Meet Walt Benda

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

Hi Walt, how do you think about risk?
I view risks as an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and achieve something new . I grew up somewhat shy, so speaking up and going after something I want is something I had to learn and teach myself.

I learned if you’re going to put yourself out there, Los Angeles is definitely the place to do it because you never know where networking will take you. I landed the biggest opportunity of my career, assisting Sir John on Beyoncé and amazing models for the CR Fashion Book spread by putting myself out there and introducing myself to him while seeing him out at a local restaurant.

That definitely lit the fire within me- and looking back at it, there isn’t one risk I regret taking, but I definitely regret the ones I didn’t.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art I think is both therapeutic for me and my models. Doing makeup allows me to quiet my mind and really focus on what’s right in front of me. Connecting with my models and making sure the outcome is something we can both be proud of is essential.

I treat every glam session as an opportunity to make my model feel the best they’ve ever felt, and that’s what gets me excited and keeps me going. Knowing that after just an hour or two you can change someone’s whole perception of themselves is a really special gift, and one that I don’t take lightly.

I got to where I am today but not taking “no” for an answer, and even when it’s inevitable, not allowing myself to be discouraged. In such a big city, there’s always opportunity, it just depends on how hard you’re willing to work.

I overcome challenges by staying on track with the vision I had for myself and my life- one small hiccup isn’t a reason to derail my whole mission- stay positive and stay focused.

I want the world to know that makeup is so much more than applying products on someone’s face. It’s a chance to change someone’s life- just like it’s definitely changed mine.

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.
If my friend was visiting I would definitely take advantage of one of West Hollywood’s cute brunch spots- maybe Great White or Queen Violet before heading to the beach around 12/1.

I’ve been spending more and more weekends at the beach, and every time it reminds me how lucky I am to live in LA. A day full of sun, laughter and good company by the water is what LA is all about.

After the beach I would suggest us getting cleaned up for a cute dinner in Silverlake. I love the Silverlake area as the views are incredible and I feel like it’s more of the slower-paced parts of Los Angeles where you can stop and soak it all in.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a lot of my success to my girlfriends who let me do their makeup in the beginning while I was still practicing- and still do. Being an artist, you’re always evolving and I’m really grateful for friends who saw my passion and allowed themselves to be a canvas to bring my visions to life. A friend who will forever hold a special place in my heart is my dear friend Lex, who has been in my corner every step of the way. From late night glam sessions, to constructive criticism, I owe a lot of my hustle to her.

I also owe a lot of my success to other artists in the city who have been so kind and welcoming to me.

It’s easy to constantly compare yourself to other artists in such a talented city, but if you have the right circle around you, it’s easy to stay focused on yourself and your craft.

Instagram: waltbendabeauty

Image Credits
Ryne Belanger