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

Hi Emily, what do you attribute your success to?
There are definitely multiple ways in which a person feels successful. A certain goal they reach, a certain number they hit, or maybe a certain way they feel everytime they look in a mirror. Personally, this question has multiple answers. One thing I’m sure of, I don’t feel like I’m failing, even on those days that I don’t feel super successful. I don’t have everything exactly the way I want and I haven’t made all the money I want, yet I know I make a difference and I make people in my life proud. I continue to accomplish and set goals. I have things in my life I know I’ve worked hard to get and even harder to keep. I have skills and passion. I am proud of who I am. I’m proud of my work and my choices and I know I’ll eventually get to where I am supposed to be in every aspect of my life.
Recently, I did makeup and hair for my cousins wedding. It made me think back to my days in cosmetology school and my aunt asking me to do my cousins’ makeup for her prom. I remember being so nervous as she was one of my very first makeup clients of my career. The day she got married was in early March and the beginning of the unknown with quarantine. It was also typical New Mexico weather and instead of being sunny, like it was supposed to, it rained. Most of her pictures were planned for outside, but being a NM native, I was thankfully prepared with waterproof foundation, powder, and great setting spray. So even with a large amount of wedding guests not able to attend and the rainy weather, the day turned out perfect! The pictures came out absolutely beautiful and her makeup lasted! Every time I add more work to my portfolio I feel successful. Amongst these are photos of my daughters from different dances and events that I got them ready for. I love seeing the smiles on their face. I also love seeing the makeup looks they create and the fun we have putting makeup on each other. These are just some of the examples of why I feel successful. Honestly, I think as long as I don’t give up, then I’ll always have room for another successful story to tell and another successful day!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think any Professional MUA would agree that the lessons and challenges never stop. In fact, I often look forward to the educational part of my career. This allows us to continue with our journey in the present time while using our expertise to make necessary tweaks. However, today there are so many amazing artists that we definitely have a struggle standing at times. The best way to get through this is to network. We, as artists, communicate on many social media platforms. Whether it’s passing off jobs, asking advice, showing our work, or just venting after a long day. No artist has had a perfect career and this allows us to help and get help and feel the comfort of not being alone in any situation. I’m not where I want to be professionally and I’ve had some setbacks over the passed couple of years that have put my passion for my work to the side, allowing time to focus on family and my personal life. This happens. But recently I’ve noticed how much I miss my clients and my work. And the sense of accomplishment I get after every face I put my personal creativity on. I also noticed not enough time has been put aside for myself and I don’t want to lose the identity I’ve created or lose the clientele and business relationships I’ve built. This is what I’m currently working on.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I absolutely love the beach. The water gives me a sense of peace I haven’t found elsewhere. So even lakes make my list. But my favorite place so far has been South Padre Island. I took my daughters and husband there for a birthday/Father’s Day trip and we spent the weekend in the water. It was amazing! So I think if family came to visit (hint, hint)we would “beach hop” starting in Galveston and making our way south. I’d also make sure we stopped at the restaurants and shops since the seafood there is also amazing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think that my shoutouts have to go to not only my family but to every other artist out there. My daughters are who I pick myself up for. My husband is who encourages me to continue and my aunt and cousin are who I can laugh with when I get stressed out. There are artists I know, both on social media and real life that are so amazing and that i’ve built friendships and business relationships with. Because of them, I try and stay focused and always looking ahead. This industry is so amazing to be a part of. Without all these awesome people in my life, I wouldn’t have made it to where I am. I’m very thankful for all of them.

Website: www.eyecandybyemily.com
Instagram: @eyecandybyemily
Linkedin: @eyecandybyemily
Twitter: @eyecandybyemily
Facebook: @eyecandybyemily
Yelp: @eyecandybyemily
Youtube: @eyecandybyemily
Other: Tiktok:@eyecandybyemily Email for business inquiries: eyecandybyemily@gmail.com

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