Meet Trailblazer Karen Bracamonte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Bracamonte.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started selling an online cosmetic brand as a side to bring an extra income, I will teach the ladies how to use the products and do a mini makeover to show them. I used to get really excited every time someone was coming over to buy makeup, up to this day, almost three years, it hasn’t been a day that I wake up and say I don’t want to do makeup today! My husband kept telling me you should really start doing makeup professionally I see how much You like it and the faces of the ladies you do the makeovers say it all they love it!! I just listen to him. And say I’m good at selling stuff until I started receiving calls from the clients saying remember the mini-makeover you did for me, I loved it, I’m going to a wedding would. Would you do my makeup again..??

Sooooo, I listened to my husband and started looking to make workshops, I went to three of them then I said, ok, I think I can do this. It will just be a weekend thing, I started advertising on Facebook and local FB sites and little did I know, that my weekend thing was going to be an almost. The everyday thing I live in a small town in Sierra Vista, Az but now, most of my work is in Tucson, AZ for weddings and Phoenix for fashion shows and my weekdays mostly working with photographers and wedding trials.

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?
No, it has not been easy but one thing I know is you have to work for what you want and work twice as hard to keep it!

This industry can be scary and picky, be yourself, be an example, don’t be afraid of developing your own technique, there are clients for every taste, but one thing I can tell you, always be humble, everything else will follow.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a published editorial makeup artist for the volant magazine botanical garden edition (I know I’m over the moon of excitement over this) and I also specialize in airbrush makeup and Bride’s last year, I was part of the Tucson, AZ fashion week as one of their makeup artists where I worked closely with the famous designer bbcala and also done some fashion shows in Phoenix fashion shoots editorial. This type of makeup I love as I’m able to show more of what I’m capable of and express my art in a more colorful way, I’ve been published in a novel as the author’s hair and makeup artist as well.

I think what sets me apart from others is my love for this art shows!! I’m always willing to work getting up at 3 a.m doesn’t scare me to do makeup. I’m always willing to travel where my bride’s and work is. I’m trained to do all types of makeup and also have to take workshops with some of the biggest in this industry and television. I’ve been able to develop my own technique and always willing to train others, but most importantly, when my clients tell me they come back for the overall service I provide and how I make them feel so special and the way I take care of them.

What makes me more proud as a brand is when your client keeps coming back and they refer you to all the people they know, that’s my best advertisement and I’m grateful and thank them for it, without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Yes, of course, I love to read (when I have time), if you are starting off, but even if you don’t, I really liked and found interesting.

Face painting the story of makeup by Lisa Eldridge.
If you are an artist, you will love to learn the story of makeup and it’s all in this book.

I’ve also have invested in workshops with a makeup artist that has worked on television and around the world always have to keep updating your self with the new trends that’s why I always try to learn from the best.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 520 266 9564
• Instagram: Instagram.com/nayes_makeup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nayes-Makeup-138245400047474/

Image Credit:
@Adelynphotography, @elladelailahphotography, @audrey-cullip_photography, @chloedarling, Pete Mecozzi    @petemecozziphotography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.