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

Hi Ericka, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I initially got started in makeup, I really didn’t have any expectations! I started out teaching myself and watching you tubers. I actually never really wore much makeup until after I graduated high school. So if someone would have told me I would be a freelance makeup artist someday, I would have laughed! I decided to apply for Sephora on a whim. On my first day, I KNEW makeup was something I was going to love for the rest of my life. It was like I had found my “home”. I started to incorporate my other artistic capabilities into my work, and I started to make a knew dream of becoming a freelance artist. I wanted to be able to help people look & feel beautiful on my own terms. I thought of the kind of standards & morals I wanted to build my client base on, and I knew that owning my business was the best way to accomplish 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.
When I initially started my creative journey, I was very hesitant and nervous. I had this idea in my head that I had to land a job in corporate America to be successful. But after working many 9-5 jobs, and even beginning classes in college to become a pediatrician, I knew that I was destined to take a different path in my life. It hasn’t always been easy. There’s this stigma around the beauty industry, but I wasn’t going to let the dramatics & hardships keep me from pursuing my dream. As with any craft, it takes time, money, and so much motivation. I’m constantly learning and trying to grow as an artist and as a person and I hope to inspire people to become the best version of themselves.

I’ve always been a very creative & visual person; drawing painting, writing, really anything artistic that I could get my hands on. So when I created my business, I had a vision in my head that it would be more about art, & making people beautiful, rather than just a paycheck. Vivid by definition, means producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind. This is how I want to make my clients feel when they look at themselves. I want to empower people to enhance the beauty they already have.

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.
I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful state! The opportunities are endless and the views are even more breathtaking. I’m a foodie & I love to eat. My favorite food is Mexican and I would absolutely have to take them to eat at La Loma in downtown Denver or Torres’ on Federal, in Denver as well. While in Denver, we would check out some of the local art studios or take a stroll down 16th street mall. I’m a huge sports fan and an even bigger Colorado Rockies fan, so we’d absolutely enjoy some margs and monster nachos at a baseball game.

For a less urban adventure, I would take them up into the beautiful mountains. Our first stop would be in Estes, for a hike and then a tour at the famous Stanley hotel. I do spooky all year round, so this is a must for me! If it’s summer time, we could venture down to the cave of the winds or the Garden of the Gods, or if it’s winter, we’d enjoy snowboarding or tubing in Winter Park.

We could go for breakfast at the Denver Biscuit Company, and adventure down Broadways for some antique shopping. Or go to Grammy’s Goodies in Lakewood for some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had! I feel like there’s an endless amount of food and things to do in Colorado!

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?
This question makes me so happy because I truly have a whole village of people who have supported me and helped me to get to where I am today.

My biggest and most consistent supporters have always been my parents. They are both very creative people as well, and they have influenced me to make a beautiful life for myself. Through out my whole journey, they have given me advice, constructive criticism & most of all, so much love. I have a very large family, with many “branches” throughout my family tree. So I also have to give a shoutout to each & every one of them!

I have an incredible boyfriend, Leo, who has actually helped me in so many aspects with getting my business to grow. I’ve conquered a lot & I recently was able to make a change in my life to fully dedicate my time to my makeup business, & I really don’t think I would have been able to take that leap without him!

Lastly, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some insanely talented artists. And not just makeup artists. Photographers, Hair Stylists, Filmmakers, & just so many creative people in general. And I get a ton of my inspiration and motivation from watching other artists thrive. I’’ve met some of my best friends through being a makeup artist. I like to believe that I’m truly blessed with the best,

Website: https://erickamaestas.wixsite.com/vividrayeartistry

Instagram: @vividrayeartistry

Facebook: Vivid Raye Artistry

Image Credits
Jessica Johnson; KB Custom Photography; ChrisGentile Photography;

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado 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.