Meet Natalie Pena: Professional Makeup Artist

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

Hi Natalie, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Being fearless and confident (even if you feel inferior)

In this industry there is always someone better than you or with more connections to the inside world of bigger production than you. People believe LA is a large industry, but in reality its not. If there is anything I’ve learned over the years its that there is a small group of people who are constantly being brought on to do the majority of the workload in Hollywood. The saying that its all about who you know in LA is true- and once your in and your work speaks for itself people will vouch for you and continue recommending you for more and more work.

Whenever I would get an opportunity to be apart of a larger production, I would seize it. Even if the work didn’t pay much-or anything at all, I would use it to gain exposure to the big dogs in Hollywood. I would be fearless in approaching bigger directors and producers and offering my services. I believe that being fearless was something I had to force myself to be when I started working with big celebrities. I would force myself to give out my business cards, or engage friendly conversation so I would be noticed. I wouldn’t let feeling intimidated stop me from asking to be included in upcoming work, which essentially, got me more and more work by word of mouth as I continued along.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I first began doing hair & makeup, I did it because I had just had my first child and wanted to be able to be a stay at home mom and make my own hours. I went to school at TNT Agency in California to become certified in makeup artistry which helped me gain confidence and product knowledge. My instructor was very successful in the industry, so I ate up every single piece of advice she would give me. After a 10-12 hour school day, the instructor would ask if anyone wanted to stay longer so she could tell us more about how to get into the industry. I remember only 2 of us stayed and the instructors husband telling us this drive to continue going is what it takes to make it in the industry.

Taking everything I learned, I sought out the best photographers and models I could find (that would be willing to let me work with them) and used that experience to help build my portfolio. I would work for free to get professional photos to add to my website and start branding myself. I would work 12-14 hour days on set but the workload never felt hard to me because I absolutely loved doing it. To this day, I have never felt more myself than being on set being able to be apart of all the work that goes into these large productions. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank all of the people who gave me a chance when I was first starting out. For trusting me enough to recommend me to others, and continuing to help me make my dreams a reality.

I would also like to thank my driving force my children, Mila & Leo who without, I wouldn’t have started doing makeup in the first place. You are both my motivation to continue persevering to be someone you look up to in the future.

Website: www.glambynatalie.com

Instagram: glambynatalie143

Image Credits
Dark photo with african american girl in purple shadow, Photographer Jason Dodson of Created Images. Photo of blonde is by photographer Isaac Matthew White of imwphotography