Today we’d like to introduce you to Amneris Colon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was 19, I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, I put my life on pause because I had to receive chemo, during the treatments I refused to look sick or have any trace of cancer on the outside since it was already taking over in the inside, so I started to wear wigs, makeup, lashes, etc. Once I had received all 8 chemo treatments, I was cleared and slowly began working and enrolled in beauty school. I figured since a little makeup gave me the courage and confidence I needed in such hard times, I knew I wanted other people to feel the same. It was almost two years later when I finally felt like I was in a much better place mentally and physically that I came down with a cold and a fever that persisted for more than two days, my mom said that something wasn’t normal and she took me to the ER, turns out the cancer was back and more aggressive this time. It was spread down to my liver and was causing the fever that wouldn’t go away. Honestly, the first time I was diagnosed, I was angry, I was mad at the world as to why this had happened to me?! What did I do to deserve this?! The second time around, though it was more aggressive and was gonna be even harder to fight, I was ready, mentally, I had accepted death, I was as positive as I could be but also realistic with the fact that I could easily die in my sleep and I was okay with that. I shaved my head with less hesitation this time around, though it was a tearful goodbye, I knew when it came back, I would appreciate it even more! I till this day I do! Thanks to this painful, sad, yet hard journey, it made me a much better person. On October 5th, I will be five years cancer-free!!! It’s the longest I have gone without being sick and It’s the best feeling ever. I’m proud of myself and how far I have come, from watching makeup tutorials during chemo to being able to create my own looks and helping people the way makeup helped me. I recently started working for Morphe, a brand I have followed since it started, my first colorful palette was from them and it inspired me to put myself out there, and years later, I try to do the same with anybody I get to help and educate about the Makeup Artistry! Before Morphe, I worked at Target as a Beauty Concierge and that was one of my favorite jobs, cause who doesn’t love Target right?!! I gained so much experience, great genuine connections with people and got to make friends for life! I will always be so grateful for the opportunities I have had and been able to truly live and enjoy them. Now, I ask myself why did I have cancer?! What did I do to deserve it?! I never try to find the right answer, I just feel lucky to have taken it as a life experience and not a trauma, I’m lucky to have been able to kick its ass and if it comes to get me again, I’m ready for it always will be. It changed my perspective of life and everything surrounding it, for that, I am the most thankful.
Great, 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?
We go through situations in life that make us question ourselves, we must try our hardest to believe that there is a reason behind it all.
Please tell us about your work.
I’m a Makeup Artist, I currently work for Morphe Brushes as a Beauty Artist and also do freelance, I have done Makeup for Brides, Quinceañeras, photoshoots, etc. I’m known for colorful makeup and the occasional glitter, cause who doesn’t love sparkle, am I right?!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I feel that in my industry sometimes women on women hate is a big thing, we should always try to bring each other up, in general, this is a huge problem, sometimes other women’s confidence brings our insecurities out and that’s when the putting down of one another comes out.
Pricing:
- $75 Full face, includes lashes
- One on one classes also available, prices vary.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6192896348
- Email: amicolon85@gmail.com
- Instagram: @amneriiss
Image Credit:
@MorpheBrushes
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