Meet Nisha Vig | Nisha Vig | Business Owner, Makeup Artist & Image Consultant

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

Hi Nisha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about building a philosophy. I started with a simple, unwavering belief: True beauty radiates from within. It’s the harmony between what nourishes your body and how you present yourself to the world. As a South Asian economics graduate from UCSD, I saw an opportunity to blend my analytical skills with my lifelong passion for beauty and storytelling. For over a decade, I poured my heart into NV Makeup Art, helping clients feel confident and radiant through expert makeup and hairstyling for weddings, photoshoots, and even behind-the-scenes work on Hollywood sets.

But in 2020, the world shifted, and so did my perspective. With in-person services on hold, I faced a challenge: How could I continue to empower people’s beauty when I couldn’t even be in the same room? This challenge became the catalyst for my next venture: Mindfuel Matcha. I realized that radiant skin and true confidence start with what you put into your body. Drawing on my cultural heritage and a belief in holistic wellness, I created a premium, ceremonial-grade matcha designed to fuel mental clarity, sustained energy, and antioxidant-rich skin health.

Working on those Hollywood sets taught me the power of a cohesive image. It’s not just about the makeup or the outfit; it’s about how everything comes together to tell a story. That’s why I expanded into image consulting, helping clients align their inner and outer selves. I guide them in creating a lifestyle that supports their personal brand, from the matcha they drink in the morning to the skincare rituals they follow and the wardrobe choices that reflect their authentic selves.

Today, I run NV Makeup Art, Mindfuel Matcha, and my image consulting practice as a unified ecosystem. Each element complements the others, creating a holistic approach to beauty and wellness that is uniquely my own. My journey is a testament to the power of blending passion with purpose and of creating businesses that not only meet a need but also inspire a transformation.

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.
What really sets me apart is how I blend my love for beauty with a thoughtful, holistic approach. I started out with a simple belief: true beauty comes from within. It’s all about the balance between what you put into your body and how you show up to the world. With a background in economics from UCSD and a passion for storytelling, I spent over a decade building NV Makeup Art, helping people feel confident and radiant through makeup and hairstyling for weddings, photoshoots, and even Hollywood sets.

Then 2020 happened, and everything changed. With in-person work on pause, I had to rethink how I could keep empowering people’s beauty from a distance. That’s when Mindfuel Matcha was born. Drawing on my South Asian roots and a belief in holistic wellness, I created a premium matcha that supports mental clarity, sustained energy, and glowing skin from the inside out.

Working on Hollywood sets taught me something huge: beauty isn’t just about makeup or clothes-it’s about the whole story you tell with your look. That inspired me to expand into image consulting, helping clients bring their inner confidence and outer style into perfect harmony. From the matcha they sip in the morning to their skincare and wardrobe choices, I guide them to build a lifestyle that truly reflects who they are.

Now, I run NV Makeup Art, Mindfuel Matcha, and my image consulting practice as one connected experience. Each piece supports the others, creating a unique, holistic approach to beauty and wellness that I’m really proud of. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has pushed me to grow and innovate. What I want people to know is that this isn’t just about looking good-it’s about feeling good, inside and out, and owning your story with confidence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Venice, Abbot Kinney & Sunset Sips

Start your weekend with a relaxing walk along the Venice Canals- think cute bridges, colorful houses, and tons of photo ops. Then head over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where you can pop into all kinds of cool boutiques and plenty of quirky gift shops. If you are here on the first Friday of the month, the whole street turns into a lively party with food trucks and live music.

Grab lunch at one of the trendy cafés or snack your way through the food trucks. Spend your afternoon checking out local art galleries or chilling at a coffee shop-Venice always has something interesting happening.

When the sun starts to set, make your way to The Bungalow in Santa Monica for laid-back, beachy cocktails, or head to Élephante for a fancier vibe and killer ocean views. Both spots are perfect for toasting to a great first day.

Day 2: Santa Monica, Toca Madera & LACMA

Kick off your morning with a bike ride or stroll along the beach path from Venice to Santa Monica. Hit up the Santa Monica Pier for some classic fun-ride the Ferris wheel, play some games, and soak up those ocean views. Then wander around Third Street Promenade for shopping and street performances.

For dinner, dress up a bit and head to Toca Madera in West Hollywood. This place is all about bold Mexican flavors, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere (sometimes with live music and even fire performers!). It’s the kind of spot where dinner feels like a celebration.

After dinner, swing by LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). The Urban Light installation is especially magical at night, and there’s always something cool to see inside. It’s the perfect way to end your LA weekend with a little art and inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I firmly believe that no success is achieved alone. Behind every step I’ve taken, there have been incredible people who have lifted me up, believed in me, and encouraged me to grow.

First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to my mom, Dolly Vig. Watching her do her makeup every day was more than just a routine—it was my earliest lesson in artistry, confidence, and self-care. My aunt, Banna Vig, was always there too, generously sharing her “extra” lipsticks and styling my hair with love. Those small acts of kindness sparked a lifelong passion in me.

Throughout high school and college, my friends were my very first clients—chasing me down before dates and events, trusting me to fix their eyeliner or hair. Their faith in my abilities, even when I was still learning, gave me the courage to pursue this path seriously. I am also incredibly thankful to my husband, Shubhnit Singh, whose unwavering support and belief in me from my UCSD days onward inspired me to embrace my ambition and become the woman I am today.

I’m especially thankful to my dad, Sunny Vig, whose passion for superfoods, health, and wellness inspired my deeper exploration into mindful living. His dedication planted the seed that grew into Mindfuel Matcha—a brand committed to nourishing beauty from the inside out.

The team at Make-up Designory (MUD) in Burbank transformed my hobby into a profession. I want to especially thank Karrieann Sillay and Ray Shaffer, whose mentorship pushed me beyond what I thought possible. Karrieann’s decades of FX expertise and Ray’s high standards gave me the skills and confidence to land early FX gigs in Los Angeles, proving to myself that I belonged in this industry.

I also owe a special thanks to Lisa Frost, whose expert guidance and mentorship helped me refine my beauty skills and grow professionally. Her experience in television, print, and fashion was invaluable in helping me elevate my craft.

Finally, to my early clients who trusted me with their special moments, who supported me as I chased my dreams—thank you. Your encouragement and belief have been the foundation of everything I’ve built.

This journey is not mine alone. It is a mosaic of the love, lessons, and support I’ve been fortunate to receive along the way.

Website: Mindfuelmatcha.com Nvmakeupart.com

Instagram: @iamnishavig @nvmakeupart @mindfuelventures

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishavig/