Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayra Serrano.
Mayra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, most of my childhood was spent with my dad. He raised me on his own while he worked long, strenuous days in construction. He would bring me along with him to work during summer vacation. In the hot Texas summer heat, I would wander through empty unbuilt houses, envisioning what they would look like when they were finished. We didn’t have much from what I could remember but we never went hungry and my dad made sure I had everything a little girl could ask for with what he could afford.
As a child, I always loved beauty and makeup but I never became serious about it until I was in high school. Being brought up in a strict hispanic household, I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup. I would buy it in secrecy and hide it in my room or my friends would let me try their beauty products at school. I quickly became obsessed with any beauty products I could get my hands on. I loved sitting in front of a mirror, playing with makeup and trying new things when I had the time. I really wasn’t able to fully express myself with makeup until I moved out on my own.
Makeup soon became an obsession for me. I was constantly trying and buying new products when I had extra money to spend. The possibilities for makeup became endless. My makeup looks ranged from natural glam to a Frankenstein look complete with prosthetics and fake blood. I wanted to learn how to do it all.
I began watching YouTube videos and was fascinated with the different techniques other artists used. I’d practice them on myself and put my own twist on things. I love working with bright colors and rhinestones. Although working with rhinestones can be quite time consuming, the outcome is totally worth it. I practice different makeup looks when I find the time while having a full-time corporate job and raising my ten-year-old daughter.
Perfecting my craft helps me cope with my anxiety and learn more about myself, the more I practice. Makeup is truly a therapeutic escape for me. I love working with people and creating something only the person I am doing the makeup on will have. It’s unique to their bone structure and I think that’s where half of the fun is. No two people will ever have on the same makeup.
Currently, I am focusing on building an artist kit for clients. I do freelance artistry when I am not working my corporate job. Building a makeup kit has been an eye opening experience. It’s something I’ve realized takes years of trial and error, finding what works and what doesn’t. Makeup is more than just a new makeup palette or a new mascara, it’s the way you make a person feel. That’s the most rewarding outcome of doing what I do. I want the person to have an experience like no other when getting their makeup done by me, almost like going to a spa. Quarantine has helped get the creative juices flowing and allowed me the time to pursue my passion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Juggling a full-time job and raising a daughter is already busy for anyone and trying to manage the time to dedicate to your family, your job and your passion can be stressful. Not to mention we are going through a pandemic right now so it complicates the business aspect. Safety and sanitation are my priority. It’s definitely hard to bring in new clientele while also trying to be safe.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My services range, depending on what a client would like me to focus on. Everyone doesn’t wear heavy foundation or wants to put on fake eyelashes. Some clients just want to learn how to use concealer correctly or find their right foundation shade. I offer one on one classes to work on techniques, application, products, skincare or anything makeup related. Makeup can be intimidating so I want my client’s experience to be fun, relaxing and something they want to do again. I’m based out of my home but I offer to travel as well.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories as a child was when I was about ten years old and my half-brother was just a baby. I was babysitting him while my stepmom was at work so I dressed him up in an old dress of mine from when I was a baby. I put blush on him so that I could pretend I had a baby sister. My dad, stepmom and my brother still don’t know about that to this day so when my brother reads this, it’ll be his first time finding out about it!! Can’t wait until he reads this.
Contact Info:
- Email: mayrabser@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slayxmay/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Profile picture: Miguel Cruz
Instagram @imidges.jpg
First two: Milton Garay
Instagram @miltongarayphoto
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