Meet Priscilla Molina | Beauty Studio Owner & Microblading Educator

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

Hi Priscilla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

The moment I knew I would one day work for myself was thanks to my very first job at the age of 14, a mail room clerk at the East Los Angeles Welfare Office. From that point on I worked jobs of retail to corporate marketing to mortgage to apparel sales and fashion manufacturing to finally becoming a professional makeup artist in my mid twenty’s.  It was in that stage of my life working at Makeup counters, seeing the smiles on my customers faces that truly gave me a sense of what a rewarding career felt like.  After leaving the makeup industry to venture into a Sales role in Beauty distribution for almost three years, sitting behind a computer all day long was not who I was, it wasn’t who I was meant to be.  As believers, we know God gives us talents to use and give back and I sure felt like my talent was being wasted behind that laptop- it was then, at the age of 36 when I set a goal that  that before I was 40 I would open my own business in Beauty- after all age is just a number and its never to late!  I wanted to feel that rewarding feeling when I was the reason for my customers smiles working as a Makeup Artist.  I wanted to give back and make a difference in someones life like giving them a new sense of confidence. So at the age of 40, in 2017 The Artistry Beauty Studio was born. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My brow obsession began in my teens when I was old enough to tweeze my brows to get that Drew Barrymore skinny brow look. From that point on, makeup and eyebrows quickly turned into a passion which led me to become a certified Makeup Artist in my mid twenties. I quickly understood the importance and the power of eyebrows. After working for MAC and Chanel for a few years, I found myself working on music videos, commercials and cable shows, allowing me to work on many faces- skin tones, skin types and skin conditions, giving me the ultra experience in understanding what works for some, may not work for all!

My artistry style has always been to enhance ones beauty in a more natural and realistic way rather than exaggeration. I believe there is no greater accessory than a person confident in their own skin and it is my purpose and my pleasure to empower one through the art of brows and beauty.

I’m proud to have perfected my craft for some of the most soft and natural looking Cosmetic eyebrow Tattoos. When a client does research for Natural looking microblading, I pop up in their search. It never gets old to hear “you’re one of the only artist I’ve found that does microblading in such a seamless naturalistic way”. Because of the feedback from clients and colleagues, I have began to brand my techniques and styles as NatuRealistic, which combines Natural and Realistic. I’m excited to make it a brand of products for clients and professionals, so keep an eye out for it!

But with all the benefits and ups of being an entrepreneur, there can definitely be downs- Especially with mental health.
With social media platforms we are constantly reminded by our competition. With that, more and more artists including myself are at constant battle with comparison syndrome. Although I try to keep my blinders on, and use social platforms for learning and inspirations, it can sure lead you into a dark rabbit hole of comparison. Which also leads to the big A (anxiety). To ensure I live a healthy work life balance my daily routine is in prayer, meditation and journalling and sometimes exercise. With age and work, also comes physical issues- After all I am no young chicken. I am 46 years young and have already experienced frozen shoulder on both shoulders separate times. In the end, it is all worth it. I remind myself of what is important, that is God, family and giving back. Thankfully I’m in a position where my art gives back confidence, time, joy, and love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Temecula wine country would be a great first couple days to set the mood. Definitely brunch at Las Brisas and walk over to Laguna Beach to get some sun. We would then continue to Javier’s in Newport for some margaritas and great tasting mexican food. Do some shopping the next day at South Coast Plaza and Irvine Spectrum, grab a bite at Cucina Enoteca, some great tasting Italian food oh and great wine too. Headed to the weekend we would head to DTLA for a quick staycation, checking out new restaurants and ending with some dancing. If times allows and depending on our moods we’d take a drive to San Diego.

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?

First and foremost God. God is what put the fire in my heart to have the courage to just do and go after my one true dream that was long waiting to become a reality. When you begin a new journey into a new career, you never know where to turn. I wanted the best in microblading training and didn’t want to settle for anything less. I did so much research trying to find artists that offered Microblading training but because it was so new, it was not that accessible. In 2015 – 2016 there were about 5 trainers in LA county so I took my time to find an artist whose art lined up with my aesthetic and eye. I finally found Deluxe Brows headed by Aleksandra Manuise. I fell in love with her microblading style because she used Nano blades which made the outcome so natural looking. She collaborated with Lynn of Luxury Beauty Studio in Tustin and I snagged a spot immediately. The level of detail and attention that both Alex and Lynn gave to me after the training was some of the best guidance that a student can get from her trainer and mentor. Lynn was there from my first client melt down to almost two years following my training responding to my Facebook messages the first chance she got. I was truly blessed with the attention Lynn offered me. Because of my experience with Alex and Lynn, I make sure to give my students the same curtesy and attention because if they aren’t successful then I am not. My students get lifetime guidance and are welcome to come back anytime.

Website: www.theartistrybeautystudio.com

Instagram: @theartistrybeautystudio

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-artistry-lake-forest-3

Image Credits
Beba Photography Yoli Photography