Meet Trailblazer Maria Resendiz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Resendiz.

Maria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Ever since I was a little girl, makeup was a big part of my persona, not only makeup but being “dolled up” in general. My parents tell me stories of when I was little, around age 5, I wouldn’t go out of the house if my hair wasn’t slicked back with a ton of gel ponytail and all. Now that I’m older, a lot has changed, obviously, age gets to you and you kind of become a bit lazier or “laid back”. However, one thing for sure is that makeup never left my blood, I’ve had moments when I’m uninspired but something about the art of it always sticks with me. YouTube was a big factor to my aspiration, watching a lot of different youtubbers really brought out a want in me to follow in the footsteps of major makeup artist. One of my biggest inspirations or idol if you will, will forever be Pat McGrath. The editorial world is something I’ve always aspired to accomplish, it gives me such a rush being able to just have a clear canvas and create unthinkable art.

I’ve always wanted to live in different places for my 20’s, so at age 21, I decided what was best for me at the time was to move to California and start my career path. So, I am currently living in San Diego, CA and attending school in Fontana, CA at My Beauty Mark Academy to earn my Professional Makeup Artist Certificate. I am where I am today with not only wishful thinking but also with the support of my family and friends, they have always been my backbone and have always encouraged me to strive for more and accomplish every single one of my dreams.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ts never easy, hard work is hard work and a lot has to be sacrificed in order to succeed. I’ve always had a very “business focused mentality”, I believe hard work pays off. Women are the strongest and I say that with all respect, however at this point in life I would like to give advice to both genders because makeup truly has no gender. There is a lot that goes into makeup, whether it’s financial, uninspired moments, planning, etc.

The basics of makeup don’t just stop at a complete canvas. For anyone who is just starting your journey, my biggest piece of advice is to put your all into it, emotionally because you are speaking to people through your art. Allow people to understand who you are and why you do what you do, never worry about things being perfect because I’ve made that mistake plenty of times. All it does is leaves you in a dark place and you start to believe you “can’t” when really all it takes is practice and dedication.

My personal struggles were: 1. Leaving a lot of things behind whenever I decided to make my move to a different state to jumpstart my career and 2. I finally understood that things pay off and moving although it’s been hard it has brought me a lot of opportunities and I am thankful I get to do what I do. Also comparing my work to others, I understood my work is my work and it’s not going to get any better by comparing but by practicing different methods. You will always be your worst critic but trust me when I say you “can” and there’s always time to improve. Stay true to your self.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am very proud of all the different looks I’ve done, including my first ones which clearly aren’t the best. As I’ve stated previously what I enjoy the most and concentrate on the most is editorial. Everything about it is extremely satisfying to me, for example as to how one single smear of eyeliner or eyeshadow can say so much with such elegance. Aside from that my signature look is the ‘Pin-up girl’ look, I’m an old soul. I love how you can dress it down and be modern with it or go all out to the old days and have some sexy/elegant fun.

There’s so many talented and beautiful artist out there, there’s a lot that sets us apart. Mainly we all have different characters/personas, even when my work can be so similar to another you can always set it apart mainly on the emotion the art gives out. Also, with that being said, I am not one to wear makeup every day, if so even once a month to be completely honest. People always ask me “if you know how to do makeup why don’t you wear it?” Mainly because I don’t like to, as weird as that sounds. I love what foundation can do to a canvas but you will never catch me wearing foundation, barely even on some looks, I do on my self. I’m a simple gal.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
In this specific industry, it would be insane if a woman were discriminated. There are a lot of different challenges woman face on the daily, it’s sad to say but it’s the world we live in. However, I know tons of woman who are hard working and try anything and everything to succeed. Although I believe makeup has no gender meaning men and woman can do it, women are more than qualified for this specific “gig”. Opportunities come and go, it’s our job to stay focused and take whatever is delivered to us.

Putting your self out there into the social media world nowadays is one of the biggest blessings, it’s extremely helpful!

You never want to take advantage of someone’s name, I struggle to ask for “favors” at times. However, just keep in mind that there are so many helpful people out there so never be intimidated.

Contact Info:

• Email: mariaresendiz96@gmail.com
• Instagram: mariaresendiz_
• Twitter: mariaresendiz_

Image Credit:
Raquel Resendiz, Marilyn Renderos

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