Meet Marisol Garcia | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Marisol, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was that I simply felt I wanted more freedom to be creative. I didn’t want to be on someone else’s schedule selling lipstick anymore.

I started out doing makeup at MAC cosmetics. I worked there for 10 years. While I never had any formal makeup artistry eduction, I can say that working at MAC served as my school. I was able to work with diverse group of people. Having felt I could no longer grow with the company, I decided it was time to move on. I left MAC and went onto work for one more year with another cosmetic company. During that time I was traveling for the company to California (where I was based) Hawaii and Colorado. Once I had the taste of traveling to do makeup, I knew I had to take the risk and leave my comfortable position and start working for myself. Once I finally left retail makeup artistry I was able to spread my wings. I was able to make my own schedule, travel where I wanted to (and get paid for it) and work with whom I wanted to. There is truly nothing like being your own boss. In the beginning it was hard, as I was just starting out in the freelance world and had to make a name for myself. Since then every year has gotten better. I was based in San Diego from 2005 to 2018. During that time I traveled constantly to L.A. for work amongst other places. I started doing every season of fashion week in NYC, Milan and Paris. I traveled as far as Japan for work and as close as San Diego. I’ve been able to do some really amazing jobs and create some amazing makeup looks. At times it is hard to be your own boss, and your own brand, as you have to stay relevant and always networking. You never know when your next job is going to be. Even though it can be challenging, I wouldn’t change any of it. There is nothing more fulfilling for me to be able to be creative, get paid for it and be my own boss.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started doing makeup in 1998. I worked at MAC cosmetics when they were still very much an artistry brand. I was lucky yo start with them when I did. I was allowed to play with makeup all day and not have to worry about sales goals. It took a long time for me to get to where I am in my career today. It took me moving to San Diego and eventually leaving the retail world. I took a chance in working for myself and it was very hard at first. What I’m most excited about is the fact that I’ve taken part in NYC, Milan and Paris fashion weeks every season for over 10 years. Being based in San Diego, at the time was a big deal as most makeup artists are based in either NYC or Europe, I have also been able to work on big campaigns. Gucci in Rome being one of them and many more. I always dreamed of doing fashion week and working on huge fashion campaigns. I knew that one day I would. I think if you declare it and really envision what you’re wanting it can happen.

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’ve been in Denver for 3 years now. I haven’t gotten out much due to having little ones and COVID. I do have a few favorite spots though. I’d take them to eat at city o city and for a walk in one of our amazing parks. Check out some museums and definitely go check out some hot springs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to MAC cosmetics for being the most creative brand at that time and for being my first makeup school.

Website: Marisolmakeup.com

Instagram: Marisolmakeup