academy that trains future professionals in the industry in an integral way and serves as a wellness center for women. I believe that we can all flourish—the sun rises for everyone. As a professional in this beautiful art, my aim is not just to do makeup or create a hairstyle for my clients for one day, but to help them awaken to that version of themselves that is unmatched. I want each woman to look in the mirror and recognize that strong, beautiful woman who is capable of achieving whatever she sets her mind to, to embrace her individuality and authentic beauty every day. My mission is for all women to know they can achieve whatever they desire and to see the value they possess—not only to highlight their external beauty but also to strengthen their inner spirit. I don’t just want to provide a service; I want to offer an experience that exceeds their expectations.

Seeing the happiness on my clients’ faces when they see the final result is what fulfills me the most. My greatest satisfaction is knowing that my work contributes to their self-esteem and confidence. For me, providing them with a transformative experience goes beyond aesthetics; it’s an act of empowerment.

I am a hardworking and entrepreneurial woman, always seeking to improve myself. Makeup has always been my passion, but balancing it with my personal life hasn’t been easy. As a mother of two and a wife, sometimes we feel like our family responsibilities are a barrier when, in reality, the biggest barrier is ourselves. Along the way, I’ve had to deal with intrusive thoughts that try to demotivate me, but I feel victorious for not giving up and being persistent in this dream.

I feel satisfied with every step I’ve taken, betting on this dream. I am deeply proud of the woman I am becoming, of every challenge overcome, and of the process I’ve gone through to be where I once dreamed of being. I still have many dreams and goals to achieve, but today, I celebrate and applaud every step and every achievement I have reached, despite the challenges.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

From the beginning, I understood that building an engaged audience is not just about showcasing my work but about humanizing my social media and sharing my day-to-day life. Social media, especially Instagram, has allowed me to tell stories that captivate and represent my audience. This has helped me build deeper, more personal relationships with my clients, who not only see my work but also get to know who I am as a person and what drives me. This authenticity is key to allowing people to identify with me and form a stronger connection.

While Instagram is my main platform, I make sure not to neglect my other social media channels, as it’s important to have a presence across different spaces to reach more people. However, what has really helped grow my audience is the fact that I share my story genuinely, making each post a reflection of my passion and purpose.

For those just starting to build their presence on social media, my advice is to stay consistent and not give up. It might sound like a cliché, but succeeding on social media is more like a marathon than a sprint. Growth takes time and dedication, and the key is to be persistent.

Moreover, it’s crucial to invest in gaining knowledge. This might involve taking courses, seeking mentorships, or learning from experienced people who can guide you to reach the next level. The quality of the content you share is what makes the difference, so always strive to improve and learn.

Finally, it’s important to remember that in this industry, we are not enemies, but colleagues. There’s enough room for everyone, and we should support each other. Success isn’t achieved alone; it’s much more rewarding when we share the journey with other professionals, helping each other achieve our dreams and goals in this beautiful art.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Often, fear, family expectations, and societal pressures hold women back from chasing their aspirations. I know this from personal experience, and that’s why one of my life’s clear objectives, which motivates me to keep moving forward, is the creation of an integrated makeup academy. This academy will not only focus on teaching the latest techniques for success in the art of makeup but will also aim to empower women in a holistic way—nurturing their core values, self-esteem, and confidence.

My mission is to help women understand that they are always capable of achieving their goals. I want to give them the tools and skills they need, not just to excel in makeup, but to build the life they desire. Through this academy, I hope to inspire them to never give up on their dreams and to always have the confidence to be empowered women who face challenges head-on.

I envision creating a support system where women know that I will be there, helping them build the strong foundations that will catapult them toward a better, more fulfilling life. It’s about encouraging women to embrace their power, see the positives in life, and have the resilience to pursue their dreams—no matter how big or small.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthialvarezmua/profilecard/?igsh=MXQ1MXhheXU0N3JsbQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthialvarez.mua?mibextid=LQQJ4d