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

Hi Vula, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
So I am originally from Jupiter, (yes outer space near Callisto) :P. But I grew up in Sunny Orange County, California. This is the place where I endured most of my life’s triumphs, traumas, joys and sorrows.

My background is Hispanic, like 100% Mexican and I grew up very Mexican. Growing up brown and queer/trans has really showed me what I am made of and I just know there is nothing that I can not conquer. All of it has led me here and it is still proving to take me higher. I have always been a dreamer and really taken to all the fantasies I created in my head, it has allowed me to cope with life and my struggles, it has impacted me in the greatest way.

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.
If I can describe my art it would be lifesaving! For it has saved my life so many times. I am primarily a makeup artist but i started out drawing and painting and art and its expression has liberated me in so many ways.

In my makeup career there have been so many wholesome moments where i have gotten to touch people’s lives and connected with them in deep ways. I have so many moments where I feel so lucky to be alive and feel the passion and purpose in my life.

Most of those moments are owed to when Vula is in her element. Creativity and creation are my biggest gifts, paired with empathy, compassion and love. I am also a small business owner and I market some of the best false eyelashes out there!

The moment I launched my lash products I received so much love and support i sold out the first week of my launch in 2021! It was so heartwarming. In addition to earlier this year when I did makeup for and was featured in a film narrating queer and trans stories through poetry. It was so amazing and wholesome, i met some really beautiful people and was involved in an amazing documentary. I would say those two moments are my proudest to date 🙂

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OMGGG so I would have to say if we were local, we would definitely have to go to Chen’s Chinese Restaraunt in Long Beach, CA. Best chinese food ever! Boba at the Boba company in Fullerton and across the street is Gen Korean BBQ !

We would definitely also go to Newport Beach Pier only after midnight on a full moon of course, where we release all of our affirmations and moon bathe 🙂

Drinks would definitely be had at Flux in Bellflower and at Precinct DTLA in Los Angeles.

But there would be plenty of R&R too, I love being cozy at home with good company, good food and even better music 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a lot of people to thank and recognize for my personal success and wellness throughout life. I would have to say first and foremost my entire family. My mother and all 5 of my siblings!

One person in particular who is a part of my found family is my best friend and sister Juju Esquivel (Vishus). She has been my consistent cheerleader and my squirrel for more than half my life!

Instagram: @vulacils @vulabeaute

Other: Follow me on instagram for all news regarding my Lash Business and Makeup Work! Cant wait to meet you 🙂

Image Credits
Credit: Jeffrey Sklan Photography @jeffreysklan Matthew Lopez @fotosbymatt

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.