Meet Daja Hartman | Makeup, Hair, Grooming, Creative

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

Hi Daja, how do you think about risk?
Risk is a key component to growth and success. Uncertainty is the main ingredient in the space we create, because all creative work is a collaboration between mind and nature. It’s a practice of constantly preparing for the opportunities that present themselves. There’s always a risk that nothing great will materialize, but I know I have done the work to show up in the best way I can. You cannot directly control the outcome. My life and career is built on the art of taking risks: It’s always uncomfortable but so worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as an artist has been windy, steep, slow, fast and uniquely mine. I’m so happy I’ve been crazy enough to show up.

Being an artist was held in high regard in my family, both on my dad’s side (they’re serious, traditional, European ) and on my mothers side (they’re hippy NY-LA scrappy dreamers). Both my parents had creative ways of surviving. I’m grateful for both perspectives.

*Contrast is very important and gives us so much perspective.

To be honest I never felt I would be gifted enough to be an artist, even though it was all I could think about most of the time. To be creative in everything I did, why we feel and how we choose to communicate constantly consumed me. Feelings of unworthiness flooded my brain with self limiting beliefs that were later validated by my Omi when she denied supporting me in university * In her eyes I was a bad investment. She told me to figure out what kind of slave I would like to be, that’s all I was worthy of. This one painful event was the start of this beautiful journey. I believed her and now I am grateful to her.

The yearning to explore the depth of this human experience, to express and connect, pushed me on my unique path. I have always had an insatiable curiosity and it continues today. After briefly exploring a career in the music industry ( I landed a partial scholarship to the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Science’s in Mesa, AZ…..) I quickly learned that just because you love music doesn’t mean you should make it; all the equipment was overwhelming and I quickly lost interest. I did learn that I’m quite obsessed with the mind of an artist, constantly curious about why, where and how we create. Witnessing their process and way of thinking was addicting. I love that space. I quickly found myself seeking out the misfits and artists of all kinds the more eccentric the better! We spent time exploring ideas smoking pot among other drugs and immersing ourselves in spaces full of extremes. If I couldn’t go to college I was going to live hard and fast collecting as many experiences as possible, and if I wasn’t able to be an artist I would surround myself with the worthy ones. In my heart I think I always knew everything would eventually add up to my value as an artist- I just needed experience- to stay present to keep living and make the best of what I had available. Love to tell myself a good story!

I did spend a short time at community college feeling lost and not finding a focus + the accumulating student debt stressed me out. The hard and fast lifestyle was also catching up with me. I will say the short time I did go to college inspired me to continue learning outside the structures of institutional education. So I vowed to travel, learn the world 1st hand, while also devouring books on artists, producers dead and alive across many different mediums. And to never grow up! I would do anything to not repeat the suffering adults were doomed to live.
In my late teens and early twenties, I found myself falling hard for a man that’s an artist. I was obsessed with him, the art, our way of life; anything was possible and we had the power to sculpt it. He was worthy and I wanted to create the space for his art to be seen and to fully live our story. Witnessing his process and career was intoxicating. I couldn’t believe it, we were really doing it! Things moved very fast and I’m so grateful for the experience. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without his influence and the hundreds of artists I had the honor to share space and ideas with. Not to mention we traveled the world, lived in a van. I have had the privilege of living a free life with space to truly develop ideas and a unique perspective. During this time I went to esthetician school thinking it was worth the investment even if I just used the knowledge for myself. I have always enjoyed being well-groomed and aesthetic has been a main theme but haven’t always had the budget to satisfy my grooming/aesthetic obsession. The school had a few makeup courses I could add on to the program so I did. Right out of school I landed a job at a spa doing skincare services. Then, on a blessed day that changed my life forever, the makeup artist quit and the owner offered the job to me! Tbh I felt trapped just doing skincare services in the same room everyday. The makeup gig was a ray of sunshine! I really enjoyed the human connection and the ability to manipulate features. The first few years I stumbled around the industry working as a freelance makeup artist and explored different career paths. After a few years the excitement wore off and I was feeling insecure with my skills. Fortunately for me, my best friend from middle school (like a sister to me) had pursued a career as a makeup artist but had moved to California and gone to school and was already working on fashion shoots/commercial jobs. I’ll say more about this friend, Meagan, later. Long story short, she led me to another teacher, Donna Mee who was instrumental in kick starting my career. The years have flown by, ten years since studying with Donna and fourteen years since getting my aesthetician license.

