Meet Lina Leikam | Hair & Makeup Artist

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

Hi Lina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Lina-Hair and Makeup Artist

How a Dream Took Flight Across the Atlantic –

Lina’s journey in the beauty industry began in her home country Germany. Her fascination with cosmetics drove her to work for various international beauty companies. Working for various international beauty brands, she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of cosmetics. But Lina’s dreams extended beyond Germany. She longed to be part of the vibrant beauty scene in the United States, especially Los Angeles, the heart of the Film industry, makeup trends and Hollywood glamour.
With determination, she made her way first to Cleveland, Ohio and a few years later FINALLY to her dream destination – LA, California, a city that serves as a beacon for dream-chasers and creative souls alike.

From Precision to Glamour –

In California, Lina found her beauty paradise. She lives her dream by working on diverse film & Tv projects, Beauty Events and for many various corporate clients. Her German roots of providing precision work blended perfectly with Hollywood’s glamorous demands. Lina became known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to create looks that truly reflected her clients’ personalities and actor’s film character.

The Hollywood Experience –

Working in the USA, especially in the film and TV industry, brings Lina experiences beyond her wildest dreams. On set, she transforms actors into their characters, each brushstroke adding to the story. The fast-paced Hollywood environment pushes her to constantly innovate, making sure her work stands out in a talent-filled industry. Affluent clients sought her expertise for red-carpet events, and exclusive photoshoots.

New Chapter – The Birth of a Cosmetic Line

Lina’s journey was not without challenges. After over a decade of working with various cosmetic products, she began to notice that her skin was reacting negatively. The redness and sensitivity she experienced underscored a critical realization: the importance of understanding the ingredients in the products we use daily. This personal struggle became the catalyst for a new chapter in her career.
Her goal was clear: to create a clean and natural cosmetic product that supports a healthy, balanced skin barrier both instantly and in the long term.
Lina’s deep dive into the world of ingredients revealed that many artificial and cheap synthetic products were the culprits behind her skin issues. She set out on a mission to develop a product that not only addresses these concerns but that is also effective and enjoyable to use for every skin type, day & night.

The result is a performance beauty balm that is universal for all skin types, capable of balancing stressed skin and full of natural and organic unique ingredients.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

My journey was not without its challenges. Moving to a new country in 2020 right at the time when the Covid pandemic started and the beauty industry shut down, establishing myself in a competitive industry was tough. I faced numerous obstacles, from adapting to a new culture to building a network from scratch twice (Cleveland and LA). However, my passion for beauty and my unwavering determination kept me going. I constantly innovated and ensured my work stood out in a talent-filled industry. The fast-paced Hollywood environment pushed me to be my best, and I embraced every opportunity to learn and grow

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

I’ve learned the importance of staying true to my roots. My German background in precision work has been a unique asset to meet Hollywood’s demands. Lastly, I’ve realized the significance of continuous learning and innovation. The beauty industry is ever-evolving, and staying ahead requires constant adaptation and creativity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
1. California Beaches! A perfect Sunday for her starts with a sunny 80F in her favorite Beach Café – Paradise Cove Beach Café, taking a seat outside, having barefoot feet into the sand and enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee with a view of dolphins jumping by.

2. California State Parks – this is where Lina gathers a lot of inspiration from and recharges her soul. A routine of minimum once a week 2-3 hour walk through wild paths and fields in all different kind of California state parks from Mojave Desert, San Diego Torrey Pines to Crystal Cove – open up her artistry mind.

3. Frends Beauty Store! An insider shopping hotspot to meet all kind of interesting LA Hair & Makeup Artist’s.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Embracing the Dream –

The USA, with its endless opportunities and welcoming environment for innovators and creatives, was the perfect place for my dreams to come true. Here, I found a platform to showcase my skills to an audience that appreciated my artistry, and a market open for new ideas. I have the feeling In this land, any dream can become a reality.
Los Angeles, with its mix of opportunities and challenges, has become my playground. It’s where I continue to create, inspire, and make a difference Additionally, being surrounded by the impressive beauty of nature, so many different cultures, and passionate people, My artistry mind unfolds every day.

Website: https://naturewithlina.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onsitehmua/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linaleikam/