Meet Natalie Lopez | Hairstylist, Make-Up Artist & Salon Co-Owner

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

Hi Natalie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I honestly never wanted to be a business owner but I knew the kind of environment I wanted to be in. I wanted to create a space that felt like a second home for not only myself but for my clients as well. I wanted my workplace to be somewhere I was excited to walk into everyday, where my creativity and love for art could thrive.

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 am a hairstylist, sfx make-up artist and salon co-owner. It has never been a goal of mine to be different than others or stand-out, but more-so to do the things that make me happy. I am excited that I get to goto work and build lasting relationships with clients, where we can laugh & cry together like family. It makes me genuinely happy to help others feel beautiful all while they decompress from their busy lives. I was fortunate enough to start my cosmetology journey in high school and became licensed by the time I was 18. I quickly became an assistant & dedicated my weekends to my craft while I worked a part-time job and attended college. I was always worried to trust that my craft alone would get me to where I wanted to be: free from corporations. It wasn’t easy trying to complete a degree, build a clientele and work retail. Sometimes I would only get 3 hours of sleep but it all got me to where I am today. As soon as I completed my bachelors degree in a career I wasn’t excited about, I enrolled into special effects make-up school. My second passion. I want the world to know that at the end of the day, you gotta love what you do or it’ll eat you alive. Work your full time job and do what you must to be financially stable but never give up on your passion.

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?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would take them to the Formosa in hollywood for a tasty green tea martini and good eats. I would take them to explore the iconic restaurants in downtown los angeles such as the pantry or phillippe’s sandwich shop. I’d also take them to a dodger game or a king’s game and follow it up with a few cocktails at tiki ti. We’d visit museums such as the death museum or the torture museum in hollywood and definitely can’t pass up a couple days in San Diego.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanted to thank Talin Ebrahimi, my former manager. She instilled in me the importance of following your passion and always continuing education from the very beginning of my career. She has always been someone I could reach out to for advice even long after I moved on from working at her salon. I’m forever grateful that she gave me the opportunity when she did & that she is someone I can count on til this day, 13 years later.

Instagram: hairbyesp00kz