We recently connected with Denise and have shared our conversation below.

Denise, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have a Disability by the name of Spina Bifida I was never educated about my disability growing up because I lost my mom at a early age and my dad raised us children.

When I was in middle school I was bullied from the abled body kids and got my lunch money taken away several times.

Going to high School was tough because I knew a lot of students but I never really socialized with anyone other than my best friend at the time.

My best friend passed away at 27 we were both the same age we went to elementary school, junior high and high School together

After years of her passing I knew I needed to get up and do something
My best friend and I always enjoyed singing but that ended when she passed.

So I reunited with my high school friend Rudy and he got my involved with volunteering in the disability community since then I have been volunteering for 13 years and I became Ms Wheelchair California 1st runner 2016.

I wanted another way to help out the disability community so I took a cosmetic class by the name of infinite Glow. After taking the class I grabbed and got a certificate and became a certified makeup artist

I’m still a beginner and learning more everyday my next goal is two become a disabled model I am now 51 years old and praying I get recognized someday enough to make money and get me my own place because I still live at home

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Denise Reynaga I am a 51 year old with Spina Bifida and a Brain Injury cause by a car accident when I was a little.

I have been made fun of most of my life and knew I needed to get up and do something about it. So when I graduated from high school and lost my childhood best friend I got into volunteering for the disabled community and found my passion making others smile.

That is what got me to take a cosmetic class. I started with store bought cosmetics at first then went on to the more expensive brands once I went to class.

My clients always wanted to know how to wear cosmetics correctly and to tell you the truth there isn’t any correct way to wear it

It’s all about what you like and what you feel comfortable wearing and while lot of practice

What I’m most proud of is I never give up and I always try to do better even when I fail

Alot of my clients think I’m shy but in reality I am such a fun loving person who is just trying to connect to people like myself

I am searching to make my own lipstick brand but haven’t found someone to help me as of it

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being a makeup artist is seeing your clients smile after your work is done on them I always compliments

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to help out the disability community because their are alot of us that don’t feel worthy and I want to prove to the able body community that everyone is beautiful in their own different way

Contact Info:

• Instagram: denistareynaga
• Facebook: Neecee Reynaga
• Youtube: Denise Reynaga

Image Credits

Infinite Glow Academy my cosmetics instructor Anthony Yanez who help me grow as a artist