We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Echeverry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
If I could go back in time, I would have loved to start my makeup career earlier—before becoming a mom. I officially began at 21, but my passion for makeup had always been a part of me. Growing up in Venezuela, I dreamed of studying this art, but financial, family, and country-related challenges delayed that journey.
Makeup has always been my comfort and my way of connecting with others through beauty. Starting earlier might have fast-tracked my path to success. That said, graduating as a makeup artist while raising a newborn taught me resilience, love, and the strength to navigate challenges with grace.
I’m deeply grateful for how my story unfolded. It’s been a journey of growth, lessons, and self-discovery. Still, I sometimes imagine how much further I could have gone if I had started right out of high school, fully exploring my potential from an earlier age.
Looking back, though, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step shaped the person and artist I am today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Melanie Echeverry, and I’m a Venezuelan makeup artist and creative based in Seattle. My journey into the world of beauty began with a deep love for self-expression and connection. Growing up, I dreamed of pursuing makeup artistry, but life presented its challenges. Despite that, I never lost sight of my passion. At 21, I officially stepped into this industry, and since then, makeup has been my way of telling stories, building confidence, and celebrating individuality.
Through my brand, 58bymel, I offer personalized makeup services tailored to enhance natural beauty and empower my clients to feel their absolute best. From bridal makeup to special events and photoshoots, I specialize in creating looks that reflect each client’s unique essence. My work isn’t just about applying makeup—it’s about building trust, understanding personal styles, and making every person I work with feel seen, valued, and beautiful.
What sets 58bymel apart is the human connection I bring to my craft. I approach makeup as a collaborative process, blending professional techniques with empathy and creativity. For me, it’s not just about trends but about authenticity—enhancing what’s already there in a way that feels natural yet transformative.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the way my brand has created a community. As an immigrant and a mom, I understand the importance of perseverance, resilience, and embracing one’s journey. These values are reflected in my work, and I want my clients to feel inspired and uplifted not just by the makeup, but by the entire experience.
At its core, 58bymel is about more than beauty—it’s about celebrating authenticity, fostering connection, and creating a safe space for people to explore and embrace who they truly are. If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s this: my work is rooted in love, self-expression, and a commitment to making you feel like the best version of yourself.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey into makeup artistry is one shaped by resilience and an unwavering belief in my dreams. When I was 15, I met a makeup artist who transformed me and a group of girls for a quinceañera. Watching her bring out our unique features with such artistry sparked something magical in me—I knew, right then, that I wanted to be a makeup artist.
However, pursuing this dream was anything but easy. My family wanted me to study a more traditional career, so I chose psychology. Along the way, life became even more challenging—I became a mother at a young age. With a newborn in my arms and a full university schedule, I spent my weekends studying makeup and building my craft. It was exhausting but deeply fulfilling.
Then, life threw more hurdles my way. In Venezuela, a massive power outage halted everything for months, just as my makeup career seemed to take off. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, forcing me to put my passion on hold to focus on supporting my family. That experience, while difficult, taught me adaptability. I turned to marketing, learned new skills, and prepared for a fresh start.
Post-pandemic, I made the hardest decision of my life: leaving my daughter and my mother behind in Venezuela to immigrate to Seattle. It’s been two years since that leap of faith. Rebuilding my life here has been filled with challenges, but makeup found its way back into my life. I started creating content, reconnecting with my craft, and stepping out of my comfort zone.
Today, makeup isn’t just a career for me—it’s the bridge that will one day reunite me with my daughter and mother. It’s my resilience, my hope, and my unwavering commitment to a dream that never left my heart.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a makeup artist is seeing the happiness on my clients’ faces when they look in the mirror. There’s a unique magic in helping someone see themselves the way they’ve always wanted to—confident, radiant, and empowered.
It’s about more than just the makeup. It’s the trust they place in me, the intimate conversations we share during our time together, and the role I play in elevating their self-esteem. Knowing that my work has the power to brighten someone’s day and help them celebrate their beauty is what keeps me going. It’s a connection that goes beyond the surface—a reminder of how art can uplift, inspire, and transform.
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Image Credits
Images are by night by designed (Audrey)