Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Radu.
Elena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Elena Radu and I am known as a MAC Certified Makeup artist and Microblading artist/instructor. I am 31 years old. I was born and raised in Moldova, a small country in Eastern Europe. I came in the US in 2013, October. Since I was little girl, I was playing with my mom’s makeup.
I remember like now of my very first two models that were my lovely older sisters. I’ve been in beauty industry since 2005. I started my beauty career being second year of college as a Beauty Consultant for Avon. I was selling makeup products to all my colleagues, neighbors, family, etc. Later on, I was introduced to another makeup brand called Oriflame. In 2014 being in the US, I came across this company Younique, I remember I was amazed by their 3D Mascara, lol. I decided to follow my got and dream to become a Professional Makeup Artist, and I continued my education.
In April 2015, I graduated Roberts Jones Beauty Academy as a Professional Makeup Artist. In April 2016, I received my certification as an Airbrush Makeup Artist. At that time, I was freelancing and I was collaborating with a couple of local photographers for Boudoir photography and weddings.
In October 2016, I joined MAC Cosmetics family. Since then, I received 3 MAC Certifications and became MAC Impact Team Member. My beauty mission did not stop there. Today I call myself a Professional Makeup Artist specialized in Beauty makeup, Editorial makeup, Bridal/traditional and airbrushed makeup and a Microblading artist. I decided to develop my skills in semi-permanent makeup industry. In June 2018, I became a Microblading artist/technician certified by Irina Wynn the CEO of World Microblading Academy. In July 2018, I opened my own business Elena Radu Artistry and my own salon suite inside Blue Lion Salon Studios Birnham Woods (temporarily closed due to maternity leave).
Since April 2019, I started my collaboration with World Microblading Academy as an Instructor for the online courses provided by the company. Momentarily I am enjoying my ultimate creation gave by God my three months old baby girl Mia and also working on a fabulous project yet to come for summer 2020, stay tuned.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest struggle when I came to US was my language barrier. I was so afraid to talk because of my accent, I was thinking at that time that no one will understand what I’m saying, and then another struggle was to put myself out there for people so I could get some clientele.
I overcome my fear of speaking at the English class that I took it at the Lone Star College at The Woodlands. Then working in retail was a bonus for me to practice my language. Actually, it turned out to be my best experience in practicing my speaking skills in all three languages that I know – Romanian (main language) English and Russian, as you get to meet all kinds of people in the store. Also, to share my knowledge in makeup artistry, to learn new makeup techniques, skills, to discover other makeup brands and of course getting known/popularity, building up my clientele.
Being a small business owner has made me overcome many obstacles, both personally and professionally. The challenge was my working schedule. Working as a part-timer artist at the MAC counter in The Woodlands, I was trying to run my business on the other side. Things like website building, bookkeeping to running marketing campaigns on multiple platforms as Facebook, Instagram, Many Chat etc. scheduling appointments, keeping the relationship with my customers, all of which have been new tasks for me to conquer.
Growing your own business is never a smooth road. I am grateful I was able to learn so much about marketing and managing a business through MAC company I worked for previously.
Please tell us more about your art. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a local Professional Makeup artist behind the Elena Radu Artistry. I provide the convenience of on-location makeup services in Spring, The Woodlands, Houston and surrounding cities. I prepare my clients for weddings, social events or photo-shoots without the hassle of leaving their location.
On-location services: Event Makeup, Makeup for Mature Skin, Bridal Makeup, Asian Wedding Makeup, Editorial, Advertising, Print, Boudoir Makeup.
At the studio services: Makeup applications, Henna brow and Microblading.
My focus is to maximize your individual beauty, especially for women over 40′ as they deserve to look perfect for every black-tie affair, red carpet event or exciting date night in the city. I specialize in natural makeup looks and glamorous, sophisticated makeup applications.
My life motto is, “The beauty will save the world.” I like to enhance the beauty that God gave us.
What Makes My Heart Smile is: When a woman/man looks into the mirror after I’ve done her/his makeup or eyebrows & you can instantly see her/his confidence rise!! 🙂
This is what you should expect when visiting Elena Radu Artistry.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am proud of my self now that I overcame all the fear and uncertainty I had before opening my own business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://browselena.wixsite.com/website
- Phone: 936-229-2721
- Email: browselena@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/microbladingbyelena/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElenaRaduArtistry2/?ref=bookmarks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elena-radu-artistry-spring
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ellebelle.mac/?hl=en
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