Meet Nicole Aguiar | Pro Makeup Artist and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Aguiar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Taking calculated risks that have actual backing to them can give us a good feeling about our overall life choices. We must stay humble throughout these experiences, not be too critical of ourselves and take down the expectations. In order to have a successful career taking some risks is inevitable for example leaving one company for another or taking a chance on a client without a deposit. Maybe that client was to become the most reoccurring one you have ever had or that company ends up showing you a different approach to your craft. Even running a small business is taking a risk yet we do it to follow our hearts.

There is always a rise after a fall so remembering that even if an endeavor doesn’t succeed you will rise again.  Taking a risk helps us retain the knowledge that we have a strong intuition allowing us to sense the actual feeling of an experience. Does it feel right? Do you feel good doing this? Does this decision take you closer to your goals or further away? So risks allow us build a greater sense of self and help explore our life’s path.

Yet when a risk does work in our favor we applaud ourselves remembering that most of the time everything just seems to work out in some way, some how. When we look towards the natural law there is always a death and rebirth so when factored in can make risks not seem as intimidating after all. A lot of times the answers are in front of us and it just took a risk or two to find them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Pro Makeup Artist with 25 years of experience I realized I wanted to do more and go deeper into the world of corrective makeup. Makeup can enhance our features by creating balance and definition yet I cannot even describe how the many individuals I have touched throughout the years, have actually touched me in return. What I mean by that, is the emotional responses that were created through the experience of a professional makeup application. Mostly what we call “society makeup”,as models and actors are quite accustomed to being camera ready so I’m referring to the everyday person that decides to see a professional to have their makeup applied or for a special event.

The tears of elation, contentment and seeing someone look at themselves in admiration is irreplaceable energy to be around. By far the most rewarding part of what I do has been to see the result of how my work can impact and improve the lives of my clients self images.

Now that I have entered the world of Cosmetic tattooing ,I have the power to balance features with a semi permanent procedure that leaves the visual correction to last even longer. I can assist clients that have gone through reconstructive surgery, accidents, ailments or that have permanent damage in order to correct their expression and appearance.

I’ve learned that we must follow the natural progressions of our careers which can endearingly take some time to unfold. Early on I was not ready to take on such a big responsibility as tattooing a persons face yet I always kept it in my mind to pursue. I gave my career time to build to be right where I needed to be and although times change we must be willing to change with them.

Enriching someone’s life is the most rewarding feeling that can have no monetary gain so I feel that that is the key to success. When we see that our payments for our work can come in various forms we let go of what society tells us being rich is. When we let go of these ideals then we are free to receive what is truly meant for us which generally includes financial gain. Success is subjective so we must translate that into what that means to us, is it being of service to others or serving ourselves? Or a little bit of both? Again you have the answers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Showcase all the beaches up the coast including Ocean Beach, Blacks Beach, Swamis and Oceanside. Go to all vegan restaurants – Kindred , Evolution, World Beat Café, Trilogy Sanctuary, Peoples Co op.
A trip to Tijuana to Turry’s Vegan restaurant and shopping or a concert!
A walk through Balboa Park then a museum.
An introduction to our alternative nightlife culture, clubs ,musicians and artists.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today if it were not for the mentors I have,so I would like to acknowledge yet not limited to: 

Momi Alama – M.A.C Cosmetics
Dawn Turner – Priori Skin Care
Robin McGee- Osmosis Skin and Makeup
Paul Thompson – MUD Cosmetics
Chris Dauz – Advanced Brow Design

These specific individuals gave me the support that effectively allowed me to flourish throughout my professional career. They encouraged and believed in me to grow my success that I will forever be grateful for.
From handing me my first microphone in order to give a speech to showing me vital techniques or trusting me with influencing their clientele-It gave me the confidence to never give up and keep working towards my goals.
Today I am truly honored to pass on what I have learned in any way I am able as an educator and mentor.

Website: https://www.nicoleaguiar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoinfauxfurs/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-aguiar-68680055/

Other: MUA work on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gETsMoLo0YQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WbStH5M2LY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeNtIcKJ-A0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iakffnTNT5w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjOq2Lpjq8Q

Image Credits
Arash Afshar Jonathan Sevilla 656 Photography Dylan Chavles Harry Eelman