Meet Ekaterina Maistrenko | Face painter and Glitter Artist

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

Hi Ekaterina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
You know how life sometimes takes a turn you never expected? That’s exactly what my career path has felt like.

Before I moved to the U.S., my world was all about marketing and e-commerce. I was the person behind the screen, managing campaigns and analyzing data. I enjoyed the challenge of strategy, but I always felt that something was missing — specifically, the creative spark and genuine human connection that make work truly fulfilling.

Moving here gave me a chance to start fresh and ask myself a simple but powerful question: “What actually makes me feel alive?” And that’s when art found its way back to me most unexpectedly. A friend gave me a small, basic face painting kit as just a simple gift. But that little palette became my doorway back to creating. What started as a bit of fun at home and for friends slowly revealed itself to be something much deeper and more meaningful. It was the missing piece I didn’t even know I was looking for.

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.
My art is all about creating joyful, meaningful moments — one face at a time! What makes my work special is the way I blend creativity with connection. There’s nothing like seeing a shy child light up when they become a brave superhero, or painting a design that connects someone to their heritage. It’s in those moments that you feel how art truly brings people together.

But each challenge taught me something new. Now, I train other artists and help events elevate their experiences with creative touches.

Now, let me be honest, my journey here had its fair share of smudges and mistakes! I’ll never forget the time I used the wrong kind of paint and watched my masterpiece melt away in minutes. But you learn as you go, and each mistake taught me something important. Now, I get to share what I’ve learned by training other artists and helping to add a creative touch to events.

Here’s the most important thing I learned: don’t compare yourself to others. Every artist is unique. I finally found my sweet spot when I stopped trying to copy others and focused on my own approach — combining technical skill with what I know about creating memorable experiences.
At the end of the day, I want people to remember: it’s not just face paint. It’s about sparking confidence, celebrating culture, and creating little moments of happiness that last long after the glitter washes off.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start each day soaking in the ocean vibe for sure! Morning walks along La Jolla Shores or Coronado Beach, feeling the sand between your toes, are an absolute must. For our activity, we’ll hike at Torrey Pines or visit the Point Loma Lighthouse, enjoying the cliffs and breathtaking views. A trip to a Korean Yu SPA sauna would be perfect for relaxing and recharging.

For food, I’d take them to my favorite local spots: authentic tacos and burritos at Mike’s Taco Club on OB, breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla, and a little foodie adventure in the Gaslamp Quarter for inventive bites and cocktails. For a sweet treat, we’d stop by Desserts by Clement, and for a fresh, casual lunch, some poke in Pacific Beach would hit just right. For a chill afternoon, a coffee or craft cocktail at a cozy spot in North Park or Little Italy would be perfect.

We’d explore the quirky, colorful neighborhoods, hunt for murals, and wander through Balboa Park — so much to see, from gardens to museums. And of course, no trip would be complete without a sunset at Sunset Cliffs, watching the waves crash while the sky explodes in color.

San Diego is full of inspiring people, vibrant culture, and endless pockets of creativity. Living here, I’m constantly reminded how the ocean, the sunsets, and the community here fuel my own imagination and joy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Every creative journey includes supporters and detractors, each offering valuable lessons. However, the loudest cheers come from my chosen family in California, who have encouraged me throughout every challenge.

Website: https://www.kateandfaces.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kateandfaces

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kates-face-painting-san-diego-5