Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Santiago.
Hi Andrea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I discovered my passion for makeup at a very young age. It all started when some of my extended family were looking for help backstage at the Conservatory of Music in Coconut Grove. They knew I was artistic and had a natural talent—in fact, at the time, I was focused on becoming a painter.
While helping out at the theater, I realized how much I enjoyed assisting the head makeup artist with the actors’ makeup before every show. She noticed my spark of interest and took me under her wing. What started as assisting in 2015 grew into something more—I became the department head and lead makeup artist by 2020.
Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, and the theater shut down for good. It was a great chapter, but its end pushed me to branch out and dive deeper into the world of cosmetics. I did everything I could to learn and grow. I earned my cosmetology license and began working with MDC and FIU students to gain on-set experience in film.
From there, I built valuable connections and continued to refine my skills by working on challenging sets and attending workshops throughout Florida. Over time, my work has even been featured in several magazines!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is full of lumps and bumps—no, it hasn’t been a smooth road. In life, you have to make sacrifices.
After the theater closed and the pandemic restrictions were lifted, I had only two thousand dollars to my name. So, I applied for scholarships and was fortunate enough to receive one for a local beauty school. Unfortunately, the program didn’t teach me much—they had us watching YouTube videos all day on material they should have been teaching themselves.
Still, once it was over, I made the decision to invest what I had left into myself. I bought only the essential items for my makeup kit and began practicing on family and friends. Once I built a small portfolio, I started offering my services on Instagram and Facebook.
I also volunteered my skills to MDC and FIU film students, doing free work to gain experience. I even reached out to local salons and photography studios, leaving my information with them. And it worked—I began landing regular, paid gigs!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a makeup artist specializing in SFX, film, television, and theatrical stage makeup. I’m best known for my work on the short film Mimic—but I have a feeling that’s about to change.
I’m especially proud of my most recent project (it’s still under wraps), which is expected to be released later this year, around October, if all goes according to plan.
What sets me apart from other makeup artists is the originality and ingenuity I bring to every project I’m a part of. I don’t just follow trends—I create looks that tell stories.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Orlando is incredibly diverse! The blending and sharing of cultures is so beautiful to me—the food, the music, the people—it’s all truly amazing.
What I dislike is how dirty it can be, and that the downtown areas aren’t always the safest.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledbyandy_official?igsh=MTAzeW4wYXBpc3M5Nw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HXged818h/
Image Credits
Models:
@nicole_herrera_model on Instagram
@lexieannacole on Instagram
@erin.gillihan on Instagram
@itsqueennik on Instagram
Photographers:
@photo.asset on Instagram (Aka Tessa Williams)
@boudoir.asset on Instagram (Aka Tessa Williams)
@rjnelsonphotography on Instagram
Marylin Scavo
