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

Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to earn a full-time living from my creative work as a luxury makeup artist. But it absolutely didn’t happen overnight. When I first started, I was living in a new state where I knew no one. I had no local support system or referrals and had to build everything from the ground up — from networking and pricing my services to learning how to market myself in a completely different market.

I worked long days doing everything myself: branding, social media, client communication, and of course, makeup. There were times I doubted if I’d ever feel secure in this field, but I kept showing up with consistency, invested in education, and always put my clients’ experiences first.

A major milestone for me was finally raising my prices to reflect the luxury level of service I provide — and realizing that the right clients would value it. Another was expanding into bridal and destination work, which allowed me to scale and create unforgettable experiences for clients around the world.

One thing I’ve learned over time is that this industry has seasons — and they’re not all busy. In Arizona, summers can be especially slow due to the heat and fewer weddings, so I’ve had to become financially smart and learn to save during the busier months to balance out the slower ones. Understanding that flow has been key to staying full-time and avoiding burnout.

Looking back, I think I could have sped up the process by setting clearer boundaries earlier and believing in my worth from the beginning. But every step taught me something vital and I wouldn’t change it.

Now, I not only make a living doing what I love, but I get to help others feel beautiful and empowered in the process. That’s the most fulfilling part of it all.

Tiffany, 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?

I grew up in my family’s salon in Michigan — a place where beauty and hard work were part of everyday life. It’s a family-run salon where my mom and grandma did it all: hair, nails, waxing. I started helping at a young age — folding towels, answering phones, doing front desk tasks — and I learned everything from them, including how to treat clients with care and how to run a business with integrity.

That foundation shaped the way I work today. I’m big on communication and making sure every client not only loves their service but feels truly seen and taken care of. I’ll always do my best to get someone in — no matter what hours that takes. I hustle harder than anyone I know, and people who’ve worked with me will tell you the same. I didn’t come from much, and that’s why I work so hard — to create a better life and give my clients the kind of experience they’ll never forget.

When someone walks in to see me, I want them to feel that from the start. I’m not just here to do your makeup or hair — I want to connect, build real relationships, and bring your vision to life in a way that feels luxurious but also personal. My brand is luxury, but it’s also me — warm, approachable, and dedicated. You’re not just getting a service; you’re getting an experience curated with heart and hustle.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in connection, consistency, and community. I didn’t start with a following, I built it through years of genuine engagement, showing up authentically, and sharing my work with heart.

I attended multiple makeup education events every year in places like LA, San Francisco, and New York. Not only were these experiences valuable for improving my skills, but they were also crucial for networking and building long-lasting relationships with other creatives. I made it a point to support the artists and educators I met along the way — and that support often came full circle. We shared each other’s work, encouraged growth, and built a network that helped us all rise together.

Coming from a small business family, I’ve always been passionate about supporting local businesses — and in turn, many local business owners supported me back. That sense of community has been a huge part of growing my presence. I believe when you lift others, you’re lifted too.

My biggest advice for someone just starting out:
• Be consistent, but don’t chase perfection.
• Show your personality — people want to know you, not just what you do.
• Engage with others sincerely and frequently.
• And most importantly, don’t be afraid to network in real life. Social media is powerful, but nothing replaces real-world relationships and genuine support.

Building an audience is not about numbers — it’s about trust, authenticity, and value. That’s what lasts.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is watching someone light up when they see themselves in a new way. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a woman doing a boudoir shoot to reclaim her confidence, helping people feel beautiful, empowered, and celebrated is something I’ll never take for granted.

Being a creative means I get to use my hands and my heart to bring someone’s vision to life. But it’s more than just the makeup, it’s the connection. It’s learning about someone’s story, building trust, and giving them a luxury experience that goes beyond the surface.

It’s also incredibly fulfilling to know I’ve built something from scratch, that my passion turned into a full-time career where I get to be both an artist and a businesswoman. Every face I touch is a new canvas, and every client becomes part of the story I’m creating.

At the end of the day, there’s no greater feeling than knowing I made someone feel seen, confident, and radiant! Even just for a moment. That’s the magic of what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Dolledupluxe.com
• Instagram: Dolledupluxe

Image Credits

@catiemenke