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

Hi Lucia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Guatemala City and moved to the US with my parents and sisters when I was 17 years old. Moving to the US as a teenager definitely impacted my life greatly, not only did i have to learn a new language but a new culture, make new friends, detach from my “circle” of friends and family etc. All these things helped me mature, have an open mind and have a different perspective in life. my family has always been very supportive and encouraging, I was taught to always give everything my all and the words “I can’t do it” are banned from my house… so i think this upbringing has just shaped me into a driven and goal oriented person.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
whether its beauty or jewelry, I have always loved a clean, sleek, minimal look. What I am most proud of in my work is the simplicity that enhances one’s natural beauty. makeup looks or earrings… I always try to thing “what would make a girl feel empowered and beautiful?” and i think this is the factor that sets me apart from others. It has definitely not been easy, and I feel like i’m still a student of the trades… everything evolves and trends change but character and consistency don’t change so I think that consistency and patience have kept me moving forward. The learning never stops because when we stop learning we stop growing… so I have tried to not stay in one “victory” but try to see what’s next. I hasn’t been easy, the makeup industry can be very competitive and “trendy” so it has been a challenge, but I think that we have to always stay open to new opportunities, even though i have face challenges, I always have to remember who I am and why am I doing this. having mentors and asking questions has helped me go back, analyze the problem or challenge and fix it/change it etc. some of the lessons I have learned, have been to stay humble, stay positive, and stay confident. one of my clients said to me the other day before placing an order of earrings; “my husband fell in love with me all over again when i put on the last pair of earrings is purchased from you” that right there, reminded me of why i do what i do… I want the world to know that the artistry and product that I have to offer is for everyone who is ready to remember how beautiful they are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in a pretty central area in southern California; first, i’d take them for a relaxing day at the beach in La Jolla/Pacific Beach area which is only an hour and 15 minutes from my house, there i’d take them to my favorite beach front restaurant “woody’s” for lunch followed by some mint iced coffee form “Better buzz” coffee… the next few days we would spend having fun at some of the best theme parks in the world such as Disneyland, sea world, and knott’s berry farm.

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 like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents; Otto and Annabella, they’ve been pillars in my life and have taught me everything i know about God, life, business and family. My parents have always been there for me, even in financially tough times, they always made sure we had everything we needed. Second, I’d like to thank my Fiance for believing in me, for pushing me to be better at what I do and for loving me no matter what.

Website: http://portijewelry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaportamakeup/ https://www.instagram.com/por.tijewelry/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeupArtistryByLuciaPorta

Image Credits
Sara Porta photography

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