Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Guillen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was always interested in beauty, for as long as I can remember. I would always bother the MAC employees, and come in to buy the newest makeup. I would go in for my school dances and get my makeup done, and then go home and redo or tweak it to my likings. That’s when I knew I enjoyed doing makeup, especially after my friends started asking me to do theirs as well! It sort of fell into my lap.
I then decided to do some research and look into the ‘best of the best’ makeup school. I found this amazing school in Los Angeles, California and I booked a trip to go and visit with my mom. No questions asked, I was on a plane and moving across the country at 18 years old right out of high school to pursue my dream school and dream career! Everyone thought I was crazy, but I knew my heart was set on it. I took every course they offered- beauty, bridal, runway, commercial/print, editorial, special effects, airbrushing (airbrush makeup and tanning), and studio hairstyling.
I then decided to move back home and see where my knowledge would then take me! I started working for many prestigious makeup lines such as MAC cosmetics, NARS cosmetics, different salons around the Chicagoland area, etc. I always made it a point to pass out my card and make relationships with my clients! I had a at home studio, and I eventually got busy enough to go strictly on my own, and that’s when I decided to take the plunge and open my first studio location in Wheaton, Illinois five years ago! Now, almost a year ago to date I decided to open a second studio location in downtown Gold Coast and I am so blessed. 🙂
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 have to say my journey with makeup has been amazing. I have not had many obstacles, but it definitely was hard work to build my brand from the ground up and get established as a makeup artist! This industry is mainly word of mouth and referrals, and I am so grateful to all of my clients for constantly referring me and talking so highly about my services 🙂
It takes patience to build a clientele in any beauty profession, but the outcome is so worth it if you’re willing to put in the work. I definitely put in my time behind makeup counters, and working for beauty lines. Although I was good at sales, I knew behind the counter wasn’t for me. It took the fun out of the artistry for me and I truly just loved seeing my clients’ reactions when seeing their ‘look’ we created and making them feel their best! I’d be lying if I said my family or friends didn’t believe it was a promising career when initially telling them, but now they cannot believe how busy I am and how in demand beauty services are! I knew this, so I said just watch me from day one.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with LG Makeup Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
LG Makeup Design is my business name, and I specialize in professional makeup, airbrush makeup, custom organic airbrush tanning, and bridal makeup.
I took classes and studied in beauty, bridal, runway, commercial, print, film, editorial, special effects, airbrushing, and studio hairstyling for basic hair styling techniques.
I am known for my makeup, airbrush makeup, and airbrush tanning services
I am most proud of my product knowledge and my diligent work in getting to be versatile with working on different skin types, skin tones, and creating a different look per my client’s requests! I truly believe that building relationships with people, and listening to what they want sets you apart. I love meeting people and making sure my clients absolutely love their ‘look’ we create. I make friendships and truly value my customers, and I think they see that!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future so far are to keep expanding my business, and potentially look into store fronts (currently in salon suite settings for both locations). I intend to hire an assistant for tans sooner than later, and expand my bridal business by hiring artists eventually! I intend to keep the same standards for customer service and the overall experience in my studio’s the same, but always looking to enhance it 🙂
Eventually I would like to formulate my own cosmetic line as well. Not just slap my name on an already made product- actually formulate and create my own cosmetic line down to the shades, formulas, etc. I feel like makeup lines that are made by artists are always better, probably because we know what we want in our products, and what things may dislike about any products we already use!
There are expansions coming with LG Makeup Design, so if anyone knows of any great referrals for an assistant- I’d love if you’d send em’ my way! 😉
Pricing:
- Airbrush + traditional makeup application starting at $75-85
- Custom organic airbrush tanning starting at $25-55
Contact Info:
- Address: Wheaton Studio address:
324 East Geneva Road
Suite F
Wheaton, IL. 60187
(Located inside of Salons Etc.)Downtown Gold Coast studio address:
100 East Walton Street
Suite 132
Chicago, IL. 60611
(Located inside of Phoenix Salon Suites) - Website: www.LGMakeupDesign.com
- Phone: (630) 550-2593
- Email: Lauren@LGMakeupDesign.com
- Instagram: @LGMakeupDesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LGMakeupDesign
- Twitter: @LGuillz21
- Yelp: yelp.com/LGMakeupDesign
Image Credit:
Lindsey Cavanaugh / Vibetribe Creative
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
