Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Claudio.
Crystal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’d like to say it all started when I was a little girl. I found a love for art at a very young age. As a child I would always say “ I’m going to be an Artist when I grow up.” My mom & dad would always buy me drawing pads & all kinds of art supplies. Art was always apart of my life but never would I have imagined becoming a Makeup Artist.
I was 22yrs old when my aunt & cousin began sending me boxes of makeup. I had no knowledge & not much of an interest for it. Little did I know the new chapter I was about to enter.
I found myself watching Makeup influencers on YouTube. I started practicing makeup on myself. Once I became more comfortable I began practicing on my friends. I was working fulltime at a call center when I picked up a part time freelancing job with MAC Cosmetics.
My partner was & still is very supportive of my makeup career. I remember her constantly buying makeup to help build my Kit. My uncle ( who I’d like to say I inherited my art skills from ) gifted me my first makeup chair. Sometimes the people around you see something in you that you don’t even see in yourself Eventually I landed my first wedding gig ( which happened to be one of my high school friends ). That was the day I realized this was something I wanted to further pursue.
In 2016 we moved to Deland. I created an Instagram to begin promoting my work on social media. While working Full time, I dedicated my evenings to creating makeup videos. I soon started taking clients out of our home (mainly on the weekends). A client here or there eventually turned into several clients every week. What was once just a hobby grew into something I would have never imagined.
2020 was the year my partner found the location of what became Touched By Skyy’s new home. Having that support from your significant other really means a lot. I received the keys to my suite the week before Christmas. On Christmas Day I took my first client. Today I celebrate 4yrs at my suite and I’m so proud of how far I have come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I believe that nothing worth having comes easy. Though the road has not been a smooth one I am grateful for it all.
I’d say the biggest challenge is being in such a small town with not enough demand. During slow seasons You have to improvise, stay focused & know that everything is temporary.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in all things Art & Makeup. I service everyday clients, weddings, prom, photoshoots, one on one classes you name it. I also provide maternity belly paintings, Halloween / creative looks & more.
I’m most proud of my growth. I came to a town I am not from, created a platform & made a name for myself. It wasn’t easy but I did it. I feel like I’m most known for my content. I’m a jack of all trades. While I myself create makeup, hair & cooking videos, together my partner and I create Foodie content
I believe my personality & artistry is what sets me apart from others. I take time to build relationships with people & make them feel comfortable. That is how you turn a customer into a client.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was not the quiet kid. I had a lot of personality, very outgoing & extremely talented.
I remember in elementary school, the whole class was singing a holiday song for the parents and guests. While everyone else was shy & singing very low, I was front and center of the stage singing out the top of my lungs. 😂 I even recall my mom mentioning how all the parents asked “ whose kid is that? “ It was me. I was that kid. The one who stood out.
Pricing:
- My prices for Makeup services range from $75-$100. A $25 Deposit is required when booking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://touchedbyskyy.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchedby_skyy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562845497694
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@royalfoodies14
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@skyysworld
