We recently connected with Natalie Contrera and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

The most important lesson I’ve ever learned on a job was get a contract signed, with everything in detail and don’t take paper checks. I used to do bridal hair styling and makeup artistry. I had a bride who I adored but she had already mentioned her maid of honor + mother would be a problem. They were honestly TERRIBLE. They made everything about themselves and hated everything. They were the type to say “no one can ever get my hair right” but not have realistic expectations. The mother ended up writing me a bad check, refusing to pay later and I had no documentation besides the bride that I worked with anyone else in the wedding party. Lesson learned very very early on and fast.

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?

Where do I start? I’m Natalie aka Natty Contrera. I’ve been a makeup artist for over ten years, a content creator, makeup educator, and now with my newest adventure am helping beauty creatives excel in their digital marketing needs. I am a minimalistic beauty artist who lives life in full color. I am an advocate for true inclusion on set and in my personal life. As a Paul Mitchell: The School graduate, I am a licensed cosmetologist in multiple states and focus on sanitation to state board standards.

Let me get a little personal.
I’m a millennial, middle child, and Arab American Gemini. The way I move in the world is powerful, empathic, and thought-provoking. I live for nights out with friends, travel with my partner and our dog, support friends’ businesses, a good banh mi + Vietnamese iced coffee, my mom’s Arabic food, and glossy lips. I have a sneaker collection and the Nike Sign tattooed on my foot. (Plus way too many other tattoos that tell stories for days). I like any moment to dress up and any moment to explore.

All the other things that have happened in my career.
I’ve worked with some large brands and educated for even bigger brands. I can name-drop later if you need the resume but I truly believe it’s less WHO I worked with + more about myself, my work, and my reputation.

My love and craft are the same efforts on “small” production as it is on large campaigns. I am a heart + soul in my work kind of artist, specializing in uncomplicated, luxurious, and minimalistic beauty through hair, skin, and makeup.

I’ve been published 150+ times, had viral social media moments, and dozens beyond dozens of returning clients. I walk on any set with confidence, education, and a leader’s drive. I’ve worked for some big names and seeing my work on a brand’s e-commerce, packaging or billboards never gets old. I’ve pivoted so much into digital content and now have even more control over my work.

If you want to follow me on any social media its @nattycontrera (pinterest, youtube, instagram, tiktok, etc)

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

Yes, I ended up taking an amazing mentorship. Crystal Wright Win Now Program for a freelance artist to get unstuck. I think there are a lot of bullsh-t courses out there but this one was so business focused. It kicked my booty. It was a really uplifting part of my journey

The beauty of networking, too. I can give you all the websites to find production jobs or wedding jobs. I can invite you to every facebook group but I can not express the power that networking has. Network with the people who have the same jobs as you, who have jobs that would complement you, and people who have the power to hire you.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Oh god, yes. Non-creatives never think you are working. My sister will always be like “do you have work today?” I never know how to answer her. What she means to say is “are you receiving a paycheck from some one where you need to clock in and out?”

Often times, I’m like, “yeah, I have content to shoot and I have a photoshoot with a photographer for a jewelry brand.” She’ll reply with “well, that sounds like an easy day!” What about that is easy? What about that isn’t long, standing on my feet, thinking fast to make immediate changes, working with a crew, making sure the lighting is right, etc?

If you are wondering, my sister works an office job that shes had since she was like 18. Not to down play it at all. She’s worked her way up and is very successful. It’s just the absolute opposite of anything creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nattycontrera.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nattycontrera
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nattycontreraartistry
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliecontrera/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenattycontrera
• Other: Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@nattycontrera

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/joemaccreative/ https://www.instagram.com/theresaregan_photo/ https://www.instagram.com/caseyrobinsonphoto/