Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tiffany Sotak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tiffany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I was introduced to the beauty industry through my sister when she became a cosmetologist. While I loved the results of her work, I quickly realized that my passion wasn’t for hair, but for skin—especially makeup. I started by practicing on myself and my family, learning as I went. My mom has been my biggest supporter from the start, and she even paid for me to attend makeup school, where I really deepened my skills and knowledge.
Looking back, I realize one thing that would’ve made my learning journey quicker was understanding different skin types and the importance of good skincare before makeup. Having a solid foundation in skincare has made a big difference in my work.
I believe one of the most important skills as a makeup artist is being a good listener and communicator. Everyone is different, and each client has their own vision of what they want. Being able to truly understand that and bring their vision to life is key.
Although I’ve loved all the different stages of my life, one challenge I faced was not taking action on my own dreams. For a while, I let others take the lead in my life and put my own goals on hold to please them. Learning to take control of my path has been a huge turning point for me.
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’m a proud Peruvian from California and a military police veteran, but beauty has always been my calling. I’ve been in the beauty industry since I was 15, starting as a makeup artist and later expanding my services when I became an esthetician. I offer a range of services, including makeup for special events, waxing, lash extensions, brow tinting, and facials. As a makeup artist, esthetician, and content creator, I help people look and feel their best while promoting healthy, glowing skin. What sets me apart is my ability to blend creative, themed makeup looks with expert skincare knowledge. I’m most proud of how I consistently engage with my audience and show the true, authentic side of my journey as a full-time mom, wife, and esthetician. I’m always honest, real, and committed to helping my clients achieve their beauty goals.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing the transformation and the joy on my clients’ faces after a makeup look or service. It’s incredible to witness their confidence grow. On the social media side, it’s deeply fulfilling to know that all the effort I put into creating content resonates with my audience, and seeing them enjoy and connect with my work makes it all worth it.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
There have been two major points in my life where my career took a big turn.
The first was when I decided to join the military. Although it ended up being a positive change, it wasn’t something I initially wanted for myself. My heart has always been in the beauty industry. Before the military, I was working as a freelance makeup artist, content creator, and at Sephora, steadily building my career. But as a first-generation American, I felt a lot of pressure to “do more.” My family would say things like, “You have it so easy—you’re an American, you have papers. You should be a doctor, police officer, or join the military.” Some of my family supported my beauty career, but others called it a hobby, saying I couldn’t make it into something real. So, to please my family, I made the tough decision to join the military and became a security forces member (military police). It was hard because it meant putting my dreams on hold. But it led to an amazing new chapter in my life that I wouldn’t trade.
The second big shift happened when I became a mom. At the time, I was still in the military, creating beauty content while serving, but everything changed at once. My term ended, I transitioned out of the military, had a baby, and was adjusting to life as a new mom. I was navigating postpartum recovery, sleepless nights, and figuring out how to be a parent. It was overwhelming, and I made the decision to put my goals on pause to focus entirely on being a mom and finding a routine.
Both of these career pivots happened for a reason. Looking back, they were exactly what I needed at the time to grow into who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tiffanycherre
- Twitter: Tiffanycherre
- Youtube: Tiffanycherre
- Other: Tik tok @tiffanycherre