Hey SauceBox Kittens! We have exciting blog guest this month, Pro HMUA Red! Lets dive in and chat about all things hair and makeup, and everthing in-between
- Hey Red! thank you so much for sitting down with us. Lets dive in! Starting from the roots ( pun intended) how did you start in hair industry and when did you realize it was your caling?
Before I started doing hair I actually worked at M.A.C Cosmetics for over eight years, and makeup does go hand-in-hand with hair, because both of these industries make people feel and look beautiful. One of the things I've always loved about make up was that you could wash it off when you were finished, even if it was a crazy Halloween look. But with hair this is something that is 98% of your selfie, and we have a license to touch not only literally, but emotionally because this makes people feel different about themselves.
- We have first met you through beauty industry, which goes hand in hand with hair world. How being skilled in both fields helped you in your career?
Our field is ever evolving, some of the challenges we face especially now post pandemic, is the price of goods and getting hands on products that are now sold out or hard to come by. One of the other challenges is social media, as much as it's help me and my business and build a solid clientele, people get unrealistic expectations by showing pictures of what they want during their appointment, but have a hair history they won't allow us to do it. But I will say what's help me in my career is being an educator in the industry for the past nine years, I have a scale of expanding to clients what can be done and what can't be. What sets me aside from other hairstylist in this industry, is the proper consultation, listening, and also working with my clients to give them what they want but to get them there in a healthy way.
- What are the challenges you face in your field and what is your approach to solving them?
When I first started this industry, I knew that I never wanted to own. I think that's because it's always such a large responsibility to take on a venture so large. But once I was able to start with walking, meeting at starting small, and owning a studio, it's giving me a world of insight in how to own a salon starting from a smaller venture. When starting your own studio the one thing I will say is to be minimal. Don't invest so much on the decorations when you should be investing in yourself. Finding the right color line, finding the right tools, finding the right marketing skills for your demographic, and just be open minded to the things that will change for the good and for the bad . I was very lucky where I was able to have a business partner in this venture where we were able to bring two minds into one, creating a beautiful and safe space for all of our clients.
- We know you just ventured in to salon ownership and have your own studio, what insight you can share with our readers who would want to do the same?
100% of the battle and keeping a strong clientele, is communication. A lot of the times as hairstylist we work such long hours that we forget to text, call or even DM our clients back. But keeping the communication line open that tells your clients that we care more about just the money they pay us for their appointment. Also social media is a very big strategy, staying relevant, being constant with your posts, creating interaction, are all factors of keeping your clientele interested in what you're doing and excited for the things that will come in the future
- Besides being brilliant with your skills, how do you keep your clients and build your clientel?
I think the biggest life lesson is keeping the relationships you have with people in the industry. I have kept in contact with all the mentors and fellow artist that I've met in this industry even if it is such a simple as a like or comment on or a post on Instagram. These people are going to be there for you when you have doubts, are wanting to quit, or question your own skill. Artists in this industry understand how hard it can be and sometimes just being able to talk to someone that you look up to you can mean the world to you on a bad day. This industry is amazing and I would never leave it for anything in the world
- Finally, what are some of the life lessons you can share with our readers that have helped you pave the way to success and growing in the industry?
Hey Saucy Babes! We are back to our regular blog schedule and we have a treat for you! We have sat down with talented and industry wide recognized PRO MUA Satya Linak.
Satya, our fans love getting an inside glimpse of the PRO makeup artistry world. The first thing we like to ask is how did you start and what was your motivation/ inspiration?
I started off as a wildly expressive goth teenager, cutting & coloring hair and doing goth makeup on myself and friends. In the ‘90s makeup wasn’t known as a career so I went to school to study fine arts & photography where I had more fun getting the subjects ready for my shoots. While in college I was diagnosed with cancer and had to drop out. Once I started chemo, I lost all my hair, but felt my spirit fill with joy every time I played with makeup and wigs. (Funny how that never ended because I still play with makeup and wigs!) I started working at a salon as an apprentice to the owner on the days when chemo didn’t keep me down. Clients noticed my different looks, frequently not knowing I was sick, and requested me to do their makeup for events. I had no training, but once I got paid to do event makeup and realized I could do something with it, the lightbulb went off. I was diagnosed with cancer a second time and during my bone marrow transplant I wasn’t allowed to wear any makeup due to it being potentially deadly as I had no immune system. So, I had to wait until my counts were strong enough to rock my wing liner and red lipstick again. When I recovered my immune system after the first year, I recognized I was so blessed to be alive, and my life passion was makeup. So, I moved to LA with no friends or contacts, while still recovering from all my treatment, because everything in my being knew I had to be in LA to truly pursue my passion. It was scary, but I did it! Wow, that was almost 19 years ago.
2.We know the glammy side of the industry, but what are the challenges have you faced and overcome?
There have been many challenges along the way. When I was younger, I dealt with harassment on sets I would never put up with now. I’ve heard “NO” countless times, but I have always persevered and never quit. I’ve also seen the industry/technology/social media/products/rates drastically change over the years. I think it’s important for us to go with the flow and evolve with it. Being stuck in your ways doesn’t move you forward with your career.
3.Following with obstacles and growth as an artist, many have been affected by recent COVID-19 pandemic; How were you able to navigate this, what are your predictions for the industry post covid?
