We were lucky to catch up with Magely Martinez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Magely, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

Investing in education and finding community. Those are the 2 biggest reasons why as a makeup artist I have been able to have as much work as I do now. It might not be a solution to solve all problems but it’s definitely what pushed my career forward. Getting an education can be debatable for some people but as one of my teachers said, “Education never hurts.” It’s one thing being able to learn things on your own but I knowing my own limits I had to reach out and get a better knowledge on hair, makeup, and business- specifically at Alchemy Beauty Academy. They moved my career at least seven years ahead what I would’ve learned on my own. Thankfully with that education came a community. It’s so important to have friends in your field to help you and to understand what you go through.

Magely, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Magely Martinez and I am a makeup and hair artist. I work in all kinds of areas but mainly focus on production, photoshoots, and bridal. I started of wanting to be part of films and big productions as a special effects artist. As time went on I had clients ask for beauty looks and with full honesty I told them I couldn’t do that. Knowing how much it was in demand to be this kind of “dual artist” I invested in my education once more and got an education in makeup, hair, and business and with Bachelor’s in Communications Media too. That really set me up to offer hair and makeup services not just to film shoots but also photoshoots and weddings. I work mobile which is very beneficial for the clients and allows me to travel for work more easily- which I love doing. The beauty of what I do is that I’m a versatile artist- I can do beauty, special effects, and I can also work up a couple of hairstyles. A big plus that has helped me out is that I’m also fluent in Spanish! Which I can say is a true blessing to be able to communicate better to more clients. I used to be someone that felt like no matter how hard I worked it never felt enough or like a should give myself a pat on the back. Being surrounded by the right people I can genuinely say I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It might not be the exact dream I had when I was 18- to be part of a blockbuster film as a makeup artist but oh my goodness I truly have come a long way from where I started. I’m now a versatile makeup and hair artist working in Southern California for production, photoshoots, and weddings.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The whole reason I got into this career is because I love to tell stories. You can ask my parents but I loved creating little shows for them with anything I got my hands on! It was dolls, puppets, a camera, or my cousins and I in costumes. My desire to create stories grew when I went to John Paul the Great Catholic University. The thought of creating impactful stories really resonated with me because how many of us have to gone to the theaters at least once and have left inspired or felt like you can relate to it. That’s what I hope to make. No, I’m not a producer or director but giving the actors the look they need like a vintage pinup, a slashed neck, tired eyes, or even just a put together look adds to the story. I’m blessed having the skills that I do and I hope to fulfill to create impactful stories.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I come from a family that is all about work. Sitting down means you’re not working. You have a cold or flu? Doesn’t matter- you’re going to school. Even though it sucked having no days off as a kid it allowed me to build that resilience. The time I got to show that most was probably November 2022. If you could see my calendar it was booked with jobs left and right. In that same month I was still working at Starbucks, started a new job as a photographer’s assistant, worked at a couple of weddings, an Indie shoot in Anaheim, worked at Fashion Weeks San Diego, and had multiple photoshoot gigs. It was a very tiring month but I couldn’t believe I was able to commit and complete so many gigs. It feels good to know I’m capable of doing so much work and get asked to be part of something important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupbymagely.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbymagely/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083057992711
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/magely-martinez

Image Credits
Jules Kirkeby Justin Daniels Anel Muro Krisnoff Wendy W Smith