We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Syjan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Natalie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Fifteen years ago, I had what many would consider a prestigious career. With a master’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s in law, I was working as an economist at an international oil company. The stability, the status, and the financial security were all there. But deep inside, I knew that this path wasn’t for me. While I was skilled in economics, my heart yearned for something far more creative and fulfilling. I always had a passion for beauty and creativity. From a young age, I dreamed of being involved in the fashion and film industry, constantly captivated by how much joy and transformation a skilled artist could bring to others. So, despite the expectations from others and the security of my career, I made the brave decision to pursue what truly made me happy—becoming a makeup and hair artist. Today, I am thriving in a field that allows me to express my creativity, work closely with people, and bring beauty to life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about making someone look and feel their best, whether for a wedding, a photoshoot, or a film set. However, working as an independent artist comes with its own set of challenges. Managing communication, keeping track of timing, and ensuring that every client is satisfied requires a lot of organization and focus. It’s not just about being creative—it’s about running a business where every detail matters. But this responsibility is something I embrace because it gives me freedom and fulfillment. I can say with certainty that I’m happy where I am today. The decision to leave my former career and dive into the world of makeup and hair styling was the best one I’ve ever made. Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, and every day, I have the chance to make someone feel beautiful. That, to me, is the greatest reward.

Natalie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

With over 10 years of international experience, I have had the privilege of working as a professional hair and makeup artist and stylist, collaborating with private clients, actors and celebrities, clothing designers, photographers, and producers. My journey has also taken me into the world of film, where my passion for beauty and transformation truly comes alive. What drives me every day is my mission to make every person look and feel beautiful—not by covering up who they are but by highlighting their natural features and personality.
While working with models is always fun—they are, after all, already picture-perfect.
I find even more joy in working with everyday people, who we meet in our normal life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about showing someone their personal beauty, helping them see themselves in a way they might not have before.

I also love planning photoshoots for my clients, ensuring everything is aligned from wardrobe to hair and makeup, even helping with poses and helping my clients to feel comfortable in the front of the camera. It’s a special feeling to know that every person, regardless of their experience in front of the camera, can look their best in photos.
I take great pride in bringing out the unique essence of each individual, helping them see the beauty that’s been there all along. For me, it’s about more than just makeup and styling—it’s about helping people feel confident and happy in their own skin. That’s what makes my work so fulfilling, and I am proud to play a part in revealing the beauty and personality of every person I work with.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think the best they can do- not to be scared to experiment. I know, almost all of us dreams about something different in their looks. They can ask a professional to help them finding a particular clothes or hair or makeup feature.
it is very important for all artist to feel that people need them, that they are interested in working with them. that they trust us and let us express theirselves.
Its always a two way collaboration: people’s trust and interest and artist’s knowledge and fantasy

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I have a very practical profession, everything that I do, I tried on myself. I’m still learning from my colleagues,b there are so much information about hair, makeup and style.
But the deeper vision I got after reading books about Arts. How professionals “read” the Art in museum. It says- “feel it:” You need to have a feeling inside of you, when you look on the painting or a sculpture. And I borrowed that technique for myself. I try to feel every client who comes to me, like a piece of art. If a person has romantic appearance and I have that feeling inside me, I will never do a heavy rock’n’roll makeup and style- it just won’t be appropriate.

So, my advice- more classical books about any museum arts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nataliezinchenko.com
• Instagram: Natalie.zinchenko
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iguanochka