Covid has been tough for us creatives, especially for makeup artists who are directly in people’s unmasked faces. Plus, I deal with health issues, so I’ve had to pretty much hunker down at home. It forced me to get into the world of influencing and putting my own face (and knowledge) out there on social media, instead of my work that I’ve always posted. I learned how to edit videos. I trained extensively on sanitation/disinfection, all things I learned during my transplant, because it’s very important to make sure you’re being as safe as possible once you go back to work. I think returning after Covid you have to really want it, because it’s even harder than it was before.
4.On to the fun parts. We know you recently did a collaboration with magical glitter company Wiggy Starlust, can you share some aspect of the creative process behind your collaboration?
My collaboration with eco-friendly plant-based glitter company Wiggy Starlust was a dream come true! They approached me because I was so genuinely enthusiastic about the brand. Helloooo, plant based, no plastic, compostable, breaks down in 3 days and doesn’t harm the ocean or sea creatures! Those things are important to me as I care about the planet. So, I thought of my dream color and as everyone knows, red is my power color and I love to wear it. So, I came up with this nuanced fiery ruby red shade, with integrations of violet and gold. Very me! Also, the name “Satyatara” is my namesake and means “Truth Star” in Sanskrit. The happiest part of this collab was deciding to donate a portion of sales to the place that saved my life, The Fred Hutch Organization. They are one of the leading research places in the world for cancer, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases and now Covid. My heart explodes with gratitude to be able to give back all these years later.
5.As a successful and industry wide recognized Artist, what are some of the pointers you can give to the aspiring artist?
Whenever I teach a workshop or guide assistants, I say to be kind and have integrity. This is a small industry, and no one wants to work with mean people or people who bad mouth others or gossip. You are part of a team, it’s not the ‘you’ show. So be a team player. Be open to perpetually growing and learning. No one knows everything. Assist artists you admire because it is invaluable education. Remember to celebrate the small wins because it’s easy to move on to the next thing and not feel that sense of accomplishment or success.
6. For the last round of questions:
What is the most important part to you about being a makeup artist?
The most important aspects of being a makeup artist to me are being able to express myself creatively and use my art and the healing power of touch to make people feel good.
How has this calling affected your personal growth?
I’m a person who is deeply into personal growth and freelancing is very challenging. We grow the most during the hardest times, but I’ve never let all difficulties stop me. I push myself to be the best and keep going because I love makeup so much. In fact, I’ve always thought to myself, “If I can beat cancer twice, I can do anything.” I was also fortunate to have a meditation teacher for 20 years who told me when I was young and scared, “Keep trying with your aspiration, not your fear of doing wrong.” These words have always stuck with me.
Favorite Saucebox Product = Pirate’s Gold Eyeshadow.
(Pictured in the image from Modic Magazine )
Contact me:
View my work:
Instagram @satya_linak https://www.instagram.com/satya_linak/
TikTok @satya_linak
Peep Satyas Epic Work:
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I was working as a hairdresser in Brisbane, Australia. I was doing perms and sets on older clientele. While I’m so grateful that I have an understanding of the hairdressing 101 I felt that it wasn’t what I was meant to be doing. I told my boss Shirley that I “didn’t like hairdressing” (which wasn’t true I just didn’t know that I could have worked in a different arena of hairdressing). She asked me what I could do for the rest of my life and never get paid. Without hesitation I said “makeup”. She said O.K I’m going to take you out of hairdressing college and you can do makeup in the salon and I will continue to pay you. It’s time to figure out how to make a career out of makeup. That’s when everything changed.Meet Stephen Dimmick. A professional celebrity makeup artist with decades of industry experience!Read on to get to know him and his amazing story!Please tell us about your self, and how you started as a PRO MUA?
What are the highlights and downfalls of being a pro MUA?
What inspires you?
What are the top 3 advices you can give our fans and Pros alike?
What was your most exciting point in your career so far?
What is your favorite SauceBox Product?
Favorite quote that always picks you up?
Some of Stephens work
Meet Erin Nay. A super amazing MUA and a Ninja of Pro Kit organization and compliance in beauty industry
So lets dive in to this interview!
I’ve been a licensed esthetician in Indiana since 2006. Within a couple months of becoming licensed, I began working at my local MAC counter. This gave me TONS of experience working with different makeup products, skin tones and types, and dealing with the public when it came to their makeup needs.Please tell us about your self, and how you started as a PRO MUA?
The highlights of being a professional makeup artist-you get to meet people of all walks of life, and you’re in a different setting every single day. It’s never the same day twice, even if it’s the same type of work two days in a row. Every day is different, every client is different, every face is different, and every experience they share with you is different. And each of these differences change and shape you for the better.What are the highlights and downfalls of being a pro MUA?
What inspires you?
What are the top 3 advices you can give our fans and Pros alike?
What was your most exciting point in your career so far?
The Étude palette, of course! It’s a staple in my kit, and I love me a good matte shadow! But I’m also a sucker for the individual shadows. Don’t make me choose!!!What is your favorite SauceBox Product?
Everything has its beauty, but not everyone see it. - ConfuciusFavorite quote that always picks you up?
Our first pro feature is MUA Sarah Krasnianski
She recently covered our Mermaid Life palette. If you are looking to score one, take a look at what she has to say along with swatches.
]]>So, I have finally decided to start blogging. Here I will be ranting about my current life, SauceBox developments, and just random girly stuff. You are more than welcome to contact me with questions or comments.
My next post will reflect some of the recent shenanigans we had at IMATS LA 2014! Stay tuned
xoxo
Fleur DeLis
]]>I will try to blog as often as I can, and share fun things with you!
XOXO
Fleur DeLis
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