Today we’d like to introduce you to Nisha Vig.
Hi Nisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the beauty and wellness space has not been a straight line. I started with a degree in Economics from UCSD and went on to work at a wealth management firm. While it was a solid experience, I quickly realized that the corporate world just wasn’t where I felt most fulfilled—I’ve always been a creative at heart.
That led me to take a chance and enroll at Make-up Designory (MUD) in Burbank, where I trained in both beauty and special effects makeup. With the support of some amazing instructors, I gained the confidence and skills to launch my own freelance business, NV Makeup Art. Over the years, I’ve worked with clients on everything from weddings and editorial shoots to film sets, and I’ve loved every minute of helping people look and feel their best.
When the pandemic hit and in-person work paused, I felt a pull toward something I had been passionate about for a while—health and wellness. Growing up around superfoods and natural remedies, I was already deep in that world, so I decided to launch Mindfuel Matcha. This brand focuses on inner wellness and energy through ceremonial-grade matcha.
Now, I get to balance both beauty and wellness through the two brands, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. It hasn’t always been easy—there were moments of doubt, learning curves, and starting from scratch—but every challenge has helped shape the business and purpose I have today. My goal is to help people feel confident, energized, and aligned—both inside and out.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started out as a makeup artist, things moved slowly—I had to really prove myself before I was considered for any high-profile or well-paid gigs. Breaking into the industry meant taking on smaller jobs, building trust with clients, and consistently showing up with my best work, even when the opportunities weren’t always glamorous or financially rewarding.
Just as I was starting to gain real traction and feel established, the pandemic hit. Almost overnight, events, productions, and weddings were canceled, and in-person work dried up. Like so many people in creative fields, I was faced with the tough reality that my business couldn’t operate as usual. Rather than waiting things out, I decided to pivot and tap into another passion of mine—wellness and superfoods, especially matcha.
That’s when Mindfuel Matcha was born. I stepped away from being a makeup artist and put my energy into building a brand that helps people nourish themselves from the inside out. The pivot wasn’t easy; it came with new learning curves, late nights figuring out marketing and sourcing, and a whole new set of challenges. But looking back, those struggles pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected and helped me connect my passion for self-care and wellness in a new, meaningful way.
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?
My work spans beauty, wellness, and personal branding. I specialize in makeup artistry—everything from bridal and editorial looks to special effects for film sets. Beyond traditional makeup, I offer image consulting, helping clients discover their personal style, refine their wardrobe, and find confidence in how they present themselves. People invest in my services not just for technical skills, but for the expertise, insight, and individualized attention I bring—they know they’re getting advice that combines years of hands-on work, deep knowledge of color and style, and a genuine interest in helping them shine.
What truly sets me apart is my belief that beauty isn’t just skin deep. That philosophy inspired me to launch Mindfuel Matcha, a wellness brand that helps people nourish themselves from the inside out. Through Mindfuel, I educate and encourage mindful rituals and share the health and energy benefits of high-quality matcha. My approach connects outer beauty with inner wellness, offering clients a holistic path to looking and feeling their best.
I’m proud to have built a reputation where clients trust my artistry and my guidance, where people value who I am and what I know. Whether I’m helping someone prep for a special occasion, revamp their image, or boost their wellness through Mindfuel’s offerings, my goal is to empower my clients to embrace confidence, self-care, and authenticity in every part of their life.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about San Diego is the laid-back energy, the natural beauty, and how much there is to explore once you step outside of the day-to-day routine. I went to UCSD, and honestly, during my time there I didn’t love it right away. The overcast weather—especially during the infamous “May Gray” and “June Gloom”—wasn’t quite the sunny SoCal vibe I had imagined, and most of my time was spent studying in the library rather than really experiencing the city. But whenever the sun did come out and I had a break from studying, I’d head outside, and I started to see what makes San Diego special. It wasn’t until after college that I really began to love the city. Once I stepped out of that student bubble, I got to explore more of San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods, beaches, and food scene. Now, I truly appreciate how this city offers the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and connection—and it continues to inspire me in both my work and lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Website: Nvmakeupart.com and Mindfuel.Ventures
- Instagram: iamnishavig
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishavig/
