Meet Tonya Le | Hair and Makeup Artist

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

Hi Tonya, how do you think about risk?
When it comes to risk-taking, I believe it’s an essential component of growth, both personally and professionally. In the beauty industry, being willing to learn new things and willing to step outside of my comfort zone has allowed me to explore new techniques, styles, and trends that ultimately enhance my creativity to allow more doors of opportunities to arise.

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.
Being born and raised in Los Angeles most definitely have its perky perks. The land known for its diversity in every way. Adventurous souls from all over the world share their delicious food, cultures, art, fashion sense and music… all 9.5 million of us But some how my family were the only Asian family in a town call Valencia, Santa Clarita Valley. Along with my Aunts family, she was on the other side of town representing in Saugus ahah.
Growing up I didn’t play with dolls at all. Though I did love dressing up in my mom’s clothes and love dressing up my 2 little brothers. One of many reasons and signs why my mom figured it was a good idea for me to attended beauty school after school during high school.
After graduating and child laboring at my aunts beauty salon in Saugus, I decided to take my cosmetology lic to San Fernando Valley where I worked up and down Ventura Blvd. From a cute kid salon to learning how to use clippers at a barber shop cause they didn’t teach us that in cosmetology school, to landing an assistant job at a chic
salon in Encino is where I had a taste of the hustle and bustle about the hair industry, and continued my journey to assist big time hairdressers in Beverly Hills where opportunities to attend classes was much more accessible and I never missed a class. Proud about that.
Worked my way up the hill to earn a chair in Bel Air and I’ve been based here now for almost 15 years. Beyond grateful to experience gigs like the Grammys, Oscars, B.E.T Awards, Golden Globes, ESPN, New York Fashion Week, Kids Choice Awards, Governors. Ball and more.
To be fair… everyone is all trying to survive, heal and or live out here. My suggestion to my beautiful people is try your best to survive, heal and or live without losing yourself in the process. 5 steps I created for myself when things don’t go as planned…. stop to realize the situation, learn from the lesson, let it go and then self love or volunteer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tonya’s Le Top 5 Places To Visit/Dine In Los Angeles…..

1. Hollywood Bowl .
2. The Getty Museum
3. TCL Chinese Theater
4. Huntington Garden
5. Eat everything and anything you desire!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“My mom has been my most significant mentor throughout my life and career.
Growing up, I watched her navigate life challenges with complete grace and determination… mentally, and spiritually which instilled in me all the importance of hard work,
resilience with maintaining a humble heart. She always encouraged me to pursue my passions and supported my dreams even when it seem extremely daunting.
One of my favorite teachings from her is” when you’re feeling that the world has been unfair to you, always look at those less fortunate than you. This will help you see your situation in a different perspective. And when you’re winning look to help others and always remain humbly grateful.

Instagram: Tonya Le Artistry