Meet Iris Navarrette | Author, Entrepreneur, Creative Consultant

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

Hi Iris, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I believe it was destiny! My father was an actor and started a theatre company in Los Angeles in the 1970’s. It was at his theatre as a child that I first became intrigued by the transformational power of makeup. I watched in awe as the makeup artist transformed the actors into characters, serving a critical role in how the character emerged and the story was told. My father was also a writer and he encouraged creativity and self-expression in many different ways. I feel very fortunate to have been steeped in creative environments and around people who were unapologetically pursuing their passion. It was as though I could feel the authenticity of their lives and how it was commensurate to how happy they seemed. It was very early on that I knew I wanted a career that would bring personal fulfillment while being of service and purpose to others. This was, and remains, a foundational core value and it has never led me astray. I went on to climb the corporate ladder and ultimately lead the training organization for an entire workforce of makeup artists before leaving to pursue other personal, creative endeavors. It is with humility that I am able to say I took on the business world without having a traditional academic background; I chose makeup school instead of college, and the road still brought me where I was meant to be! I know it is a cliche, but I believe this above all: Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an artist at heart. I am a first-generation, Greek American, born in Hollywood within a year of my parents moving to Los Angeles to start a new life. My love for makeup began at a very early age. Soon after graduating high school, I wanted to pursue my dream, so I enrolled at a Los Angeles based makeup academy. Over the course of my career, I went from working as a makeup artist behind the counter in a department store, to becoming the Vice President of Education and Makeup Artistry for the number one selling makeup brand in America. I feel extremely blessed and grateful to say that as a woman without a college degree, this put me in a very small percentile of corporate executives in the United States. I have always led with a spiritual and creative mindset, which I considered to be my personal superpower in the business world. I like to say, I flexed spiritual muscle on the corporate hustle. I left corporate America to start my own business and realize a dream of writing a book which I hope will inspire those who are also spiritually minded and pursuing a creative path. My goal is to try to give back and serve others by sharing my story and insights toward a successful approach to business and life. I have learned to NEVER GIVE UP, and “Q.T.I.P”, the acronym for Quit Taking It Personally. Kindness goes a long way. No means, NOT YET. Honor your dreams as though they are a personal alarm clock, awakening you to your destiny. I believe that as individual as we all are, so are our dreams; they do not require justification, just determination.

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.
I love a good “themed” itinerary, so this would have to be an homage to “Old Hollywood meets my old stomping grounds”. First stop: Griffith Observatory to see one of the filming locations of Rebel Without a Cause and the James Dean bust; also where I spent many days gazing out at the Downtown L.A. skyline, dreaming about the future. Next stop: Hollywood History Museum followed by martinis at Musso & Frank Grill; hopefully we can get the Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio booth! At some point we would have to swing by my alma mater, John Marshall High School, to see where the carnival scene at the end of the movie Grease was filmed. Shopping on Rodeo Drive followed by an evening at the Hollywood Bowl, is a must do. The rest of the week might involve cocktails at the Bonaventure hotel followed by a ride in the elevator- although not for the faint of heart! We would definitely visit Marina Del Rey for brunch and boat watching. The week would end at my mom’s house in Atwater Village for some yummy homemade Greek food! OPA!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful to have had many incredible mentors, resources, and positive influences on my journey.  I want to give a huge shout out to my mom, Jeanette, for her bravery, love and sacrifice in giving us a shot at the American dream. To my love Alex, who believes in me and encourages me with love and laughter. Shout out to my sister, Olga and my dearest friends, Nikola and Danielle for their unwavering support and friendship. My mentors, Holly Genovese, Roy Ledezma and Gregory Arlt; they generously and lovingly inspired opportunities that turned dreams into reality. Thank you Helene, Jessica, Catherine, and Monique – so much love for you ladies! One of the most beautiful things about walking a creative path is seeking inspiration and translating its impact into your work. From Freddie Mercury’s voice to Maya Angelou’s poetry, to Kevyn Aucoin’s makeup books; I am immeasurably grateful for the courageous creatives whose talent and legacy inspired me to convert perceived limitations into unlimited possibilities.

Instagram: @iristotle1010

Facebook: Iris Navarrette

Website: glamourofhope.com

Email: inav@glamourofhope.com