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

Hi Romana , thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Turning my creative work into a full-time career has been anything but an easy journey. It has been filled with challenges, doubts, and countless moments of self-growth. I had to overcome cultural and language barriers, stay attuned to ever-changing industry trends, and master cross-cultural communication. As a first-generation immigrant, there was no safety net—I had no choice but to start from scratch. I needed to refine my makeup artistry while also developing business acumen, communication skills, and leadership abilities to establish myself in this competitive industry.

Throughout this journey, some people didn’t understand my vision or mission. Some doubted my abilities, believing I didn’t fit the market. But whenever I faced difficulties and challenges, I reminded myself of my original purpose. I viewed every setback as an opportunity for growth, learned to stay humble, and kept moving forward with perseverance—because I knew that the path to success lies in never stopping learning, believing in myself, and not wasting energy on those who tell me I “can’t” achieve it.

At the beginning of my career, I fully committed myself to fashion magazine editorials, runway shows, and industry events, constantly building a portfolio that reflected my style. In this industry, reputation is everything, so I worked diligently to maintain my credibility. Hard work eventually pays off—one opportunity leads to another. Over time, I was able to collaborate with luxury brands and world-renowned publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. These were not just professional milestones but also validations of all the effort I had invested.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self: prioritize branding, marketing, and financial management much earlier. Passion alone is not enough—understanding strategic positioning, building strong client relationships, and learning how to run a business efficiently would have accelerated my progress. That said, I also recognize that it was precisely these challenges, mistakes, and struggles that shaped me into the artist and entrepreneur who I am today.

The transition from makeup artist to entrepreneur has been full of challenges. Today, I run a company specializing in fashion and bridal beauty, staying true to my aesthetic philosophy and helping my clients exude confidence and elegance. I firmly believe that true beauty is not just about appearance—it’s about being yourself from the inside out and creating a timeless elegance that withstands the test of time. We may not remember every beauty trend from the 1960s, but we will always remember the grace and sophistication of Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. That is the kind of beauty I strive to create—not just a fleeting trend, but a lasting aesthetic attitude.

During Fashion Week, I also mentor aspiring makeup artists because I deeply understand how challenging it is to build a career in this industry. I hope to help them experience the excitement and challenges of their first Fashion Week. Just like when I was 16 years old, sitting in a sweltering classroom, listening to my art teacher describe Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam—I remember how my young eyes sparkled with a deep fascination and longing for the world of art. I hope that today, these young artists will also have that defining moment—a spark that ignites their passion.

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.

About Me I am Romana Lai, a professional makeup artist and entrepreneur specializing in fashion, wedding, and editorial beauty. As a first-generation Taiwanese American, my makeup aesthetics are deeply influenced by diverse cultures. Through twenty years of exposure, and different cultural influences, I have developed a makeup style that blends Eastern and Western beauty concepts.

How I Started in the Beauty Industry
I have been passionate about aesthetics since childhood, but turning it into a career was a journey of learning through mistakes and expanding my network. My career began with fashion editorials, runway shows, and high-end events, allowing me to gain valuable experience. I have worked in both Asia and the United States, collaborating with luxury brands and top designers. These experiences have not only shaped my aesthetic style but also given me a deeper understanding of beauty across different cultural backgrounds.

My Services & What Makes Me Unique
I specialize in luxury and refined beauty, focusing on enhancing natural beauty to ensure my clients look their best on any occasion. My services include:

Fashion & Editorial Makeup – Collaborating with designers and top fashion media such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Luxury Bridal Makeup – Customizing bridal makeup to ensure brides look radiant on their special day.
Runway & Event Makeup – Creating professional makeup looks for Fashion Week and red-carpet events.
Beauty Consulting & Education – Providing beauty trend analysis, product recommendations, and professional training for industry newcomers.
My signature “second-skin” makeup technique creates a flawless, natural, and lightweight finish, ensuring the perfect glow on camera while avoiding a heavy makeup look. By incorporating diverse cultural aesthetics, I provide tailor-made beauty experiences for high-end fashion clients and luxury weddings.

How I Help Clients Solve Problems
Many clients seek a makeup artist who can showcase elegant simplicity. Whether it is creating a timeless and classic bridal look, crafting sophisticated makeup for a fashion show, or customizing red-carpet beauty for celebrities, we provide exclusive beauty solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Proudest Achievements
My work has been featured in global fashion magazines, international runway shows, and red-carpet events, and I have become a trusted makeup artist for luxury bridal clients. Beyond technical expertise, I highly value client relationships—understanding their needs through in-depth communication and providing them with a personalized beauty experience.

What I Want Potential Clients & Followers to Know
My beauty philosophy is: “Enhancing natural beauty with an aesthetic attitude.”
Whether for a runway show, wedding, or editorial shoot, we always use high-quality makeup products to create timeless and long-lasting beauty.
I prioritize the client experience, ensuring every client receives an exclusive, customized luxury makeup service.
I strive for continuous growth, collaborating with more beauty brands, clients, and industry professionals to create a beauty philosophy that transcends cultures, remains authentic, and stands the test of time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the beauty industry, networking and connections are crucial, but for me, this has always been a challenge. As someone with social anxiety, I am not good at handling complex interpersonal relationships or proactively expressing myself in social settings. This has caused me to struggle in the industry—I have often missed opportunities because I am not good at presenting myself, or I have felt anxious when faced with workplace dynamics that I couldn’t easily navigate.

However, I gradually realized that instead of forcing myself to adapt to social norms that don’t suit me, it is better to focus on improving my professional skills and let my work and abilities speak for me. I learned to build trust in my way, maintaining genuine and stable relationships with clients without trying to conform to social expectations. I started to accept my social anxiety and found my way of communication.

Today, I am still not the most social person, but by strengthening my aesthetic style, I attract those who truly appreciate my work. I have learned to find my place in the industry, and even though I am not good at handling complex relationships, I can still grow steadily through persistence. I now embrace my path and accept and acknowledge my darker side, coexisting with it rather than trying to change it.

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

I have always admired the Japanese entrepreneur Kazuo Inamori. In his early years of entrepreneurship, he faced many setbacks, but through continuous self-improvement and relentless effort, he ultimately achieved success. There is a quote of his that I deeply appreciate and find profoundly philosophical: “Divinity resides in work.”

In his later years, Kazuo Inamori founded two Fortune 500 companies (Kyocera and KDDI) and successfully led the restructuring of Japan Airlines (JAL), bringing it back from bankruptcy. He later embraced Buddhism and pursued a spiritual life, but his books, such as Kyocera Philosophy, Living Method, and Working Method, remain guiding resources for many entrepreneurs and inspire countless business leaders. These are also the books I have been reading recently.

Contact Info:

• Website: www..romananyc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanamakeupnyc/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanamakeupnyc/