Today we’d like to introduce you to Anh Le
Hi Anh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I didn’t have much interest in makeup. In fact, my mom didn’t allow me to wear any until I was 18. But once I got to college, I started to feel like I was missing out compared to my friends. I’d watch them intently as they applied their makeup before we went out, fascinated by the process.
One summer, while home and looking for something to do, I stumbled across YouTube and discovered a treasure trove of tutorials from the OG makeup YouTubers. I was instantly hooked. At 19, I bought my first makeup set, and from that moment on, my passion for makeup only grew.
At the time, I was a college student at Texas A&M Galveston, majoring in Maritime Studies, but I found myself increasingly drawn to the beauty world. My first step into the industry was a job at Ulta in 2012 as a beauty advisor—though I mostly worked as a cashier, I loved being surrounded by beauty products and learning about them. My interest continued to deepen, and after graduating from A&M Galveston, I still couldn’t shake my passion for makeup.
I went on to work at Bare Minerals, and it was during that time that I decided to take the plunge and enroll in esthetics school at Houston Community College in 2016. That decision changed everything for me. Once I fully immersed myself in the world of beauty, I knew I had found my calling, and I haven’t looked back since!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, especially when pursuing my passion in the beauty industry. My parents, immigrants from Vietnam who came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War, always emphasized the importance of choosing a “practical” career path to ensure a stable life. This mindset is common among Asian immigrant families, and they strongly encouraged me to pursue something more traditional, like a master’s degree or a different field entirely.
When I told them I was set on attending esthetics school, they tried to dissuade me and made it clear they wouldn’t provide financial support for my tuition. I had anticipated this reaction and was ready—I had already saved up enough to pay for the program myself. Even so, the struggle continued for several years as they tried to convince me to change my career path.
Despite their criticism, I remained committed to my studies and my dream. Over time—about six years—they began to see my dedication and realized I wasn’t going to give up on the beauty field. While it’s still not their ideal vision for me, they’ve since become more supportive and no longer express the same doubts they once did.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a makeup artist, and I’ve recently expanded my services to include hairstyling as well. I specialize in makeup for all types of events and occasions, from soft glam and bridal looks to more creative styles like fantasy, SFX, and cosplay makeup. My passion lies in helping women feel beautiful inside and out by enhancing their natural features and boosting their confidence. One of the most rewarding moments for me is handing a client the mirror and seeing their joy and excitement after a session.
What sets me apart is my approach to makeup. I focus on enhancing a client’s natural beauty rather than masking it. My goal is for them to still feel like themselves, just more confident. The last thing I’d want is for a client to look in the mirror and not recognize who they see.
I’m also proud of my dedication to continued learning. I’m always seeking opportunities to improve my skills, whether through local classes or online tutorials. In the beauty industry, there’s always something new to learn, and I’m committed to staying on top of trends and techniques to provide the best service possible.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe success is mostly about persistence, with a little bit of luck playing a role along the way. It’s all about consistently showing up and putting in the effort. Keep posting your work on Instagram, even if the likes and engagement aren’t where you want them to be. Keep creating content, taking photos and videos, and sharing them. Talk about your business every chance you get and put yourself out there.
The luck comes into play after all that hard work. It’s when your efforts finally pay off—whether it’s landing a “big job” or having a piece of content go viral. Luck can give you that final push, but it’s the dedication and persistence that build the foundation for success.
Pricing:
- $100 – Soft Glam Makeup Application
- $150- Bridal Makeup Application
- $65- $100- Hair Styling/ Updo
- $150-$200 – SFX / Halloween Makeup
- $250-One-on-One Private Makeup Lesson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shineanh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shine_anh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shine.anh.le
- Other: https://shineanh.glossgenius.com
Image Credits
Image 2 & Image 8- Fable Avalon
Image 3 – Photo HeArts (Deepthi)
Image 4 – Angel Ramirez
Image 5 – Joseph Garner
Image 6- Kashif Syed
Image 7- Marixa Andrade
