Meet Maridel Papica | Hair and Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maridel Papica and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maridel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I would not be who I am today if I did not take risks in my career. One of the biggest risks I took was when I left my job in the healthcare field. I previously worked at a Retirement Community for 11 years, and I left to pursue my passion in the beauty industry. It’s scary, but I learned that working with anything you are passionate about always involves risks, especially the kind that results in failure and rejection. I took risks by applying to high end salons and never got hired. But this fueled me to start my own business. Leaving a stable job to become an independent woman and entrepreneur is filled with so many risks and uncertainties, but these made me become stronger. I am thankful that I took risks because they allowed me to realize that sometimes things don’t always turn out the way you thought they were going to be. Taking risks, whether there was a good or bad outcome, became a growing experience.

What should our readers know about your business?
My name is Maridel Papica, and I am a Licensed Cosmetologist, Makeup Artist, and Hairstylist. I specialize in providing beauty services including hairstyling, hair coloring, highlights / balayage, and makeup. I work in a studio and at various locations including television sets, music videos, photo shoots, and pageants. I worked in LA Fashion Week. I love what I do and appreciate all my clients. My goal is simple: when my clients are sitting in my chair, I want them to feel beautiful and happy. My business, Maridel Beauty, creates a space where my clients can unwind and relax, even if it’s a brief escape from the craziness of life. Knowing that I made a client feel better after a busy or stressful day, or seeing them look into the mirror as they hold back happy tears on their wedding day makes my job worthwhile.

As a female entrepreneur, I learned to value courage. My struggles taught me to be courageous, and I learned to accept myself, to be confident, so that I could grow and be a better artist. For me, finding that sense of courage became the foundation of my confidence, which in turn strengthened my ability to communicate and collaborate. For example, when I first started, I was scared and felt alone. Sometimes I felt overwhelmed, and I wanted to give up. It was a hard journey, but I was able to work with and learn from others in the industry. I am proud to be part of a supportive community of artists that inspires me to be better as a person, as an artist, and as an entrepreneur. Now, my business and my passion for the beauty industry thrives on those personal moments when I can have heart-to-heart talks with my clients, or when I collaborate with various artists on different projects.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is filled with locations and events that will fuel anyone’s creativity. If anyone is looking for inspiration, I recommend LACMA and the Griffith Observatory. LA is a fashion capital, and when LA Fashion Week happens, that’s when you want to be in LA to take in all the sights and sounds. Everyone needs to unwind, and I’ve always found comfort at the Santa Monica Pier and Zuma Beach. LA has the best food. I recommend the restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown or the many food trucks LA is known for, like the Kogi BBQ.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without family. I’m lucky to have the love and support of my mom, my brothers, and my husband and number one supporter, Raymund.

I am also thankful to have a handful of creative artists and friends support me along my journey. A special thanks goes to my friend and my first hairstylist, Santiago Santiago, who motivated me to finish beauty school years ago while I was sitting in his salon chair. He works magic on hair.

I am also thankful to have met my friend Kate Chavez, an amazing Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist who I’ve had the honor to work with (she is the one who nominated me).

I am also proud to call Cristina Gomez, owner of Glam Brides Co., a friend who also encouraged me to be an artist. Cristina is a go-getter, a savvy business woman, a mother, and an educator who continues to inspire others. I’ve known Cristina for a few years, and I have had the privilege to work with her at the salon, on set, and on weddings. It’s always fun working with her– she inspired me to learn about business, and to keep pursuing my goals and creativity.

Website: https://www.maridelbeauty.com

Instagram: @maridelbeauty

Facebook: @maridelbeautyhmua

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok/@maridelbeauty

Image Credits
Claudia Bueno Photography, Kate Chavez, Camille Buensusceso, Cece Asuncion