Today we’d like to introduce you to Esmeralda Caballero.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Esmeralda . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Let me start from the beginning, I was born In the state of Michoacan, Mexico. My family immigrated to the United States when I was only 4 years old. I come from a very hardworking family, my parents were always working, going the extra mile to provide for my siblings and I. Seeing this growing up inspired me to never settle and always aspire for more.
Since I was a little girl, I have been passionate about anything that allows me to be creative. It hasn’t only been makeup; it was drawing, poetry and writing as well. Anything that made me use my imagination and creativity. I used to be that girl who stayed up all night daydreaming about what one day my life would be like.
As a young girl, makeup was part of my life, I’m referring to 7 years old me walking around with my purse and my lip gloss. My mother used to buy me the little makeup kits for kids. I loved doing my hair, wearing my dresses and yes, you guessed it, doing my makeup. That didn’t become a problem until I reached 7th grade that I left behind my “toy makeup” and reached out for real makeup and I started getting in trouble. I grew up in a very strict household so my father used to always tell me I was too young to be wearing so much makeup. I used to get upset and like every typical teen, I felt like they just didn’t understand and didn’t let me be me.
High school came, I was allowed to do more so that’s when I started playing more with my hair, makeup, and clothing. I remember in those times makeup was not as big as it is now. So, for inspiration, I used to look at magazines, cd covers and I used to try to recreate the makeup looks they had. I also took every art class and drawing class they offered in school. Art was one of the only classes that I truly enjoyed and that I felt like I knew what I was doing. During my teen years, I was not allowed to go out much so while everyone was out having “fun” I used to go to my room and do my makeup on my bedroom floor. It used to be upsetting then, but now, I’m kind of happy it went that way.
College came around and I had to pick a career, I felt completely lost because I loved makeup but my family used to tell me to pick “a real career”. They used to ask me, “How are you going to live off makeup?” Back then, only celebrities got their makeup done, so a part of me told me to be realistic and the other part believed she could. Dreams can come true, right? But without the support, I felt completely lost. I did go to college, took some classes and I added a theater makeup class just for fun. While in that class, I realize my potential, my teacher would often tell me how great my work was. Many of the lessons we had I realized that it was self-explanatory to me, while many of the students simply just didn’t get it. That’s when I realized, I can really do this! It seems like this just comes naturally to me and people would ask, “How do you know?” I simply replied with, “I have no clue, I just know.”
After that happened, I realized I can really do this so, while I was bored, I decided to google makeup jobs near me and Sephora came up and I applied. I was not even looking for a job. I did this out of boredom, thinking I would not get the call. To my surprise, they called me, I got called for the interview, went in, then, I was interviewed by two managers and guess who got the job? I did! Best day ever. I worked at Sephora for two years, I loved doing makeup but then I realized that this was not it.
Sephora opened my door, to my dream job. When I started, only in my wildest dreams did I think I would be where I am now. While I worked there, I remember getting to a point that I enjoyed what I did but, it was just not for me, I wanted more. I needed the job, so I stayed, and I continued working and learning and getting as much knowledge as I could.
Being a mom also made it so much harder, I hated leaving my son. There were times, he would cry and that would break my heart. I would be wiping my own tears as I drove away. I knew to work was important but I thought to myself, why have children if I can’t be there for them? It became another motivation. I knew I had to make it work for me to do what I love and to be there for my children. I practiced, practiced and practiced. Instead of feeling stuck, I used it to my full advantage and gained as much knowledge as I could. To help myself, I also started freelancing before and after work. Which made me be away from my child even more, but I knew it soon would be worth it.
I started building my clientele and once I felt ready, I made the decision to leave Sephora. Was it an easy one? I can’t say it wasn’t, but I believed in myself and I told myself that it was up to me to make it. Everyone had something to say about my decision, many helped me believe in what I was capable of while others tried to make me question myself. But lastly, I went with what I believed, which was to listen to my gut and pursue my dream. It hasn’t been a walk in the park, there’s been ups, downs, and challenges but I have made it work.
Now, I took Sephora as a start to my journey, even though it wasn’t my destination, it has also been one of the best decisions I made to make my dreams come true. So remember, we all start somewhere and it’s okay if it’s not where you want to be but, never lose focus on where you are going.
Having my own business has been one of the greatest blessings; I’m a single mother of an amazing little boy and a precious little girl. They are my greatest motivation, they keep me wanting more and reaching for more. I don’t only have to make myself proud but, I have to make them proud. It hasn’t been easy, running a business and being a single mother, it might sound nearly impossible. I often get asked, “How in the world do you do it?” My answer is, you have to love something so much to make it work. I have simply learned to manage my time; I treat my business like my child. A business needs love, time and attention and we want the best for our children, so I always try my absolute best. It can easily seem overwhelming but I wouldn’t have it any other way. In this life, there is absolutely nothing we can not have if we only work hard enough. Esme Makeup Artist has been running for 5 years now, and this is just getting started!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think anything in life comes easy, I’ve had many challenges like I mentioned before being a single mother; that itself makes me feel like giving up is not an option. When I was just starting, there was a time, I would literally be counting pennies to pay my rent. I think it’s part of being human to wonder if you’re doing the correct thing. But when you are passionate about something, you just need to stay focused and never give up. Self-love and believing in yourself plays a huge role in being successful. There will be times, where you will question yourself but you simply need to remind yourself why you’re doing it. The road to success has many curveballs and it’s up to us to be perseverant and not give up at any sign of difficulty.
Please tell us about Esme Makeup Artist.
I specialize in bridal and full glam makeup. I also offer one on one makeup lessons for beginners to intermediate learners who want to learn the steps to achieve a natural to full face makeup application. I am known for my dramatic before and after but don’t get me wrong, I can also give a natural makeup look, it’s all about what the client wants. As a brand, I am most proud of seeing my hard work take off. Each face is a new canvas for me and I make sure my client looks and feels confident with the end result. What sets me apart is how passionate I am about helping each client look glamorous and feel confident, whether it is for their special day or a night out. Each makeup application is customized to each client and to make their best features stand out. I work from home but I’m also a traveling makeup artist, which means I go to you. My kit includes all kinds of products for all types of skin and every kind of complexion. I take care of all aspects of my travel from my chair, lighting, and my makeup kit.
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?
Talk to everyone, make friends with people who have similar interest. We can learn so much from people who are also passionate about something even if it’s not the same kind of business you have. Don’t be shy to ask for help, ask for advice most of the time people are understanding and will be willing to help you. Read, read a lot there are many business books out there. I love to read anything business related or motivating or about self-improvement. As always, keep your eyes on the price and never give up and knowing what you want will help you immensely. Remember, ask the universe for what you want and you shall receive. I’m a huge believer in the law of attraction.
Contact Info:
- Email: esmemuaxo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @esmemuaxo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Esmemuaxo/
Image Credit:
Esmeralda Caballero
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