Today we’d like to introduce you to Krysteena Martina Acosta-Zumaya.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Krysteena Martina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
All it took was a little belief in myself, the mantra of “now or never”, love, support & encouragement from my family and friends, faith & trust from my sponsors, and lastly; a local photographer (Hannye Flores) taking a chance on me to feature my pictures in a Plus Size art show at an art studio named Mesheeka in Barrio Logan. That was the beginning of this beautiful journey: March 2018.
I am a self taught makeup artist and vintage hair stylist. I have always experimented with different styles from being goth as a pre-teen teen, to preppy in high school for a short period of time, falling in love with the metal scene wearing fishnets, band t’s and big hair, an average of 5-8 hair colors a year – to finally finding full confidence in retro-vintage clothing, makeup and hair styling. Friends and family have always come to me for their hair and makeup needs for events. I would do it for fun. I considered launching a YouTube channel of my own. That’s when my husband decided to take the first step! He and my father in law made a vanity for me from scratch! He (my husband) even had a local artist named Ninfa Pacheco paint a custom logo that represents me on this vanity! That’s when I decided to go for it! I had a friend/co-worker named Oscar Morales put together my official YouTube logo and it all took off from there.
While I was contemplating on the type of material I wanted to feature on my channel, I was approached by Hannye to be featured in an art show called ‘Luscious’ which was a tribute to the beautiful Plus Size women of the world! She said I had the exact body type that she wanted to photograph. I had never modeled before but I thought to myself “it’s now or never! Just go for it!”. I was very nervous but I kept telling myself “fake it till you make it!”. And that’s exactly what I did. Instagram has always been my main platform. So many women have asked me for tutorials on my signature BIG eyeliner, eyebrows, makeup, clothing, and hair styling. I knew makeup and hair was always what I loved to do but I had never really put much thought into making it my career. As I grew tired of working a regular full-time job, I came to the conclusion that I’d never reach my full potential, and truly be happy unless I did something that I enjoyed in life. So, I immersed myself in modeling, collaborations & product promoting, freelancing, and investing in my future as a makeup brand owner. I’m happy to say that I’ve had MANY opportunities in these 2 months alone. It is the end of May 2018 and already I have become a fashion, runway, pinup, clothing/product model, artist muse, and promoter. I am also proud to say that I am now a published pinup model (featured in Rocket Magazine, SD Auto Magazine) AND a published makeup artist; Soon to be INTERNATIONALLY published as a makeup artist AND pinup model.
I am very thankful for everyone who believes in me, invests in me, and those who always send beautiful messages of appreciation. It feels wonderful knowing that I give others the confidence to wear whatever they want and to do their hair & makeup boldly unapologetically. Society can be cruel, especially to people like myself who are Plus Sized. I’ve proven that you can defy the odds and make something of yourself no matter how big and short you are! As a size 14/16w and standing only 5’2″, I’ve managed to do all of this in a matter of two months. I cannot wait for what the future has in store for me!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been perfect whatsoever. There have been many challenges and bumps along the road. Some brands will decline what you have to offer because you don’t fit their molds, their body preference, style etc. It can become discouraging to hear “no”. Sadly, I’ve also lost many friends… some that I used to call “best friends”. Envy is a terrible thing and unfortunately, many of those so-called “friends” didn’t want to see me do better. Some brands have used me as a platform to promote their products and fellow models grow envious and try to snatch sponsors from right under me! People have spoken ill of me and that hurt my feelings. Some days, I’ve ever felt like throwing in the towel. Social media, in general, can also be very discouraging. There are “high profile” models who buy their following (bought followers, comments, and likes) just to appear bigger and more “promising”; resulting in loss of sponsorships or missed opportunities because they’ll choose them over my smaller following. Your size, style or you as a person won’t be liked by everyone. Please don’t let any of this discourage you! Wake up every day grateful for those who take the chance on you, encourage you and believe in you! No matter how big or small the opportunity is-always be grateful that you’ve been given them! The truth always comes to light. Maybe the brand you admire didn’t choose you, but remember when one door closes many others will open for you! Pave your own path and work toward your dreams! No matter how little the steps may be, it’s still a step in the right direction! Come up with a plan, write down the actions needed to fulfill that plan and begin! The course of action is better than no action. Don’t ever lose sleep over the negativity. People/brands will come and go and sometimes bad things will be said of you. But don’t let it get you down! Keep hustling and do what makes you happy! In the end, your happiness and success no Mather how big or small are all that matters! Don’t ever water yourself down or dim your shine because it makes other uncomfortable! YOU GOT THIS! Believe in yourself, your brand and go for it!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Vavavooom! – what should we know?
I would say at the moment my specialty is pinup modeling, makeup, and hairstyling. I am most known for my signature liquid eyeliner. My best friend even came up with a hashtag for me to use on social media and I always use it to show my best eyeliner work. I am most proud of how far I’ve come as a model and artist. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I’m not afraid to try new styles and trends. Even though I’m most known for my retro-vintage pinup look, I’m never afraid to incorporate the latest trend into my work. My husband asked me once how I would explain my style to someone. I said one word: “Timeless”. I have the ability to execute emerging styles and the latest trends all while remaining true to myself and classic. I love referring to myself as a Chicana Pinup. I always pay my respects to my roots through my style and my work. People seem to appreciate that. I love that the public adores my style and always ask for hair and makeup appointments. I can do a wide variety of makeup and hairstyles. I’ve worked on many sets and projects but the majority of inquiries are on my personal day to day looks. It makes me proud of watching my clients transform into beautiful confident beings and rock my style! It’s like an extension of my artistry and a little piece of me walking around, forever captured in their photos and videos.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Absolutely! As a woman, I feel empowered to do whatever I want however I want! It is a beautiful thing to be a woman. Whatever opportunity, YOU feel well positioned for, no matter how silly people think it is, JUST GO FOR IT! There are many opportunities for us whether it’s in the fashion industry, beauty industry, workforce, etc., there are plenty of opportunities for all of us! I feel that in this day and age we can do absolutely anything. There is nothing a woman cannot do when we set our minds to it! We just need a dream, a little belief in yourself and the course of action!
Pricing:
- Hair and Makeup $40-$75
- Shoots $30 an hour
Contact Info:
- Email: vavavooom619@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/vavavooom_
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Vavavooom619
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
