Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Matos.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Samantha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I can remember, I was always interested in makeup. I remember my mom always taking me into Sephora with her and I would play around with all the samples and I also used to collect lipgloss as a kid. In high school, I never really wore makeup. I actually remember the girls bullying me because I didn’t wear any and I think at that moment is when I figured I should. In college, I would wear a basic look, winged eyeliner, mascara, and foundation and would be shy to try anything new. Over the past 3 years, I have gotten really into makeup and playing around with different eye shadows, lip colors, contouring, etc. and I realized I was actually pretty good at what I was doing. I wanted to certify my knowledge of makeup and learn the application of makeup on other people. I am currently enrolled at the Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics and it’s amazing. Not only am I learning new things, but I am also learning about skin care; in my opinion, skin care plays a huge role in makeup application. I am excited to continue my journey!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like everything in life, nothing comes easy. My biggest struggle was finding confidence in myself to put my work out there to the public. Originally, I would do my makeup and take pictures, record videos (trying to be like the YouTuber Beauty Gurus) and never do anything with them because I would be too embarrassed for anyone to see them. I don’t know what happened or what changed my mind I just decided to post my makeup looks on Instagram and got amazing feedback. I don’t think the likes on my Instagram pictures is what made me gain confidence, I think something inside me and all the years of doubting myself is what made me realize to just go for it. I was the only person holding me back. My only advice is to just to find that confidence inside you and go for it!
Please tell us about Makeup by Sam Giselle.
Right now, I am in the process of becoming a certified makeup artist and a licensed esthetician. I, of course, want to be a makeup artist, that’s my primary goal, but I want to learn everything the beauty world has to offer. Through esthetics, I will focus on lash extensions, tinting and lifting, brow services; all those things are a part of the makeup and beauty industry! I also strongly believe learning all about skin care will put me at a higher advantage because I will have a better understanding of which makeup products will work for the client and those that will not. I honestly want to do it all but I know I will find my area of expertise! I think the thing that sets me apart from the next makeup artist and esthetician is that I am myself and just being yourself will get you far in the beauty industry!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Learn as much as you can, and don’t think that you know everything going into a certain industry. Make connections with other people in your field of work! You will always come across people who know something you do not so definitely be open to learning new things and don’t be scared to ask questions!
Contact Info:
- Email: samanthagisellematos@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbysamgiselle/
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