Meet Valerie Cruz | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Valerie, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I believe the most important lesson that my business has taught me is to never stop learning. Even with becoming a profesional makeup artist, I never felt like I have “made it” and officially know everything that I need to know. I’m constantly leaning tips and tricks from other artists that are killing it in the game. No matter how good you are, there will always be someone that’s more experienced and skilled in areas that are perhaps not your greatest strength. It’s so important to always ask questions and learn from other professionals in the field, to expand your knowledge even more!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got to where I am today by a somewhat unconventional path. I never went to cosmetology school or even grew up thinking that I would become a professional makeup artist. It always seemed like a dream that was too “impractical”. I had actually worked for the past 4 years in Education! I worked the first year as an Education Coordinator, then the following years as a 4th and 6th grade teacher at a Dual Language Academy. I went to college thinking that teaching was my ultimate life path.

Although I loved teaching, I reached the point of teacher “burn-out” as many educators do. So, I went from doing makeup only on the weekends, to now doing it full time. And I could not be happier. I’ve loved makeup for as long as I can remember. So not only is it my passion, but I have SO much fun while doing it. It was not an easy journey, as any entrepreneur knows, saying goodbye to a consistent 9-5pm paycheck is scary and intimidating. However, taking that risk to leave behind my full time job, was the leap I needed to take. It was only then that my business was able to fully take off. And glory to God that it did!

I hope to continue making every person that I glam feel beautiful and confident when they leave my chair. But most importantly, my wish is for all of my clients to SLAY👏🏼😌

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a best friend visiting San Diego, I would definitely take them for some amazing Mexican food. Whether it be in Old Town, Pacific Beach or Downtown! We would definitely have to check out wind n sea beach in La Jolla, walk through the bougie neighborhoods in Bird Rock, roam Balboa Park at night, and hit up downtown for some fun. San Diego is always full of life and energy no matter where you go!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My sister Camille is definitely someone that has been a huge part of my success. She is a professional bridal hairstylist and she is phenomenal at her craft! We often work a lot of weddings together, and she is my number one hype woman and supporter. Her instagram is @curlycamille

Instagram: @slaybyvalerie