Meet Maria Esparza | FacePainter

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

Hi Maria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
At first started off as a hobby. I’ve always been about the “hustle culture” growing up in a Hispanic household with 2 hard working parents I’ve always tried to find means to make money to make ends meet , but sometimes it didn’t work out, I would find myself feeling overwhelmed and overworked or stressed. A friend would recommend me to start facepaint since I love doing makeup and crazy looks with sfx and bright colors , soon enough with a great amount of practice I would find myself getting better and enjoying spending time learning brush techniques and color theories, loving each and every outcome. Watching tik toks and Instagram reels of other artists doing this as a full time career made me think I can definitely turn this hobby into my job without making it feel like work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I really do believe you can be anything you want to be as long as you work for it. I’m a full-time mom with a full-time job that has her own Facepaint business. I understand times are hard I have to think about my family and put food on the table, but as a parent we tend to lose ourselves in our children , we get ourselves a 9-5 and live in a routine until we retire, but why can’t we do that plus do what we love ? I want to show my kids that if you work hard enough and make time there is definitely a possibility. As an adult we can still have fun and go out there and chase our dreams big or small. Trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance is difficult but with the support of my family I was able to work and practice.

I would take workshops from other experienced artist and watch YouTube or tik toks about how to sanitize my kit, load a brush, the do’s and don’t’s and molded into what I felt was most comfortable and rolled with it.

I think the biggest challenge I’ve faced with myself is comparing myself to other artist . You sometimes would love what you made and take a look back on someone who is 10+. Years of experience and think “I’m not good enough” and what to quit. But in reality that artist has been through their own journey and practiced to be where they are. I could be them in 10+ years also, knowing I’m good enough for me and with time I could get a lot better than the day before.

I strongly advice parents or older siblings to get their face painted just to bring their inner child out ! I want them to shine just as bright as their glitter on their face.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to Kitakata Ramen , super yummy Japanese ramen noodles with pork belly broth ! Then maybe a trip to the beach or pool where we can be in the sun all day go for a swim and eat chips under the shade and catch up on life take naps . And for the end of the days during sunset cozy up after a shower with some s’mores and coffee/tea. To me life is about self care. Forget work being work and reality of life just for a moment and breathe , smile , laugh and eat and after those moments are gone you will always have something to look forward on your next day, you get to spend time with your loved ones.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my friends and family for their support not only in my work but to be there for me when I need a to talk to. I really would not be where I am now in my business without any of them. My husband, my kids, my parents and siblings , and MUA friends I love you all and super grateful we have crossed paths and we get to keep building each other up ❤️

Instagram: https://instagram.com/facepaintbymariaa?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==