Today we’d like to introduce you to Dilsia Hernandez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am from Houston, born and bred. I come from a very traditional Salvadorian family. Loud, dramatic, and nosy… but loving and supportive. Mostly.
I’ve always been a bit of an artist I suppose. I was kind of the black sheep compared to all of my cousins. Yes, we all grew up doing the same things. Theater, choir, swimming, and of course soccer. Theater and choir were far more enjoyable than swimming and soccer. When I discovered art, I soon began to see the world differently.
I have spent years going back and forth between working a corporate job and being a makeup artist. My entire adult life I have worked a traditional 9-5, while also working as an artist on the weekends. I was able to take care of my responsibilities but also be creatively fulfilled. Having the opportunity to glam up clients for weddings, galas and other special events has always filled me with joy.
Of course, when I was starting out almost 10 years ago, it wasn’t as easy to find work as it is now. Heck, the whole industry wasn’t anywhere near where it is now. The internet and social media platforms have to be thanked for the progression of makeup artistry and product availability. Yet, even with this evolution, I’ve fought with myself on and off all these years about doing what I wanted to do and being a practical adult.
Now, that I’m aproaching my 30’s, I’ve grown to stop caring what people think about me. I have no problem voicing my opinions, and even saying no when it’s necessary. Through the pain and heartbreak, drama, near death experiences, and loss, I’ve learned so much. And that’s why my blog and my social media exists.
I’m tired of not sharing my point of view. I write about what I’ve gone through, my experiences with food, travel, and shopping. I always try to see the beauty and everything, but I also try to be honest. There is enough cookie cutter content that can be found online. I share my work in many ways. My makeup transformations on clients and myself, my take on food and the places I visit. My source of inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. I may be inspired to write, create some avant garde makeup look, or maybe go out with my camera and see if I can capture what I’m feeling.
My goal is to hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Looking back now, there were several moments where I should have spoken up. I’ve let myself spend most of my life being told what to do, in all aspects. Whether it was family or friend, I should have said what I wanted. I didn’t go to the school I wanted to because it was too far from home. I’ve worked in the corporate and financial world because it was expected of me. The only way I was able to get anyone off of my back is by doing what I was “supposed” to.
I’ve worked as a makeup artist for almost the past 10 years as a side job, Even though I was working all those “normal” jobs, I was still able to be artistic. Most of the time. Any artist can tell you, regardless of their chosen medium, be it painting or photography, sculpture to mixed media… when you can’t fully express yourself with your art, it feels like a part of you is missing…
To all women, regardless of what your dream or passion, I would just say to keep going. I still remember the harsh words and lack of support for attempting to pursue a career in a field, which at the time was not as big as it is now. Constantly being told that I would never be able to support myself or a family by being artistic. Or being told, I wasn’t talented enough to be successful like some of the artists I admired.
It can be a lonely road pursuing what you love. There will be days when you go home in tears, or something doesn’t work out exactly like you planned. It’s even sad when you’re working towards a goal and you have the people in your life laugh at you. They don’t understand or support your choices and it breaks you. I had to learn to put those pieces together by myself over and over.
The truth is, I’m not where I want to be, but I’m getting there. Slowly, but surely, I am getting there.
Please tell us about XOXO, Dilsia.
I am a makeup artist for hire. I don’t work at a counter because their main focus is sales. Based on availability, I will come to you and do a full makeup transformation for whatever special event you have. I have worked on countless quincianeras, brides and their bridal parties, wedding guests, and other clients who need to feel and look glamorous.
As a blogger, I’ve combined my love for beauty, art, travel, food, and photography to try to express my point of view. Although I enjoy being a makeup artist, I love having a platform where I can express my creativity in different ways. I’m proud of the fact that after a long time of saying that I would start a blog, I actually did it. Despite my schedule, I make the time to share what I see and feel in all different ways.
I like to think that I’m set apart from other bloggers and influencers because I try to find a balance between being real and real-real. I could very easily take the time to perfect my face with makeup and beauty products or plan out some eccentric photo session. That may be okay every once in a while, but we are all aware that not everything we see on the internet is real. I don’t want anyone to see my posts or read my blog and think, “Oh, she’s just like what’s her face.” I have no interest in being like anyone else, in person or online.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Leadership opportunities seem to be some of the most successful roles I’ve seen women in. I don’t know if it’s due to overcoming adversity and discrimination or just having the knowledge to fill the role. The women leaders are always more open to hearing and implementing ideas, working in groups and having the best interests of others. That being said, I think any opportunity can be available to women.
It can be so easy to get caught in the arguments and discussions about equality and challenges we face, that sometimes I feel that we get so wrapped in it, we have a tendency to lose focus. Yes, it is important to have these discussions and fight to move forward, but some of the most successful women I know, personally or not, created their own opportunities.
When we have the right mindset, the right heart, we prove with our hard work and dedication that we are right for any opportunity that we set our mind to.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://xoxodilsia.com/
- Email: dilsianhernandez@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoxo_dilsia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dilsia.hernandez.7
Image Credit:
Personal photo: Natasha Brazil @n_bee_photography, Other Photos: Dilsia Hernandez, xoxo_dilsia, *Carnival Photo: Mandy Arriaga
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
