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

Valeria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were starting over, I’d put a bigger focus on building relationships and networking right from the start. Connections can open doors way faster than trying to do everything on your own. I’d also invest in good education and hands-on training earlier instead of learning the hard way. Plus, I’d jump on social media and marketing right away to get my name out there without spending a ton on ads. And finally, I’d fine-tune my services and pricing from the beginning to make things more profitable and sustainable with less investment.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Valeria Diaz, a proud Latina makeup artist and the founder of Valerys Studio, a growing beauty business fueled by passion and creativity. My journey in the beauty industry began in my home country, where I attended cosmetology school and developed a love for enhancing natural beauty. After moving to the U.S., I found myself doing makeup for family and friends, but it wasn’t until a coworker asked me to do her wedding makeup that I realized this was more than just a skill—it was my true calling.

Now, through Valerys Studio, I specialize in bridal makeup, photoshoots, airbrush makeup, Quinceañera looks, and makeup for all occasions. My goal is to provide a luxury experience where every client feels confident, beautiful, and radiant. I take pride in creating personalized looks that enhance natural beauty while ensuring long-lasting, flawless results. Whether it’s a wedding day, a special event, or a professional photoshoot, I strive to make every client feel their absolute best.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail, my dedication to understanding each client’s unique vision, and my ability to create a comfortable and memorable experience. I truly believe that makeup is not just about looking beautiful—it’s about feeling empowered.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me and the relationships I build through my work. Valerys Studio is built on passion, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. I want potential clients to know that when they book with me, they are not just getting a makeup service—they are investing in an experience where they will feel valued, confident, and absolutely stunning.

I’m excited to continue growing, expanding my skills, and being part of so many special moments in my clients’ lives.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success happens overnight or that talent alone is enough to build a thriving business. When I first started in the beauty industry, I believed that if I was good at my craft, opportunities would come easily. However, I quickly realized that skill is only part of the equation—consistency, discipline, and perseverance are what truly make the difference.

The backstory? In the beginning, I would get discouraged when things didn’t move as fast as I expected. There were moments of self-doubt, times when I compared myself to others, and days when I felt like giving up. But through experience, I learned that growth takes time and that every challenge is a step forward. I had to shift my mindset and understand that building a business is a journey, not a race.

Now, I embrace the process, celebrate small wins, and focus on continuous learning. Hard work, patience, and staying committed to my vision have been the keys to my success, and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle eventually became my full-time career, but it didn’t happen overnight—it was a journey of passion, dedication, and taking leaps of faith.

Before becoming a full-time makeup artist, I was working as a housekeeping supervisor. During that time, my friend and coworker and I decided to take makeup classes together simply because we loved beauty and wanted to learn more. As we grew our skills, we started working together—I focused on makeup, and she specialized in hair. We supported each other every step of the way, sharing opportunities and encouraging one another to keep pushing forward.

Our big turning point came when we had the opportunity to do the makeup and hair for a Quinceañera. This was our first paid gig, and it was an incredible experience. We were both so motivated and excited to see how well everything came together. The day was a huge success, and it really opened our eyes to what was possible. It was such a rewarding feeling, knowing that we had contributed to making someone’s special day even more beautiful.

At first, it was just a side hustle while I continued working full-time. But as I invested in professional education, high-quality products, and networking, the demand for my services grew. I started getting booked for bridal makeup, Quinceañeras, and photoshoots, and eventually, I reached a turning point—I had to choose between staying in my stable job or taking a leap of faith into the beauty industry.

I chose to follow my passion, and that’s when Valerys Studio was born. Now, I’m proud to say that my business is thriving, and I get to do what I love every single day. Looking back, I see how every small step led me here, and I’m grateful for the challenges that helped me grow. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of those who believed in me, especially my husband my family and friend who encouraged me from the beginning. Turning my passion into a full-time career has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/valerysstudio?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=47486a34-a892-4b10-8a95-ffb05c5ab2cc
• Instagram: https://linktr.ee/valerysstudio?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=47486a34-a892-4b10-8a95-ffb05c5ab2cc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091866253702&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Fabia Owen Photography
Erin Morrison Photography
Katie Snead Photography