We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Olmos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started my business at age 25. It was only with friends, family, however at the same time I managed another business cleaning homes and I was also rising a family. Since I had other responsibilities I did not put my full potential energy into my makeup business at this time in the life, even though I did it on the weekends; still did not put more energy as I have today. I do think if I would have done what I have done these last 8 years with my business I would have been full time by age 28. As I mention I had other responsibilities at the time.
I also did not finish school, when I was 19 I went to cosmologist school and left with 800 hours because I decided to focus on my family and just had a baby. When I did want to go back it was too late since they only keep your hours valid for up to 5 years which I was unaware. I still find it hard to go back to school to get my license, but I will find a way. I have been doing makeup and hair for over 10 years.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always loved makeup since I was little but I did not start getting more into makeup at age 12. I enjoyed more about the makeup world into my early twenty’s. I started taking course and freelancing with other makeup artists at age 28 to get my feet wet. I do remember my first event was a quinceañera, it was a whole family party, I did makeup and hair for them and I was so nervous. I was able to take pictures and they look nice, I was so proud of myself since this was my first event and was well recommended after that. Years, later I did the mother for her wedding.
The big satisfaction from this job is working with same clients and how they loved my work. It has been for filling to see their big smiles and how they feel beautiful and confidence after my work.
I do makeup for all events, wedding, interviews. headshots, photo sessions, commercials, film, documentaries. social events and boudoir sessions, editorial ,print.. I also do SFX makeup special effects such as cuts, bruises, burns, scars, older age for Halloween, or film,
I also do hair styles, updo’s , half up /half down. curls, waves, braids, Boho hair styles, Hollywood waves, buns, ponytails. We can also add extensions clip in day ( most popular) of, or I can also do tape in , or sew ins but a day or two before event.
I do offer retouch services during their photo sessions or during the events later that evening for additional cost.
All makeup application is done traditionally and includes false eyelashes,
Airbrush is coming soon.
We also offer a touch up kits to each client who receives a makeup application for them to use later in the evening,

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I have been growing my clientele by word of mouth, recommendations. I also have all social media pages and usually share my website to new clients. My business is also on google. However I will say the most effective has been by recommendations.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation has been my personality and charisma. I have enjoyed and loved the beauty industry for many years. I love what I do and to help others with their beauty questions. When I am working you can see how I have a passion at what I do and how I always put 110% of my work into each client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maryluzmakeupartistry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryluz_makeup/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryluzmakeupartistry/
• Linkedin: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmakeup_luz
• Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmakeup_luz
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mary-luz-makeup-artistry-hillsborough-3
• Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=mary+luz+makeup+artistry&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1124US1124&oq=&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgAEEUYOxjCAzIJCAAQRRg7GMIDMgkIARBFGDsYwgMyCQgCEEUYOxjCAzIJCAMQRRg7GMIDMgkIBBBFGDsYwgMyCQgFEEUYOxjCAzIJCAYQRRg7GMIDMgkIBxBFGDsYwgPSAQg2ODRqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Image Credits

friend, myself