Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlen Castro Sanchez.
Marlen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My makeup artistry/entertainment career began over 11 years ago. I began to explore makeup at an early age through dance, and continue the partnership to this day. At the age of 18, I became a part-time artist with M.A.C. Cosmetics and enrolled at the University of Houston to pursue a Hospitality Management degree.
My passion for dance/entertainment feeds my soul. It keeps me stress-free & helps me focus on the little things in life, which are really the “big” things in life. I started dancing at the age of five through college. My career in the industry includes professional dance for Houston’s M.L.S. team, the Houston Dynamo, a participant on Univision’s Nuestra Belleza Latina reality show, music video “Down on me” Jeremih feat 50 cents, and most recently, burlesque performer for “The Moonlight Dolls” in Houston, TX. Her background in dance and entertainment gives her a competitive edge when it comes to being behind the scenes with makeup application.
She understands the fundamentals of beauty makeup and can offer a more advanced theatre/fantasy application. Her favorite thing about makeup artistry is watching the reaction of her clients, family & friends after the application. The power of makeup is real. Her work varies from the most natural application to advanced prosthetic application- depending on your needs. She loves pushing herself creatively. Marlén can see her clients on location. She will be offering “Henna brow” this summer. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management and continued her career at M.A.C. until early 2015. Marlen is focused on building her business and connecting with people who are positive, inspiring, and driven to succeed. She wants to grow as an artist and entrepreneur while empowering women through the art of makeup. She is not only passionate about makeup and entertainment but really enjoys the kitchen.
Le Sweet Pizza truly began years ago when I started making cookie pizzas in high school for dessert. I have always had a love for the culinary/pastry world. I’d bake them for parties or friends, and they were a hit. They taste like heaven in my opinion. I decided to start selling them for profit last year, and so far it’s great!
I love learning new things and am always wearing my entrepreneurial hat. My family means the world to me, and knowing I can leave them something to make life inspiring is my goal.
I am seven years married with three beautiful girls. My babies are 6, 3 & 7 months. Being a working mom is tough, but being able to do what I do is very rewarding.
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?
Oh, definitely not an easy road getting to this point of life, where you know what you love to do & make a living doing it. Being an artist is hard because you hear a lot of nos & moving to Hollywood was super scary, but definitely worth the experience. It’s been a struggle transitioning to motherhood while trying to work & stay in the loop. Not to mention staying in shape or healthy to perform. One thing is for sure though, God above all else is faithful, hard works pays off, you will never please everyone so do it for yourself & my current favorite -Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Marlen makeup artistry & Le Sweet Pizza story. Tell us more about the business.
Makeup artistry
All types of makeup applications or lessons.
Henna Brow
Threading
Le sweet pizza
Dessert pizzas
The quality of my work. I pay attention to detail & have a background in hospitality. My clients deserve the best, so I do my best to give them my best every time.
I also provide ”Custom Blend” cosmetics for my clients. I mix ingredients to create a custom liquid or cream foundation, tinted moisturizer or primer.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure if I believe in good luck vs. back luck but creating our own luck. Getting out there and finding your purpose every day will open doors you never imagined.
Trying out for the Houston Texans Cheerleaders and making it to finals a few times helped me get hired to be one of the team’s makeup artists for three seasons. Everything eventually connects & people will reach out when the time or project is right.
Contact Info:
- Email: marlencastro@icloud.com
- Instagram: marlencastros https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=11x9min3kbn7t&utm_content=89yd8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlencastrosanchez/
- Other: https://instagram.com/lesweetpizza?igshid=1q8irc9gyejc9
Image Credit:
Shine on boudoir photography, Andrea Surak photography
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.
