Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikole Vega. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nikole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, I believe you need persistence, patience and a strong work ethic. Nothing worth having comes easy or fast. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’ve learned that being true to yourself, showing up consistently and going the extra mile are what people remember and what opens doors.

People often ask how to become a celebrity makeup artist or assistant. The truth is, it’s a long game. I had already built my business with a bridal team when I decided to break into a different side of the industry.

I went from being the boss to becoming an assistant. I emailed people for two years before I landed my first assistant job. And even then, it took another three years before I did makeup on an actress for the first time after nearly eight years in the industry.

Success takes time and that’s okay. When it does happen for me, I know it’ll be that much more meaningful because I truly worked for it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Nikole Vega, a professional makeup artist from Colombia, now based in Los Angeles. I started my journey eight years ago working in a photography studio, then moved into bridal makeup while juggling multiple jobs. Eventually, I built NV Glam Team an inclusive bridal beauty team for luxury weddings across California.

In 2022, I did makeup for Maria Becerra at the Latin AMAs, and that moment inspired me to explore the celebrity world. I went from leading my own team to becoming an assistant, eager to grow in a new space. Since then, I’ve assisted for major events like the Met Gala, Golden Globes, Vanity Fair and more.

What sets me apart is the experience I create. Whether it’s a bride or a celeb, my goal is always the same: enhance natural beauty and bring good vibes. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and I hope my journey reminds others that success takes time, but it’s possible when you stay consistent and true to yourself.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A big pivot moment for me was deciding to step into the celebrity makeup world after years of running a successful bridal business. I had built a name for myself and led my own team, but deep down, I knew I wanted more. I didn’t have a clear roadmap. I just started asking friends and emailing artists I admired and offering to assist them.

It was a humbling shift, but everything I’ve learned and experienced along the way has been so worth it. I still get weird looks sometimes in this side of the industry when I mention that I also do bridal, but to me that’s part of my long-term vision. Once I reach my personal goals, I plan to grow and elevate my team even more. Honestly, I see NV Glam as my retirement plan. I’d love to retire at 45 y/o and leave something lasting behind.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

A few years ago, I made what I thought was a big step forward and opened a studio in Hollywood. I put all my savings into it, excited to expand my business and take things to the next level. Unfortunately, I ran into unexpected issues with the building’s HOA that made it impossible to use the space for work. I was stuck in a lease and couldn’t operate out of the studio at all. I ended up with nearly $100K in debt and felt like I had fallen into a hole I’d never get out of.

It was one of the hardest moments of my life, trying to keep my business running and chase new opportunities while carrying that financial weight. But with faith, long hours and support from my husband, we worked overtime and slowly got out of it. That experience completely changed how I approach risk and investments. It was a tough lesson, but one that made me stronger, smarter and more intentional with every business decision I make now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nikolevega.com
• Instagram: nikolevega_pro
• Other: tiktok = nikolevega_pro

Image Credits

Stephen Medina