Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Villa.
Olivia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. My love for makeup started at five years old, playing in my mom’s makeup bag without permission. Her mascara and red lipstick were my favorites. I’d often admire my Mom’s beauty by standing next to her and watching her get ready for her day. I was fascinated with how putting color on her face enhanced her already natural beauty. These memories of dress-up and pretending to wear makeup evolved as I got older when my parents allowed me to have makeup, I would take any opportunity to apply makeup on anyone willing to let me. I can always remember loving, vibrant colors, whether I was wearing them or doing artistic activities during my summer breaks and vacations with my family. I even recall getting friends ready in high school for prom or any special occasion.
I studied to become a nurse while I figured out what I wanted to “do” with my life. I learned the first day of college. This career path didn’t fit for me. I wasn’t one of the lucky ones who figured out what they wanted to do with their lives in the first shot. I’ve experienced a number of career industries to find myself, none of which was a true passion, they merely provided me with a paycheck. My last attempt and most recent before I started my own business took me from California in 2006 to San Antonio with an offer of career advancement in the finance industry and more importantly, nurture my long-distance relationship with my future husband leaving behind my loved ones. In probably the most stressful period of our lives, my husband and I were both laid off by this company with the economic downturn of 2008. Not only that but we had just found out we were pregnant with our first child and had recently closed on our first home. Even with this turmoil and uncertainty, we decided that it was best for our new family for me to stay home and raise our new daughter while my husband took over the financial duties to provide for us. In 2011, we were doubly blessed with twins! (Girl&Boy). Again, after the twins arrived, we decided that it was best for me to stay home and raise the children. Now, this was the beginning of rediscovering myself and during this time, I was fortunate to be trusted by friends and family to get them ready for their events. This continued trust by my loved ones is what eventually built my confidence and reignited the fire in me to nurture this as my career and passion. This has snowballed into me creating Liv Beautified LLC, established in 2016.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have been blessed and fortunate enough to have had a smooth transition from doing makeup as a hobby to now a full-on career.
Tell us more about your business.
Unlike most other artists, I do not reside in a salon or have my own location. In my experience, I have found that most of my clients enjoy being in the comfort of their own home, so I travel on-location to all of my clients. I bring the salon experience to them. Also, I feel another huge thing that sets me apart in my industry is that I am a self-taught Makeup Artist. I specialize in full face airbrush makeup application and I’m pretty known to bring out the color of my client’s eyes. In this same breath, my self-education is never ending and I take online courses and attend seminars to keep up with trends, etc. Lastly, I pride myself on listening to my clients intently and doing whatever it takes to bring their desired look to life!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in good luck or bad luck. I believe God is/has directed my steps and I am grateful to my family, friends and my amazing clients that have supported me through my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livbeautified.com
- Email: olivia@livbeautified.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livbeautified/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livbeautified/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/livbeautified
Image Credit:
Chris Cantoya, Denise Photography, P & K | Elope+Weddings, Jennifer Crowder, Josh Huskin
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