Meet Melissa Farias | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Melissa, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was introduced to makeup through YouTube and by my friend Caty when I was a teen. It has definitely something a got the hang of gradually, but I loved the way it made me feel and look different. My mom started going to me for help with makeup and I was happy she trusted me enough for that. When I graduated high school in 2019, I can’t say I had a specific career I was interested in. but then when COVID hit, I spent a lot of time doing makeup on myself. I started an Instagram account to share those different looks with my friends, and I had so much fun doing that! It gave me an opportunity to be creative on myself, and became something I looked forward to doing. Though I had the thought of helping people other than my mom with their makeup, it seemed too intimidating to even start. It was my friend Madi, who had recently started her own photography business, who motivated me to turn my makeup hobby into an actual business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want to continue doing something I enjoy. I love the connection between a makeup artist and clients, and I want to ensure there is always good communication and satisfaction in my work. Because I am at an early point in my business, I feel like it is a little intimidating to get myself out there. But I’m grateful to count with continuous support and clients that hear about me through referrals and social media! I have learned to become more confident in myself and my abilities, and I am very excited in seeing my business grow!

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.
Steamboat has such beautiful places, people, and scenic views. The Egg for breakfast! Backdoor Grill, Blue Sage Pizza, Fiesta Jalisco are great places for lunch or dinner. In the summer, I love going to Steamboat Lake for jet skiing and Pearl Lake for paddle boarding. We love having carne asadas in our backyard and ending the nights with a bonfire ( as long as there are no fire restrictions)! And in the winter, definitely taking a whole day to ski and hit the Strawberry Park Hot Springs the next day. And although I may be biased, I have found there is no better place to watch the stars at night than Steamboat Springs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, family, and friends who support me and motivate me and give me the confidence that I can do this! Madison Wilson, (owner of Madison Jade Photo), who gave me the first push to start! And Carolyn Klingener, an esthetician at my current job and also a makeup artist and hair stylist, she was the one who has given me guidance, tips, and the opportunity to join her and get a first hand experience of working a wedding! I’m grateful to say that I am surrounded by so much love and support!

Website: https://meli-j-makeup.square.site

Instagram: @melijmakeup

Facebook: @melijmakeup