Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Medina.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
So, let’s start in March of 2020. That was when I decided I would leave my job working for a cosmetics company to pursue makeup artistry full time. It was something I have been thinking about for a long time but the timing or circumstances never felt right. I was finally ready to just go for it but, we all know what else happened in March of 2020. I was literally one week away from giving my two weeks’ notice when the shutdown was announced. Luckily, I didn’t give it because they kept me on for a few more weeks…and then they let me go on MY BIRTHDAY. Happy Birthday to me. I cried literally for days-maybe even months. I felt like my dreams died in addition to the chaos going around us. I would lay in bed with my dog and just be sad. I had to really fight be optimistic about the future because I just felt lost and confused. I didn’t know what was going on in my own life, let alone the world. Months went by and it was decided between my husband and I that it would be best for me to stay at home. My husband’s job was starting to get really busy with the pandemic and he was working 6-7 days a week so we both felt it was best if I just took care of our household. I was doing things I have never done in my life -like gardening, making gourmet meals, and deep cleaning my dishwasher with a toothbrush. I didn’t really know what do with myself. I was just focused on making it day by day but I was feeling sad about my plans falling apart. It just felt like I failed at something I didn’t even get to start. After months of feeling depressed, I just decided it was time to push on and just go for it. I bought what I needed, made a website, started networking, and even offering my services for free just to showcase my work. I said yes to every project and every opportunity just to get out there. So here I am, not even a full year in and I could not be prouder of what I have accomplished and the amount of success I have had.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course! I would be lying if I said it was easy. I think having struggles or obstacles to overcome leads to growth and when you own your own business growth is really important. There are three things that come to mind when I think of challenges or obstacles. One, just learning how to run a business in general. Things like taxes, contracts, finance, networking, marketing, insurance, licenses, etc. I read a lot of books, took online courses, and seeked advice from other entrepreneurs. I just had to be really patient with myself learning all of that. I did all of that with my free time when the pandemic hit. I wanted to use my time at home wisely. So, the pandemic itself was an obstacle. I question so many times if I should even more forward with all of this since I was going to be in such close contact with others. So, I took a risk and decided I would start investing in my business slowly. I got my LLC in June of 2020 but waited until the vaccine came out before actually taking clients. The third and probably the biggest challenge was within myself. In those months of waiting, I had a lot of doubts. And to be honest, I felt kind like I was wasting my time building on this dream of owning my own business but, I knew I had to keep going. There is actually a single word that inspired me-grit. It’s courage and determination despite difficulty. If I know anything about myself it is that grit is a characteristic I have. I just forgot for a while there.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Makeup Artist, Hairstylist, Esthetician, and Creative Director. I wouldn’t say I have a “specialty” currently- and I am not sure if I ever will. Originally, my plan was to specialize in bridal. I really loved the idea of enhancing someone’s natural beauty and being part of something so special. Along the way, I realized that bridal alone did not satisfy my creative drive. I needed something more challenging and artistic sometimes too. Boudoir was my next step-which I think is my favorite type of work I do. It is sultry, dramatic, and empowering. I just love it. Soon after I started doing more editorial work, fashion, and of course things like special events and portraits too. I am proud of anything I do. I am just proud of myself in general for even making this my full-time career and being my own boss. Also, getting published 4 times so far this year is always nice too. The first time a photographer told me a project was getting published I was so excited I bought a few copies and framed them. As far as what sets me apart, I would say that my business exclusively uses vegan, cruelty-free or clean products. I did a ton of research and experimented with a ton of products and brands to be able to have a kit that fits into those categories and that can perform to my standards. Being a licensed Esthetician offers additional credibility and knowledge to my clients too. I do also plan on adding a few mobile esthetic services in 2022.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
I like to consider myself a spontaneous risk-taker. I am not the kind of person to jump out of an airplane or go swim with sharks but, I do have a habit of making bold decisions in my lifetime. When I was 22, I randomly decided to apply for a job here in TX, flew down from Chicago for a day, got it, and moved 2 weeks later. I should also note that I have never been to Texas before or lived on my own and no savings so it was a bit of a risk just getting up and leaving like that. My friends and family did not believe I would stay-but here we are. Moving to TX ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. As far as my business goes, I think anyone would agree that opening a business in the middle of a pandemic was a risk. Part of me was sad, nervous, and anxious about everything going on but, there was another side of me that was still ambitious and hopeful. When I decided to move forward with my business, I decided I needed to be okay with failing. I told myself that if it didn’t work out, it was meant to be that way but I was going to put everything I had into it. I didn’t want to wonder what I could have done or who I could have been. So much was taken away so fast in 2020 and I was not going to let my dreams be taken away too. I was determined and I convinced myself that if I can make it amongst the chaos, I would be okay. I saved all the money I had and invested it in my business. My husband and my dad helped too. Even when I was feeling the most doubtful my family really came through and encouraged me to keep going. I questioned if anyone would even like my work or if I could even make money doing this. I was kind of shocked by what I was able to accomplish and that my schedule filled as fast as it did. I can say with confidence it was all worth it. Every risk I have ever taken in my life has helped me become who I am today but, working for myself has been one of the greatest joys of my life and was worth all the risk.
Contact Info:
- Email: laurenroseartistry@gmail.com
- Website: www.laurenroseartistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_rose_artistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lrosemakeupartistry
Image Credits:
Rissa Belen Boudoir
Studio360mj Courtney
Lynn Photography
P Marie Photos
Jean Gaudet Photography
Photo Ralli
Imagined Image Photography
