Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Perez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I wasn’t allowed to start wearing makeup until I was about 16 years old. I remember wearing eyeliner to school and rubbing my eyes clean on my way home just so that my mother wouldn’t know. When I finally got the go ahead, I didn’t really invest much effort into it. After all my mom didn’t wear much, if any, makeup so I didn’t really have anyone to show me the ropes. That is until I watched my first YouTube makeup tutorial. It was a Jacyln Hill tutorial and I haven’t been able to turn back since. I realized early on that makeup gave me the freedom to be as creative as I wanted to and soon it became my second love- coming second to writing.
My love for makeup consumed me. I invested every cent, every minute of my free time, to learning everything I could. I would wear elaborate makeup looks – most times involving glitter – to do mundane things like go to the grocery store. A full face of makeup became my norm, not because I thought I needed it but because it allowed me to express myself. Sitting at my desk and going through the steps to achieve whatever look I had in mind for that day brought me a sense of calm. It also did wonders for my confidence. I saw a fire within myself that I was in awe with. I loved my passion for the craft. But it wasn’t until I started freelancing that I knew that makeup would be a life long passion.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wish that it’s been a smooth road! I think the biggest struggle that many creatives face is getting exposure and that’s definitely been my main struggle. I was lucky enough at the beginning of my journey to have the support of people that truly believed that I would succeed and who therefore were more than willing to give me opportunities and tell their friends. That helped a lot, especially when I felt like giving up. My biggest piece of advice for young women who want to start freelancing in the makeup community is that it’ll take time. You have everything that you need to achieve your dream, no matter what that is, but it will take time to get there. Don’t pay attention to what everyone else is doing because that’ll only distract you. Don’t you like colorful looks? Don’t do them. Is glitter the love of your life? Make it your focus! Tailor your abilities to your dream and always look forward. You’ll get there. You have everything it takes.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a makeup enthusiast turned freelancer! I think what I take the most pride in, apart from starting my own handmade cosmetics brand, is being self-taught. It has been a lot of hard work. I love that I’ve been able to take the information I have spent hours and hours researching and successfully apply it to my craft to make both men and women alike feel they’re very best. I approach my craft with honesty and understanding. My objective is to do everything in my power to make you feel amazing while you’re in my chair. That is the main standard that I hold myself to and I am not willing to compromise that.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
The internet is your best friend! Remember that your craft has a community – whether it’s makeup or not. Find it and make friends. That’ll be the best approach. You’d be surprised how many people believe that they can eat and so can you. Sure, there will be times when you run into people that are not willing to share their knowledge, but don’t let that stop you! Be friendly, be honest about your intentions, and you’ll find someone willing to give you the help you need.
Pricing:
- Full face with lashes: $50
- Full face with no lashes: $45
- Prom makeup: $40+
Contact Info:
- Website: thewandaperez.com
- Email: thewandaperez@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewandaperez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewandaperez/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewandaperez
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTTKR1uL79wAMQ3NDjNREsg/videos
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager 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.
