Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariel Barajas.
Hi Mariel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always had an interest in makeup and doing hair. I would ask for dolls and Barbies just so I could style their hair, and I loved doing my younger cousins’ hair whenever I got the chance. If an opportunity came up to sneak in some makeup practice, I took it.
As I got older, I learned the importance of education and decided to continue my studies. I spent four years at Tarrant County College trying to figure out which career path I wanted to follow. My options went from nursing, to teaching, to dental hygiene, and eventually to social work. I graduated from TCC with my Associate of Arts.
Shortly after, I moved to Denton, TX to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Social Work. After completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to continue on to graduate school. I enrolled at UTA and earned my Master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Children and Families.
Not long after finishing school, I got married and welcomed my first daughter. I began working in my field, but that path didn’t last long before I had to make the tough decision to leave my job due to a lack of childcare. It was a sacrifice that needed to be made.
During this time, I found myself going back and forth between pursuing my childhood dream of becoming a makeup artist. Fear and uncertainty clouded my mind and held me back from following what I had longed to do for so many years.
Everything changed when I met Ariana, a very talented makeup artist known as @Makeup_byariana on Instagram. She planted a seed in me and inspired me not to let fear win, but to follow what my heart had been telling me all along. A few months after our conversation, I took multiple makeup seminars with her and officially launched my makeup business.
The beginning was scary and intimidating. I constantly wondered if I made the right choice, if I would get any clients, or if I could truly make this dream a successful reality. My family and friends reassured me that everyone starts at zero, and the only direction from there is up. I started by doing makeup for friends and family for free, just to build my portfolio. From there, I slowly gained recommendations from friends of friends to completely new clients. Little by little, my clientele began to grow.
Fast forward to today, I am so grateful for every single person who encouraged me, believed in me, and pushed me to take this leap. This journey has had its slow seasons and its bumps along the way, but I remain deeply grateful that I get to do what I love. I am especially thankful for all of my clients new and returning who trust me and allow me to be a part of their most special and memorable moments.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting off as a new makeup artist in the DFW area was far from easy. One of the biggest challenges I faced was building my clientele. Many makeup artists in the area have been established for years and are already well-known. When clients recommend someone, it’s usually a name they’ve trusted for a long time and as a newcomer, that meant I had to work twice as hard to be seen.
I had to stay grounded and remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Those artists earned their recognition through years of dedication, and if I stayed consistent, my time would come too. Still, it was difficult not to compare myself to my colleagues, especially those who seemed so far ahead.
Another struggle was facing creative blocks. On days when doubt felt overwhelming and I questioned whether I would make it, content creation became especially challenging. What helped me most was turning to social media seeing the work of fellow artists, watching their techniques, and finding inspiration in their creativity. It always helped reignite that spark and reminded me why I started.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I provide all types of makeup services for all types of events; photoshoots, graduations, baby showers, date nights, bridal looks, quinceañeras, and so much more. While makeup is my specialty, I also offer hairstyling to complete the full glam experience.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being a Mexican-American woman in such a competitive industry. I get to share my artistry while representing my community, and that means everything to me.
What truly sets me apart is my drive to continuously learn and become a better version of myself with every client I serve. I pour my heart into creating beautiful, personalized looks while making sure my clients feel safe, comfortable, and at ease. My chair is a space where they can be themselves, unwind, and forget about the world for a moment because their experience matters just as much as their glam.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am always accepting new clients and new travels. I am beyond grateful you all choose me to be part of your most special events!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.beautybar__?igsh=NnVoZDRmOGRrdm9m&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F9q1gtvsc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Diana Davila
Maribel Torres
Hailey Avalin
Yvonne Sierra
