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

Hi Amanda, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance to me is an ever evolving challenge that I happily accept. I used to think I needed to say yes to everything, and when I was beginning my career as a makeup artist, I definitely needed to work as much as I could. I knew I needed to build my book and gain experience. So I did. I said yes to every job, and worked many long days to make it happen. Now that I’ve been a working artist for over 16 years, I understand the value of needing to rest to refresh. I set loving boundaries for myself. I have non-negotiable unavailable days that are just for family, just for me. I do that so I stay excited about makeup and people. There’s a really good saying that has always stuck with me, “You can’t fill from an empty cup.” I know it’s time to rest when my cup fills empty. In an industry that’s super saturated, you have to consider what will keep you in working longevity. For me, that is balance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me most apart from others is that I am not looking to change the appearance of the people who sit in my chair. I take what I see (which is always beauty) and enhance it, rather than trying to give someone a complete makeover. I want people to feel beautiful not just from makeup, but from the deeper part of themselves. I’m always trying to get to the heart of that. I ask questions like, “What do you like most about yourself?” I like it when people say, “Oh I love my makeup”, but I really love it when people say, ” I feel beautiful”. That’s the goal for me in every single job. I’m most proud when I can tell I’ve done that for someone. To get to where I am today, I’ve learned that you never burn bridges, you always stay in integrity, take the chances, be responsible, show up on time, keep your kit CLEAN, and do your best to stay authentic to your art. This is what really has contributed to my being a successful professional over the years. I want people to know that my brand isn’t a just about making pretty faces, it’s about creating a a real feeling of beautiful. Makeup is fun, for sure, but it’s also a surface level idea. It’s my mission to build confidence in people by simplifying technique to create a true sense of what beauty means to you.

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 would take my BFF to the beach first. I have never really been a beach go-er, but lately, it’s the thing that really tends to calm me when I’m feeling out of control. Since it’s 2020, public places are out other than hiking the Hollywood sign, and maybe a day trip to Palm Springs as well. We’d do pick up for Sushi, Korean BBQ, and Zoom Yoga and Digital, “The Class” as movement for the spirit. The most exciting places I have found this year are my home, and nature.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many things that contribute to a person’s success in addition to your hard work. Sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time, but most often, it’s about the support of the people you keep around you. The people who recommend you to jobs, who hire you over and over, the people who just tell you they believe in you. I am incredibly lucky and grateful to have all of that. Beauty and the Beach OC is a company I love to work with. The owner, Katie, is wonderful and utterly professional. My friend Lucinda Wedge, a professional photographer that took a chance on me as a brand new artist, and kept me working consistently throughout the years. My yoga mentors, Jenny Vande Hei-Secor and Colleen Hieber. These women have helped me more than they know. My women’s group, and my dearest friends. They know they are gold to me.

Website: www.beyoutyintelligence.com
Instagram: @beyoutyintelligence

Image Credits
ME, Lucinda Wedge, Maria Laxamana

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