Life and Work with Cecily Dominguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecily Dominguez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been into makeup ever since I was old enough to start wearing it. In high school, I wore false lashes almost every day and always had to have my makeup done for school. I started going to raves and music festivals with my friends in 2008, and really started experimenting with color and fun looks then. I would use lots of glitters and bright eyeshadow and would do mine and my friend’s makeup before parties. I found a lot of inspiration through that rave culture, as it was a thing to go all out with the makeup to match an extravagant outfit. Even though I was always into makeup, I really never thought about it ever turning into a career. I decided to go to aesthetic/laser technician school once I started getting more into skincare. After I graduated, I applied on a whim to one of my favorite stores – Sephora and ended up getting a job at the Scottsdale Quarter location. Sephora is really what ignited my passion for makeup and doing makeup. I got certified to do full face makeup applications soon after starting there and would take many clients throughout the week. I learned how to work with different skin tones, textures, face shapes, eye shapes, and truly learned how to bring out the best features in anyone from every walk of life. I learned about products from the different lines Sephora carried, got to experience some amazing training from the brand partners, and really was able to find out which products work best for a specific client. I stayed at Sephora for almost four years and left to pursue my personal freelance career. Now, I do weddings, events, photoshoot makeup, prom, anything that involves a full face makeover.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working in cosmetics, especially when you are just starting out can be very challenging. No one is born as an amazing makeup artist. You have to be able to be open to feedback and to be always starving for more knowledge. Makeup is very personal, it is someones face that you are touching, after all. Clients will be difficult sometimes, but you just have to really listen to them and have confidence in yourself and your work. To be a makeup artist, you truly have to be a people person and be open to building relationships with your clients. They want to trust you, and when that trust and open line of communication is there, it makes your job MUCH easier. Also, you have to remember that it is just makeup at the end of the day. It can be wiped off. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because you can always start over. Although, throughout all of the challenges you may face in your career, I promise it is worth it. When you get that client that you bring to tears because of how beautiful YOU made her look or feel, it is a truly incredibly rewarding experience. It makes having those difficult clients that maybe made you cry, or that frustrating feeling you had of not being able to perfect that winged liner, all worth it in the end.

Please tell us about your work.
I am a freelance makeup artist based in Phoenix, Arizona. I pride myself in creating beautiful bridal looks, super glam prom makeup, or even a natural no-makeup makeup look for the more mature client. I have worked on 100’s of clients over the years all of the different ages, skin tones, eye, and face shapes, and can confidently say I can make anyone look and feel their best. I have worked with many different product lines and can help anyone find the best products for their skin type, as I have an aesthetic background and am very knowledgeable about the skin.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
As women, we do face a lot of challenges. But I think all opportunities can definitely be overlooked. We have the opportunity to inspire each other every day. Rather than knock each other down, we should be focusing more on building each other up. I think that is what is so rewarding about being a makeup artist is how amazing it feels to make another woman (or man) feel absolutely beautiful after being in your chair. So, for women who aren’t makeup artists, doing small things like complimenting your co-worker when she wears a new shade of lipstick or leaving a comment on your friend’s selfie saying something kind about them. It’s the little things that can make someone’s day, maybe even their week. As women, we hold more power than we give ourselves credit for – so we need to take those little opportunities every day to make a difference.

Pricing:

• Non-Bridal- $65 full face (including lashes)
• Bridal- $120 for the bride, $65 per additional application (including lashes)

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4803692105
• Email: cecily.mua@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @cecily_mua

Image Credit:
Erin Ashlee Photography

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