We recently connected with Genesis Montilva and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Genesis, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

Traveling back to mid-May of 2019, I was booked for my first paid wedding job as a makeup artist. My journey in the world of makeup started when I decided to attend a professional makeup class in January of the same year. The idea was to learn the art of makeup and start showcasing my skills on a new Instagram account that I created for this purpose. Little did I know that I would fall in love with makeup, and soon after, be recommended by a friend to do her mother-in-law’s wedding makeup.

The first job was nerve-wracking, especially since it was my first actual booking after only learning makeup for a few months. To add to the anxiety, there were four people, including the bride, who would be getting their makeup done by me. My boyfriend joined me as my photographer and emotional support on that day.

The bride was stunning and the makeup turned out beautifully, but I was not sure if she liked it as much as I did. The daughter-in-law and daughter were thrilled with their looks, which made me feel more confident. The last person was a gorgeous woman who requested a cat eyeliner and red lips.

As I was applying the eyeliner, the woman started crying, which ruined the makeup since the gel was not set. I had to start over, but things went from bad to worse when her eyes started swelling and becoming red and itchy. I was sure it was my fault, but it turned out she was allergic to eyeliner and had known this would happen.

Despite the stress and pressure of the situation, the ladies were incredibly kind and understanding, telling me it was not my fault and that there was no need to do her makeup. The bride even thanked me before leaving, saying she felt beautiful on her special day.

That first paid job taught me a lot, including how to handle stressful situations, and it was the starting point for more bookings and recommendations. Looking back, I am grateful for that first experience, which helped me grow as a makeup artist and provided a solid foundation for my future in the industry.

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

I am incredibly passionate about makeup, skin care, and permanent makeup. These areas allow me to help people enhance their natural beauty and boost their confidence. What sets me apart is my attention to detail and commitment to providing personalized services to each and every client.

In terms of the services I provide, I specialize in permanent makeup for brows and lips, as well as facial treatments, brow design, and waxing. I believe that well-groomed brows and lips can make a huge difference in a person’s appearance and I love being able to offer this service. In addition, I offer makeup for all occasions, whether it be a wedding, special event, or just a day-to-day look. I aim to make my clients feel confident and beautiful, no matter the occasion.

One of my proudest achievements is obtaining my esthetician license. As an immigrant in the United States, it wasn’t always easy for me to pursue my passion for makeup and skin care, but I persevered and I am so proud of what I have accomplished. Being licensed as an esthetician is a huge accomplishment for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to offer my clients high-quality services that are both safe and effective. I am constantly striving to improve and grow my skills in this field, and I am honored to be able to share my love and passion for makeup and skin care with others.

Overall, I am passionate about what I do and take great pride in helping my clients look and feel their best. Whether it’s through makeup, skin care, or permanent makeup, I am dedicated to providing the highest quality services and helping my clients achieve their desired look.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society can support artists and creatives by providing financial opportunities, promoting their work, and creating a supportive community. This can be done through grants, sponsorships, commissioning of works, and tax incentives for art patrons. Additionally, providing access to resources such as workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events can help artists grow and develop their craft. Finally, making art and culture a priority in society, through education and media representation, can help establish a thriving creative ecosystem that values and supports artists and creatives.

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

Yes, absolutely. My ultimate goal is to become a well-known and respected makeup artist and esthetician, offering a wide range of beauty services to clients. I have always been passionate about helping people look and feel their best, and I believe that my skills and expertise can make a real difference in people’s lives.

That’s why I have been working hard to expand my reach and increase my recognition in the industry, with the ultimate goal of opening my own med spa. In my spa, I would like to offer a variety of services, including permanent makeup, facial treatments, beauty enhancement, laser hair removal, cosmetic injectables, and much more.

My mission is to change people’s lives by making them feel happier in their own skin. I want to empower my clients to look and feel their best, and I believe that my passion and commitment to the industry will help me achieve this goal. With hard work and determination, I am confident that I can make a real impact in the lives of those I serve.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/geniesthetics?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glambylean
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genesis-montilva-667a64234