Rising Stars: Meet Diana C Quintero of scottdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana C Quintero.

Hi Diana C, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised in Venezuela, I embarked on my journey in the beauty industry at a young age, driven by a fascination with self-expression and beauty in all its forms. At just six years old, I was already dreaming of participating in pageants, getting my hair done, and exploring what beauty truly meant.

Growing up in a strict, private school, I found my creative outlet in dance, where makeup and fashion became my passion. Moving to America opened my eyes to diverse standards of beauty, which only fueled my desire to pursue this path. I started buying makeup with my lunch money, discreetly practicing and refining my skills without my parents knowing.

After high school, I pursued a career in the beauty industry, working at counters like Macys and Sephora, where I honed my customer service skills and learned the nuances of makeup artistry. I then transitioned into freelancing, gaining experience and building my craft.

Today, I am proud to lead my own beauty company, a venture that has grown through hard work, dedication, and the support of an incredible team of fellow makeup and hair artists.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—my path has been anything but smooth. Moving from Venezuela to the United States was one of the biggest transitions of my life. Adapting to a new culture, language, and environment brought moments of uncertainty—especially financial ones. There were days I worked up to 17 hours just to stay afloat. But those early challenges helped shape the resilience I carry with me today.

Breaking into the beauty industry took unwavering perseverance. I began at makeup counters like MACys and Sephora, putting in long hours while simultaneously honing my skills as a freelance artist. It wasn’t always glamorous—I was learning on the go, juggling traditional jobs while chasing a dream that often felt just out of reach.

Launching my own business added yet another layer of complexity. Entrepreneurship demanded a whole new skill set—learning the logistics, building a loyal client base, assembling the right team, and staying competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

But through every obstacle, I chose to grow. Each setback taught me something—about business, about people, and most importantly, about myself. Those struggles weren’t roadblocks; they were stepping stones. And today, I wear those experiences with pride, because they’ve made my success that much more meaningful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional hair and makeup artist specializing in South Asian and Western weddings, as well as special events. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with a few celebrities, but what truly drives me is being part of the most important moments in my clients’ lives—whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, or a major milestone.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come at such a young age. Running a business didn’t come with a handbook. I had to step out of my comfort zone, relearn skills, and adapt quickly. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, sacrifices, and yes—tears. But I never quit. I truly believe that once we learn to embrace failure as a necessary part of growth, it stops being something to fear. That mindset has been a game-changer for me.

What sets me apart is that my business isn’t just about hair and makeup—it’s about creating a meaningful experience. I don’t see my clients as just clients; I see them as souls, each one with their own world, culture, and story. As an immigrant, my journey has opened my eyes to the beauty of cultural diversity, and I bring that awareness into every interaction. My goal is always to make each person feel seen, valued, and elevated—not just in how they look, but in how they feel.

For me, beauty is about connection. And being trusted on someone’s most important day is a privilege I never take lightly. That’s where my passion truly thrives.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something not many people know about me is that I come from a family deeply rooted in service and resilience. Growing up, my father was a politician in Venezuela. I watched him work tirelessly for his community, and that work ethic stayed with me. Tragically, I lost both my father and brother in an airplane crash—a moment that changed my life forever.

That loss forced me to grow up quickly. It taught me how fragile life is, and how important it is to live with purpose. Since then, I’ve carried a deep appreciation for every encounter I have. Whether I’m working with a bride on her wedding day or helping someone prepare for a special event, I don’t take those moments for granted. Every person, every experience, matters.

Something that often surprises people is how much I personally manage behind the scenes. From the outside, my brand may look polished and seamless—but the truth is, I’ve built it from the ground up. From client communication and scheduling to packing my kit and perfecting every detail of the experience—I’ve done it all myself, and I still do.

Interestingly, I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a makeup artist. My passion found me through life’s journey. What began as a creative outlet transformed into a calling. I had to relearn so many things—fast—from leadership and branding to self-discipline and emotional resilience. My path wasn’t just about mastering my craft; it was about becoming a businesswoman and visionary.

What sets me apart is how I approach beauty. To me, it’s not just external—it’s emotional, spiritual, and cultural. As someone who has lived in different countries and worked with clients from all walks of life, I’ve learned that beauty is deeply personal. It’s energy. It’s storytelling. It’s connection. And my greatest passion is creating meaningful, unforgettable experiences that honor that.

Pricing:

• fully mobile beauty company

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iconfacees.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iconfacees/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/iconfacees-phoenix-2