Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Stephens
Hi Caroline, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came across makeup tutorials on YouTube at 14, and quickly became fascinated by the power and creativity of makeup. I spent hours on end watching these tutorials, trying different looks, and started recruiting all of my friends to get their makeup done by me. I remember scouring makeupalley reading reviews on every makeup product out there at the time, and would participate in their swap program by knitting scarves and legwarmers in trade for makeup products. Makeup became my passion and something I continuously practiced. Eventually, those friends had friends who would contact me for prom makeup, formals, etc. Word of mouth got around, and I had a very small but loyal clientele by the time I got to college. I was nowhere near professional, I think I was charging $30-$40 at the time. But it brought me so much joy! I met my mentor, Christine Tran, through my brother back in 2018 and started training under her. This is when I began taking makeup more seriously despite having a full time corporate job. I took makeup lessons with other San Diego makeup artists, continued practicing on friends, and invested thousands into my kit. By 2021, I was working weddings nearly every weekend. What started as a hobby has become a lucrative business that I absolutely love and am so grateful for. I am still working full time, and now that I have a family, I have limited myself to two weddings a month to help with work-life balance. I like that I am able to have my creative outlet on the weekends outside of my day job. I think of it as having the best of both worlds, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have such beautiful and loyal clients who put their trust in me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a makeup artist has absolutely had it’s challenges. It’s a constant learning journey, and it’s easy to second guess your work and fall into the comparison game with social media. Since I already have a full time job, I really have to limit my makeup schedule as to not feel tapped out. While I’ve have the most incredible clients, I’ve also faced rejection and criticism, but it’s in those moments that growth really takes place. At the end of the day, this is a business and I’ve learned to not take things personally. I’m not the makeup artist for everyone, and that’s OKAY!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a makeup artist, I specialize in weddings but have a passion for all things glam. Soft glam, full glam, natural glam, I don’t discriminate! I am most proud of my growth. As a self-taught makeup artist who learned the majority of her artistry skillset through tutorials and practice, I am unbelievably proud of how far I’ve come. I’m no longer then shy girl who second guesses her work, but instead a confident artist who has built a loyal clientele. When you sit in my chair, my goal is to make you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. It’s tough juggling a full time career in tech and also weddings on the weekends, but I’ve found a balance that works for me and my family. I feel extremely grateful to have two careers that I love.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved every moment spent with my family. Beach trips were my favorite!
Pricing:
- $250 – Bride
- $120 – Bridesmaid/MOB/MOG
- $150 – Special Occasion
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/carolinestephensmua
Image Credits
For some reason, I am unable to attach photos. I will send via an email attachment!
