We recently connected with Valentina Kazazian and have shared our conversation below.
Valentina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
Wow, this question has taken me on a trip down memory lane. I started working at a makeup counter back in 2014 and I had the pleasure of meeting many amazing women for whom I had the opportunity to do makeup. Over time, I established strong relationships with these girls, who began requesting me to glam them at the counter. I distinctly recall one of the girls asking me to book an appointment to do her makeup at her home. This request thrilled me because I had always envisioned having my clientele and becoming a full-time freelance makeup artist. At the same time, it was such a scary feeling to take on this responsibility but I knew it was a step forward towards launching my own career. I brought my own makeup kit and went to her house to do her makeup. Seeing her look confident and happy after was incredible.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Art has always been my passion, and I have explored it in various forms throughout my life. As a child, I spent hours painting with my grandmother, but after she passed away, makeup became my favorite medium of artistic expression. I started my journey as a makeup artist by working at a well-known cosmetics counter, gradually building my clientele through word of mouth. Eventually, I began working at a salon, and my reputation continued to grow. Today, I am a full-time, self-employed makeup artist, with experience working with thousands of clients, including models, celebrities, and even on Hollywood film sets, music videos, and campaigns. For me, makeup is more than just a service – it’s a confidence booster, a mood lifter, and a smile creator. My ultimate goal is to enhance my clients’ beauty and make them feel their very best selves. I also want my clients to be able to do this for themselves, which is why I now offer one-on-one makeup classes and group Masterclasses to teach them tips and techniques to elevate their makeup game from the comfort of their own homes.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Consistency in posting is crucial for gaining followers and establishing a social media presence, much like it is for many others. My aim was to grow my Instagram account and benefit my business when I started it. Tagging brands and hoping to be reposted for exposure is also a significant part of it. As I work in the bridal makeup industry, being noticed by other vendors is equally important for gaining exposure.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
I am currently in the process of launching my own cosmetics brand, Valentina Cosmetics. It’s been a long journey, and I’m very excited to share my story and the details of my first launch. However, it hasn’t been an easy ride. I’ve encountered many obstacles along the way, ranging from finding trustworthy manufacturers and labs to ensuring consistency in formulation and quality. After months of extensive research, I finally found labs that could bring my vision to life. The most important lesson I learned from this process is to be patient and persistent. Despite the challenges, I remained focused on my dreams and goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.valentinamua.com
- Instagram: valentina_mua
- Other: TikTok: @valentinakmua
Image Credits
My photo was taken by Gor Sargsyan @gscreativeofficial on Instagram.