Meet Genesis Calderon

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

Hi Genesis, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks can sometimes feel intimidating but that’s the whole point. You need to get out of your comfort zone for growth, both personally and creatively. Every risk you take can lead to new opportunities and insights. Whether it’s trying out a new product, reaching out to someone, or simply being open to new experiences, each step can expand your horizons. Don’t be afraid to send that email or dm. No question is a bad question. It’s all about embracing the discomfort and seeing it as a chance to evolve. Taking risks definitely had a part in my career because I had to “shoot my shot”. Doing so gave me the opportunity to establish relationships with others in my industry which opened the door to many opportunities and projects that I might have not encountered otherwise.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I reflect on my journey as a makeup artist, I am proud of myself for embracing every opportunity that has come my way. While it wasn’t easy at first, I’ve learned that opportunities aren’t handed to you, you have to create them for yourself.

Starting out as a makeup artist was challenging since there is so much competition within the beauty community. There were moments when self-doubt crept in. I would find myself constantly comparing my work to other artists. I was convinced that my makeup skills, videos, and creativity weren’t enough to stand out. This mindset held me back, but I realized I had to overcome it in order to develop as an artist. I had to get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Every challenge has shaped me into the artist I am today, and I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries in my work and pursuing my passion for makeup.

I learned that in order to succeed, you have to stay in your own lane and mind your business because by the time you start focusing on what others are doing, an opportunity is going to pass right by and you won’t even notice it. When you concentrate on your own growth and opportunities, you’re much more likely to notice the doors that open around you.

With doing so, I have had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, including music videos, photoshoots, beauty campaigns, runway shows, and bridal events, among many other projects. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained throughout my career.

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?
I would definitely set an entire day to visit Disneyland. We would enjoy all the foods, go on rides, meet characters, and watch the fireworks.

Every other day would be a chill day exploring the beaches and the city.

Must visit places: Santa Monica Pier, Venice beach, Manhattan beach, The Grove/Farmers Market, Rodeo Drive, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign, LACMA, Science Center, The Getty, Olvera Street

Places to eat: Urth cafe, La la land cafe, BOA Steakhouse, Yard House, In n Out, Undergrind cafe, Rakkan Ramen, Cava, Portos, The Rainbow Bar and Grill
Dessert: Spinkles, Somisomi, Crustees, La Michoacana

Lastly, I’d take them out for a ride down the PCH and visit Manhattan beach. There are a variety of restaurants and shops there with a beautiful view.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost I’d like to shoutout my mom. She recognized I had a passion for makeup from a young age and allowed me to express myself freely. I remember drawing makeup on some of my dolls with permanent markers, and instead of getting upset, she encouraged me! Her support helped me develop a love for makeup that has only grown over the years.

I’d also like to shoutout my instructors Hosway Martinez, Brenda Monique, and Priscilla Ono. They have molded me into the makeup artist I am today. I’m grateful for their patience, encouragement, and constructive feedback, which have helped me grow and refine my craft. I will always cherish the lessons I learned from each of them and take these lessons with me as I continue to grow in my artistry.

Lastly I’d like to shoutout one of the greatest friends I ever had, Sebastian. Sebastian had been supporting my makeup journey since day 1. He taught me that I needed to feel uncomfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone to push my skills and creativity. There were times early on in my career when I struggled to believe in myself but he was always there cheering me on and reminding me of my potential. He saw my strengths when I couldn’t, and his encouragement helped me to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges I face. I truly appreciate everything he has done for me and I am forever grateful for his unwavering support.

Website: https://gpcartistry.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @genesispriscila_

Other: https://linktr.ee/genesispriscila

Image Credits
@savy.g @niftyshots @ken.saunders @dela.smooth @mdanielsphoto @lazandandrea @alg.photographs @ambitionv