Meet Donny Teran | Makeup artist

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

Hi Donny, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I guess my thought processes, or interest in makeup started at a young age. Growing up it was just me and my mom. As a single mother, raising me by herself, we spent a lot of time together. Starting in elementary school , I would sit with my mom every morning before she went to work and before I went to school. I would always sit and watch her get ready for the day. That’s probably where my interest in makeup started. I would watch her do her daily routine every morning while watching a show together before we started our day. The most vivid memory is she had a mascara that she would always use, it was pink with a green lid, maybelline I think was the brand. But anyway, I would watch her daily routine and it really intrigued me. I liked seeing how some simple products could make such a difference in someone’s beauty routine. Over the years of sitting and watching I got so invested in the art. Sometimes when she would go to work, I would get into her makeup and play around with what I could. Of course I was NEVER good at it lol. In fact, I was horrible. But it was the first experience I got to try it out a bit. And I just loved it. Back then, when you’re a kid, everything looked amazing in your eyes. As a I got older I realized it was actually not good at all. Later down the road (way later) my now husband, and I moved out. A short while after moving into our first apartment, I met a friend at work. At the time they went by Brenden( Dana now), and we hit it off very quick. As time went on and we spent more time together, we talked about the art of drag and makeup a lot. They were the first one to ask and allow me to put them in makeup. Drag makeup is WAY different from everyday glam, but it was something new and really taught me a lot. Over 2 or 3 years they let me do their makeup on the regular. And that’s where my talent really started to blossom. I had been working at the Kohl’s on powers for about 7 years, and I found another Kohl’s more down south that was looking for a makeup lead for the department. I decided to make the leap and apply to see if I had a chance. Luckily I was hired and got to experience a lot more in the beauty world. It was one of my proudest moments at the time. Through the 3 years after that, working in the department. I started doing makeup on a lot more people. Learning different techniques and different styles of makeup. I had, or still have, one client/ friend ( Brittanie) that lets me do her makeup once a week. She’s been my #1 client and helped me grow so much in this art. Once I got comfortable enough, I started to do makeup outside of the beauty department at kohls. I started going to peoples houses and doing things for photos and weddings. It was such an amazing feeling getting to do something that I had always had an interest in. I remember telling my husband that I really wanted to do this for a living. His response was,” I don’t see you doing this for a living”. I mean, who doesn’t want to prove their spouse wrong? So I worked my ass off over the years after that and really pushed myself. All I kept telling my self is “ I’m going to be a makeup artist, I’m going to be THE makeup artist. I started my business after a few years and it really took off from there. The shows and things I have had the opportunity to do are still so surreal to me. I’ve done MULTIPLE fashion shows, weddings, events, dance festivals, Quinceañeras, and so much more. The biggest thing that really came full circle for me is I was able to do my moms, and bridesmaids makeup for my wedding. I went from watching my mom get ready every morning as a kid, to getting her ready for thr most special day of my life. Even my best friend , that was my maid of honor, I’ll be doing her  wedding makeup for her wedding this month, it’s crazy to me that I’m able to do what I do. And When my husband and I went to to New York so I could do makeup for New York fashion week, he was just so proud of me and and seeing the way he talked about me and finally acknowledging that I could actually do this for a living, it just completed everything for me. All those experiences are what made me and my brand. And I don’t regret anything. Makeup is my life. It’s everything to me. To put makeup on someone and have them feel the best they can about themselves , is all that matters. I’m glad I could make a business to express myself and make other people feel good while doing it.

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.
Making my own freelance makeup business is one of my proudest accomplishments. I was able to really start doing makeup professionally when I got hired as the lead of the makeup department at Kohl’s. And my love for the art just intensified over the years. Starting out I got a few gigs here and there, but this last year has been the best year I have had as a makeup artist. I was able to go to New York this year for New York Fashion Week, and it was probably my proudest moment. From there I was hired for so many more shows including Denver Fashion Week,Global Dance Festival, and Decadence, just to name a few. Along with other amazing shows , weddings, and so many other events. The biggest challenge I had with my business was making a name for myself and getting clientele. My biggest lesson I learned was to be patient with myself, you need patience and dedication to make a name for yourself and be successful . The reason I started this journey was because I love making people feel good about themselves. I get so much enjoyment in making someone feel beautiful in their own skin. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up after they see themselves in the mirror after a makeover.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since doing Denver Fashion Week and other shows in Denver, I have got to visit and explore the city more. I would definitely take them to Denver for a day of fun. I personally love walking around 16th street mall and trying different restaurants and finding new things to do while there. It’s all about the adventure for me. I rarely plan out what I’m going to do and just see where it takes me when I get there. I also would go to manitou, the penny arcade always has a special spot in my heart and makes me feel good inside. The shops and places to eat around there are amazing. And of course who doesn’t love a little mountain town. It’s beautiful and the scenery never gets old for me

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Christopher and my mom, Pam have always been my biggest supporters.

Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Makeup_by_donny

Facebook: Donny Teran

Image Credits
MaiShu photography Johnathan Shoup Caroline miller