Over those 14 years I am most proud of the community I have maintained and built around me. I have been working with some of the same artists for more than 10 years, and I’ve learned so much from my people. I feel safe and supported, and I get to be creative alongside the most amazing humans. Assisting has been a big part of my journey. Supporting another artist is an amazing way to learn not just the skills of the craft but ways of showing up and honoring the craft. I am so proud that I’ve been brave enough to show up, and move through these experiences, which can be scary and exciting. An essential part of being an artist is having integrity, which means consistently fighting resistance. It is a process of self discovery and growth as well as a technical practice. Looking back it feels like everything happened by accident, trusting the process and surrendering to the unknown is uncomfortable but it all has felt so right. This journey has actually rearranged my entire approach to living: I have now let go of any expectation of what the future holds. I accept that I’m just here living it. What matters is the way we do things, the patterns we trace and where we pay our attention. The rest takes care of itself. It’s a good place to be

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 have been living on La for almost 3 years already! I love it! And love to have visitors to adventure with. I have had a lot of practice playing tour guide.

Day 1 Coffee Commissary
-The Getty + there’s plenty of green grass to plop down on to to enjoy some snacks and people watch.
-Pace restaurant is a nice piece of Hollywood history and the food and atmosphere are good. My dad loved visiting saying “he likes the way I eat” lol

Day2 Runyon canyon the hike has beautiful views and is quick with a steady incline.
Brunch at Dialog cafe!The food does not disappoint and the people watching is superb.
The Last Book store
Evening walk/ or if there’s a movie showing @Hollywood Forever cemetery
pick up or dine in, at Pura Vita, or Tu Madre

Day 3 Yoga at modo yoga in silver lake,
Brunch at Botanica cafe an American Mediterranean fusion restaurant with some of the best coffee!
Walk to and around silver lake revisor or a siesta in the park.
Rockaway records ( you now have to make an apt for privet shopping which is the best.)

Day 4 -Farm cup coffee.
– Griffith hike/ stroll ( exploring the abandoned zoo is fun)
– Butchers Daughter.
– The Museum of Jurassic Technology, there’s a lovely tea garden on the roof.
– The comedy store always has funnies happening

Day 5 Gjusta
-explore Vince beach- boardwalk, skate park, people watching and shops The whole beach town is a vibe
-Fig tree cafe,
-Wabi on Rose

Day 6
-dog town coffee
-Malibu Farm cafe
-Point dume.
-Solstice park is always a good option for some nature and views.
-Malibu country market, Taverna Tony for dinner.

Day 7
– Huegos
– Green Table
-Afternoon at Voda spa or wi spa depending on the company
-Sunset Observatory
-Casa Madera

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ironically I would say my very 1st influence to anything artsy was my Omi (grandmother). She was an artist and came from a family who highly respected the arts. I spent a good portion of my childhood hanging in her studio while she would work , I found comfort being around flow. We connected by laying in the garden or walking the beach, exploring life and finding Inspiration for our art. She taught me how to be with nature. I have carried her way as a baseline approach to everything I do.

I wouldn’t be where I am without the amazing influences, mentors and supporters I have had along my journey. First my dad, who gave me $2,000 to build my first makeup kit. Having a good solid kit is a big deal.

Then there’s my Mom who always encouraged me to do things my way, always reminding me there’s a myriad of ways to live and see the world, to not be controlled by the common story.

Meagan Richardson took me on my first set and has referred me to some of my best jobs; I’m so grateful I get to work alongside one of my main people. Her guidance led me to Donna Mee, a brilliant lady who’s had a long successful career as a makeup artist. Donna showed me the ins and outs of the industry, the science behind makeup, the power of illusion and what it takes to be successful. I’m so grateful for her knowledge and the community of artists I have met through her. I feel very lucky – It’s all about the people who guide you. No one gets anywhere alone.

I could list hundreds of different jobs that go into producing anything, it truly takes a village. It’s a pleasure to work alongside so many different types of artists dancing the project’s dance and delivering an authentic product only we as a collective could have created. I truly love it so much.

Socials to some of the makeup artist I have had the pleasure to asst
@Erinskipley,@aaronpaulbeauty,@meaganmua,@kcwitkamp,@crystallize,@kyliesallee,@nathanheji, @donnameeinc, @heidinymark

Website: https://Dajahartman.com

Instagram: dajahartmanart

Image Credits
Cully Wright
Jeff Nelson
Jmanz photo