Meet Ophelia Carrillo

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

Hi Ophelia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I am a full-time mom, managing an MMA gym, all while trying to make myself known in the makeup artist industry. Being a mother, I feel like we all have to make that emotional sacrifice when wanting to invest in ourselves which in turn takes away from time with our families. Managing my time can seem impossible at moments but I have an amazing husband and family that has truly supported me every step of the way. I take every day with whatever opportunity it has to give me. Whether one day I have more time to create content or update my kit, to some days just being able to post a quick picture of my work knowing I have at least put something out there to continue promoting myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had a love for makeup. I didn’t even realize it could be a career until I had my makeup done for my senior year prom. Throughout college, I did everything possible to get my hands on doing someone’s makeup. I didn’t care if they paid me 10 bucks, I just wanted to practice. After college, I planned to go straight to cosmetology school but then I had my son. My husband knew my aspirations to become a professional MUA and reassured me that we would still put me through makeup school, even if it wasn’t at this moment. Fast forward two years we moved back to California and I began makeup school at GLOW Academy in Downey, CA. I graduated last year and had an amazing time there. I feel like you can never stop learning in the beauty industry because it is always changing. Now, with some education and certification under my belt, I feel more confident in my work and advertising myself as an actual MUA. Clients began to come in and I was having at least 4-5 clients a month. Through the months I have learned there are seasons to the industry and even in the busiest seasons, you have to be prepared for the dead periods. It can get discouraging at times but doesn’t make me want to be an MUA any less.

As I continue to build my name and grow more clientele, I will never sway from the reason I do makeup. “I am here to make you feel beautiful on the inside and out.” We all have different stories and upbringings. I get to create a connection with my clients while enhancing their natural beauty. Making others feel beautiful internally and externally is why I do what I do. Makeup has helped me feel confident and unstoppable but has also helped me appreciate my natural beauty as well and if I can pass that on to my clients, then I am “rich”.

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 am going to take them to of course! Porto’s Bakery! A Socal must if you ask me. I might also take them to the Irvine spectrum, the beaches, and many more places. Local farmer’s markets and maybe all the vintage shops in orange!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My village has been and always will be my family. They have supported me through my highs and lows, education, athletic career, and now makeup artist career. Along with them, I have met some amazing people in the beauty industry who have inspired me to create new goals, continue to be aspirational toward my craft, and have just been so loving overall! @Hersociety in Belfower, Ca owned by Cindy Camargo is every single way ” A GIRLS GIRL!” I don’t know how else to put it, she supports, is kind, and is always wanting others to succeed. I have only known her for a short time but she has impacted me so much! Cindy implements all characteristics of who she is as a person and pours them into her business!

Instagram: @opheliaxvanity