Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Lococo.
Hi Isabella, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From as early as I could remember, I’ve always had a love and true interest for makeup. I remember being a little girl walking with my mom through the cosmetics department in Nordstorm collecting samples, cosmetic wedges and spoolie brushes from the tester display to later take them home and play makeup! I was always into the “girly” things like hair, makeup and nails when I was little but makeup was always a passion that has stayed consistent throughout my life.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue makeup as a full-time career. In middle school, I would beg my mom to allow me to wear makeup purely just because I had so much fun applying it and creating different looks. I remember at that time I had stumbled upon the wonderful world of YouTube beauty guru’s. I would often turn to their videos as guidance and education on “beauty tips and tricks.”
I believe my passion for makeup truly came from an artistic standpoint. I love the transformation as well as being creative. I love making women (and men) feel confident by enhancing their natural beauty.
My first real job in cosmetics was working at ULTA. I got hired on as a beauty advisor, worked my way up to being a Lancome beauty consultant then was offered an opportunity to work for Nordstorm at the Dior counter. After about a year of working at Nordstorm, I decided I wanted to expand my skillset and attended the esthetician’s program at City College here in San Diego!
I graduated from the City College esthetician’s program in 2019 and received my esthetician license shortly after. This was the push I needed to branch off and start freelancing. I finally was in a position where I had enough free time to start booking more clients on weekends. I also reached out to as many people as I knew in the industry asking if I could assist them in any way. Luckily I scored an amazing opportunity assisting for Lacie Pence (@mualaciexo) and Shelby Henry (@shelbyhenrymua). I’ve learned so much working alongside these two amazing women.
I now am assisting both Lacie and Shelby while also taking clients of my own! I am extremely grateful for each and every one of my amazing clients as well as family and friends who support me. I’m thrilled to see what opportunities come my way within the new year!
Alright, 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?
If I’m being completely honest, it definitely hasn’t always been smooth sailing for me. There are plenty of moments where I’ve doubted myself. I feel I can speak for many freelance artists when it comes to feeling this way. I’ve had many people ask me “will this be a stable career for you?” “Can you REALLY make this a full-time job?” It’s difficult not to fall too deep into questions like this especially coming from someone who tends to overthink more often then I should.
I do have periods of time where I can be hard on myself but when it comes down to it, I love what I do. I’m willing to work as hard as I can for what I want and I really do believe in myself. I know if I continue to work towards my goals, I will achieve them!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a freelance makeup artist specializing in natural bridal glam. I would say what sets me apart from other artists is that I really enjoy enhancing natural beauty. I like for my clients to look radiant and effortless. Don’t get me wrong, I do have a love for dramatic makeup looks as well but even at that, I strive for making the makeup look undetectable. It’s something I take much pride in.
Here’s a fun fact: most people think that natural glam requires less makeup and less time when in most cases, that’s completely wrong! I label these types of looks as “natural” because my whole goal is to make the makeup look undetectable. This doesn’t mean less makeup and less time. In order to make makeup look like skin there are vital steps like skin prep, layering of product, In some cases using individual eyelashes instead of strip lashes and more to ensure the makeup will be undetectable which in all can sometimes take more product and definitely more time!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve been very blessed to grow up in a family that supports and encourages self-expression through creative outlets. I remember as a kid I was always infatuated with any kind of sensory experience whether it was baking, arts and crafts or playing with my mom’s makeup bag my parents could count on it to keep me busy!
I believe this is what led me to being so interested in makeup. All the different colors, textures and finishes of the products have always been so fun to experiment with. Makeup has no rules, it’s endless creativity and that’s what makes it so fun!
Contact Info:
- Email: bybellaxo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bybellaxo
Image Credits
Jess Livingston Liz Raine
