Meet Euni Lee | Professional Makeup Artist

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

Hi Euni, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Moving cross country from Virginia to LA was definitely the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. I knew what I was leaving behind – a really good job working at the news station, a well established bridal business, and all my friends and family. Building up my business to what it was in VA I was booked and busy, and I knew moving to LA would mean having to start all over again. I didn’t want fear to be something that kept me from pursuing my dreams and furthering my career, so even though it was a difficult decision it was a risk I was willing to take. I also knew if things didn’t work out in LA I could always move back to Virginia.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 8 years now, I had a career change and started doing makeup later in life and I’ve had an amazing journey so far! I never thought I’d be doing something creative, I went to college for business and thought that would be my career path but it wasn’t a good fit. My friends encouraged me to pursue makeup since I loved it so much, and even though I had no idea what I was doing, once I got started everything started to flow very quickly and naturally. I’ve had my share of hiccups and challenges along the way, but I’ve loved my journey as a makeup artist even with it’s difficulties. Makeup is also what brought me here to LA. Every single challenge I’ve encountered has been a great learning experience and strengthened me as an artist. I’m proof that it’s never too late to pivot and pursue your dreams. You can do anything you set your mind to, because your thoughts shape your reality. My college degree also came full circle since I have my small business as a freelancer. My artistry, I love glowy, natural makeup, it’s my signature look and what I’m really good at and best known for. I’m excited and looking forward to working with the brands I have on my vision board, and seeing my work all over LA.

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?
One thing I love about LA is how diverse it is, every neighborhood has it own little charm. First we would hit up all the good Korean food in Ktown – Parks BBQ, Sun Nong Dan, Hanbat just to name a few. I also love all the cute coffee/tea shops too – Memorylook is a fave because they have abundant parking and great coffee, Damo, is my favorite tea spot, their Jeju camellia flower tea is so good! Maru Coffee in Artis District is also a staple. Another day would be spent at the beach, either Venice or Santa Monica since they’re pretty tourist friendly. I also love the gardens at the Huntington, that place is huge and we’d literally spend the whole day there. Echo park lake is also a nice walk, and my favorite street to walk on is random lol Citrus Ave right in Central LA! I love the homes on that street and await the day I’ll have my own Spanish casita. Silver Lake is also a great place to hangout with all their little shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone there and I like people watching. SGV is great for pampering, I get my facials and massages in that area. Sockerbit right by the Grove has my heart, I’m there about every other week now because their Swedish gummies are my guilty pleasure. My favorite taco spot is currently on the corner of Olympic and Arapahoe. It’s close to where I live and authentic enough, I used to live in Mexico so I’m very picky about my street tacos! LACMA is also another staple and very LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my closest friends, Val, Yuna, Clara, Hannah, the lead artist at ABC 7 News DC Jasmine, my sister Jemie, my parents, and last but not least Emily. I wouldn’t be a makeup artist if it wasn’t for the encouragement from my closest friends, they’re the ones who planted that seed. My sister helped me a lot with all of her connections, including connecting me to Jasmine to work at the news station. Jasmine taught me everything I needed to know about working on set, and I wouldn’t be where I’m at now if it wasn’t for her. Emily welcomed me with open arms here in LA even though we had never met before. She’s been such a good friend and colleague and my experience and work here in LA wouldn’t be what it’s been if it wasn’t for her. Also need to include Crystal and Jenn alongside Emily! My parents have been very supportive of my journey and I owe all my amazing younger life experiences to them. They overcame a lot as immigrant parents and gave me a really good life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Website: https://www.beautybyeuni.com

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

Image Credits
Aglow.media lab
Maya Holt
Dan Chen
Tayo Kuku Jr