Life and Work with Muranda Armijo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Muranda Armijo.

Muranda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The beauty community has always been a passion for me, even in my teen years. I graduated Cosmetology school in 2011 and began working in a salon doing hair, even though I was doing hair, I was still feeling like there was this void I was always trying to fill. I knew I liked to do makeup and I was always told by so many people that I should film tutorials or teach classes, that’s when I really leaped into my passion.

Over the next few years, I practiced doing my own makeup the same way I would see it on social media until I built up the confidence to work at Sephora. I was hired on as a Cashwrap associate and had talked to my leadership about wanting to learn how to get into the color side of the store, they provided me a checklist of things that were expected of me and things that I had to work on, so every day, I would go home and watch youtube videos and again, there I was practicing and practicing until I had my color certification test. I passed, and over the next few months, I started to become one of the girls that cast looked up to for makeup. It was amazing I had so much support at work and home that I started my own Instagram makeup page. I was determined to become the best artist I could be!

Eventually, I wanted to venture out more on the freelance side of the business that I left Sephora and started working with Laura Mercier as a brand ambassador, so I was focused on one brand and wanted to learn the Laura way, I was so accustomed to the way I had learned how to do makeup “my way” it was time for me to learn a specific technique. I’m the type of person that I have to CONSTANTLY be learning new techniques to keep my drive going that that’s what exactly happened. Working for Laura Mercier, I was able to get a position as a coordinator that gave me the opportunity to teach cast from all the Sephoras in Arizona about the brand itself. Traveling to all the stores, I’ve made so many connections and expanded my artistry, continually posting my looks on social media, I FINALLY got my first experience with runway makeup. My sister, Marla (stayedbyshears) had me collab with her in the Love Out Lavender Hair show where I helped showcase Skull Makeup for the hair show, each skull represented a different color which stood for specific cancer.

A few months later, I was selected with a few other makeup artists to help out Jazmine Nash (this years “stylist of the year”) in a avant-garde fashion show for PHXFW with her and network with a bunch of people from the show, which in return, kept leading to more opportunities work with more people like Steph Rosa and more! I have worked in three fashion shows and one hair show and I’ve learned in this industry, if you want to keep moving forward, you have to keep consistency on your social media and your work environment, so basically, I’m always showcasing myself or someone else! The opportunity’s don’t come unless you want them!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been easy if you think about it your work is public and because its the face that’s what people see first. There have been times when someone didn’t like my work or maybe judged it and it hurts, but you can’t please them all. I’ve always been one for feedback and to keep learning even if I couldn’t get it right the first time. You have to believe in yourself no matter what, not everyone has the same support that other people have so it’s important you’re your own biggest fan!

Please tell us about MakeMeUpMuranda.
I’m a Brand Ambassador for Laura Mercier in Sephora as well as a freelance makeup artist all over AZ. I am most known for my colorful eyeshadow or bold eyeliner eye looks. I am most proud of how I can adapt to any environment whether it’s in a retail store or behind the scenes, believe me, they’re different approaches and not for everyone. What sets me apart from others is my vibe, genuinely, I’m approachable and willing to teach anyone that wants to learn, or take myself out of my comfort zone and try new things. If it works, amazing! If not, wash it off and try it again. That’s my motto.

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?
I believe that the challenges covered by the media today have brought out more and more opportunities for women. more opportunities to unite and become proactive in not only coordinating civil right marches but changing legislation itself by running for the highest elected office in the nation. It is a fact now that there are more women in the Senate, that this will bring out endless opportunities for all women without regard to sex, religion, race or color.

Pricing:

• Full Face Special Occasion Makeup $85
• Full Face Bridal Makeup $115

Contact Info:

• Phone: 623-512-8776
• Email: murandaarmijo@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makemeupmuranda/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wake-up-and-Glam-152415652141813/?ref=search&__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARA2nzl5YGW8uv0hvpetqt9igC14KTgzn-Bteqvh5cl2dL4ZU08Olfx_HdLpU67aZ5fwiF9PQRdUh8Sm

Image Credit:
Jonathan Allison Photography, Andres Jaquez

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