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

Hi Saharai, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When we think about risk taking, most of the time we tend to step back because of the fear of doing something new and step out of our comfort zone. This fear can stop us to do whatever it takes to make our dreams or set of goals a reality. Before I became a profesional makeup artist and a permanent makeup specialist, I was a lead teacher in early childhood education for around 15 years. I had a good job that I was good at, a job that provided me with financial stability and good benefits. At the same time, I was also looking into doing something new, something a bit more challenging and perhaps more artistic since I’ve been always and artistic person. That search lead me to discovered my passion for makeup and permanent makeup. After giving it some thoughts, I decided to take the risk to undertake a new path as a freelancer makeup artist. Was it easy? Oh freaking not! Have I fail? Oh freaking yes! Do I regret changing careers after 15 years on another field? Absolutely not! The result is that I’m now doing what I love. This love and passion for makeup made easier to pursue my dreams, made easier to stand up again when I failed, and made my successes more gratifying. There are no limits when we do what makes you happy!!!

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. Beauty, specifically makeup artistry, is not only my field of expertise but my passion. I have worked and continue to work tireless to be a better professional and I am always looking towards new challenges. Making a plan, work on the plan and review it with an opened mind is essential to know what is working, what is not working and where I need to go. This hard working mentality is proven by the quality of my beauty makeup and permanent makeup work. My Makeup Artist Certificate was issued in 2014 by My Beauty Mark Makeup Academy. I truly believe that continuing my education is important because there’s always something new to learn and I like to stay ahead of the curve by learning and practicing from talented and experienced makeup artists like Roshar, Roque Cozzette, Danessa Myricks and Lottie. I have over 5 years of experience in the makeup industry and I create gorgeous natural makeup and work with colors and textures in unique ways as I always focus on bringing to my clients a clean and fresh look. I am well known for my personable skills, kindness, punctuality, dedication and the ability to make clientele feel comfortable and look after at all times. I integrate sanitation standards into my makeup and permanent makeup .I have a warm, flexible and outgoing personality, and understand very well the different personalities and individual essence of the many people I work with integrating sanitation standards into my makeup and permanent makeup.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite places to go: Beaches: Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica Beach and I like to wrap up the day in Malibu watching the sunset, eating and drinking at Moonshadows restaurant. I also like Visiting the Getty Museum and Griffith Observatory, and sticking around until the late afternoon to view the beautiful sunset and all the city lights. You should also check out the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Take a pick from the boutiques of Melrose Avenue and enjoy the night with a great dinner and delicious cocktails at Home American Restaurant. And wait until you explore the Downtown Arts District. Get ready to have a fun night at Perch LA French Restaurant. Visit the Norton Simon Museum and view beautiful and fully original works of art from many famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. And later at Old Town Pasadena eat some yummy churros with hot chocolate at Amara Chocolate and Coffee. And lastly explore The Pasadena City Hall and wrap the day at Union Restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Elik Alvarez have being an unconditional support from the beginning until now. Crystal Wright, her book “The Hair Makeup & Fashion Styling Career Guide” and her Win Now Mentorship Program have guided and empowered me with knowledge, ways to stand out and present myself to make it in the makeup industry, as well Daria Chuprys and Kostas in the permanent makeup industry.

Website: www.makeupbysaharai.com
Instagram: @makeupbysaharai @permanentmaquillage_by_saharai
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saharai-alvarez-11873317b/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saharaialvarez/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/makeup-by-saharai-pasadena

Image Credits
Mary Haber Carolina Carvajal Saryn Christina