taken by Victoria Kelesheva

We recently connected with Elena Kapitonova and have shared our conversation below.

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

Hello, I’m thrilled to introduce myself to your readers. My name is Elena Kapitonova, and I’m a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles. Born in 1992 in Penza, Russia, I grew up during a challenging time in Russian history, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
It was very difficult time, so from the early age I was learning how to survive. And during this time, I had nothing but a dream.

As I said earlier my passion for makeup artistry began when I helped my best friend with her prom makeup. Her tears of frustration turned to tears of joy, and I realized the impact I could have on someone’s confidence and happiness.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been committed to investing in my education and personal growth. I’ve attended workshops and masterclasses with renowned makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic, Danessa Myricks, and Hung Vanngo. These experiences not only honed my skills but also inspired me with their stories of perseverance and success.

What sets me apart is my dedication to ongoing education, my passion for staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, and my ability to connect with my clients on a personal level. I take the time to understand their unique needs and preferences, ensuring that they feel seen, heard, and beautiful.

One of my biggest career achievement, that I had the honor to work with Giorgio Armani and Ashley Biden.

Elena , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I never thought I’d become a makeup artist, but my passion for artistic professions led me to this career. Growing up, I was immersed in dramatic theaters, ballet, classical music, and music school (piano and violin). I also enjoyed drawing, but I wanted a “serious profession” like medicine or engineering.

However, everything changed when I saw my best friend crying after a beauty salon visit. She was getting ready for prom, and I decided to redo her makeup. She was thrilled, and I realized I had a talent for it. This experience sparked my desire to become a makeup artist, and now it’s my full-time job.

My journey wasn’t immediate, but I took major steps to get here. I:

– Started by doing makeup for friends and family
– Built a portfolio and online presence
– Took courses and attended workshops to improve my skills
– Networked with other professionals in the industry
– Continuously sought feedback and improved my craft

Looking back, I could have sped up the process by:

– Being more proactive in promoting my work
– Investing in higher-quality equipment and materials sooner
– Seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals

Overall, my journey to becoming a full-time makeup artist was a gradual one, but it was fueled by my passion and dedication to the craft.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Collaborating with influencers has been a game-changer for me. By working with like-minded creatives, I’ve been able to tap into their audience and expose my work to new followers. These collaborations have not only helped me grow my audience but also allowed me to build meaningful relationships within the industry.

Communicating with my followers has been crucial in building a loyal community. I make it a point to respond to comments, engage in conversations, and ask for feedback. This helps me understand what my audience wants to see more of and allows me to tailor my content accordingly.

Remember, building a strong social media presence takes time, effort, and patience. Focus on creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and collaborating with others in your industry.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I was start posting content on Tik Tok and instagram from the beginning, haha:)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulelle