Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Santana.
Hi Liz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello Beauties , my name is Liz Santana and I am a Makeup Artist here in Orlando Florida. Just like most my journey started at a very young age. I was born on the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States when I was six years old. From when I was little my mom used to always tell me that I was always drawn to Dance , art, music, and style. I remember as a little girl I always wanted to wear lipstick as I used to always see my older cousins get ready to go out. Even in the mornings, I will get ready for school my mom will get ready for work and I loved watching her get ready. Growing up in Jersey in the 90s was is the best thing. I loved the styles, fashion, makeup, the urban scene around me , Art was everywhere . I always had a very eclectic taste and always did the opposite of what I was told to do. My mom knew that she had an eccentric child when I started asking her for outfits to resemble Selena, TLC, Mary J Blige, Brandy, Monica, and the list can go on. Having an aunt who is in the industry was one of the most influential people in my life. I love going to her salon and watching her clients leave happy and confident. I moved down to Florida and he was definitely a complete change from where I grew up.As time went on I made so many changes in my image whether it was from thinning my eyebrows out to coloring my Hair I did it all. At the age of 16, I met my best friend and her twin sister, and again having influential individuals in my life I made a huge difference. I became the guinea pig of one of the twins as she was in cosmetology school and she said to me one day “ I think you should get into this industry I think you would be so great at it” I didn’t think anything of it I wasn’t a very disciplined young adult at that time. I worked in corporate America from the age of 18 to the age of 24 until I finally decided it’s time to go to cosmetology school. At the age of 24, I was a single mom of two, i took a chance . As I was in cosmetology school I internship at a salon. I don’t know what the owner saw in me but she mentored me for years to come. One day there was an artist who called out for a wedding and the salon owner said that I needed to do the bride’s makeup. I thought at the moment I told her you’re going to force me to quit. Argued with me for about 2 1/2 hours I finally budged and I told her that I would do the bride. It was from that day that I realized how much I loved makeup how much I love the beauty industry. I’ve been blessed to have so many individuals who have inspired me throughout my childhood, Adolescent life and my adulthood that it’s brought me where I’m at. This industry is what I love! I now encourage my kids to be creative to follow their dreams and support them the way that I was not supported. Its taken years and the status of where I am at now as an artist that I have the support of my parents. In the last three years, my career has elevated, I have grown as an artist and the opportunities are endless. I’ve been blessed to have been able to call myself a hairstylist, a makeup artist, and now the title of a celebrity Makeup artist. Now venturing into education and mentorship for artists and up-and-coming artists. As a single mom as an individual woman who has fought for everything to be where I’m at I want to encourage everyone to follow their dreams. This year I hosted my first master class one of the many accomplishments. I will continue to follow my dreams and encourage everyone to do the same.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
This definitely has not been a smooth road. I think discipline plays A huge role. From being a single mom, not having the support system from my family at times, being in toxic situations that caused depression and anxiety, Losing direction and I had no guidance but I knew that I needed to make it for my children for myself. I think when you focus on what you want you won’t let anything cloud that. I also surrounded myself with individuals call I constantly looked up to.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Fiery Leo and I’m known for the flawless Glam. Looking amazing in person and in front of the camera. And my sense of humor. I must say I have quite a personality!
I always ask my clients why choose me? And their answer is they love my work. They say “I feel safe I feel understood.” I also think that my personality definitely it’s something that draws people towards me. I’ve also learned that I’m not for everybody and that’s OK.
I believe this industry is big enough for any artist who was to express their creative passion. I encourage and empower artists to go for after what they want and how to reach their full potential.
Any big plans?
My future plans are to become an educator, help artists along their journey. Open up an academy and share my skills and techniques with the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@lsantanadesigns.com
- Website: Www.lsantanadesigns.com
- Instagram: lizSantanamakeuphair
- Facebook: L.Santana Designs LLC
Image Credits
Passio Photography
