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

Hi Natalie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic/creative career because I LOVE IT! Lol I’ve always been interested in anything artistic and creative since I was a child. From drawing and painting to fashion design, DIY, arts and crafts, makeup, video editing, etc. I wasn’t really great at school or interested in the traditional careers. I wanted to do something I loved and that I was great at, so I decided to pursue my creative passion in hopes of succeeding and one day making a full-time income from this!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I specifically do makeup right now. To natural, creative, colorful and draw/paint prints, designs & characters from movies etc. I try to do different things from what people tend to do. Whatever comes to mind, I do! First I write it down, then I draw it, then I create it and it is fun for me! I always try to challenge myself to think outside of the box and not go with the norm.

I’m the most proud of being invited to my first ever beauty event with Acebeauté (a makeup company), being posted on their shopping tab on Instagram, having sent PR from them and also having opportunities from other beauty brands!

How I got here professionally was by just jumping into it without knowing anything. Just like anything else in life, you have to do the hard step first, which is taking action and going for it. And then eventually, everything falls into place and it turns out great! And for me, it was easy because it’s what I love to do. It didn’t really feel like a job, and luckily it came natural to me.

The lesson I learned along the way was to not give up. At the end of the day, it all paid off and I’m grateful I decided to jump into this!

What I want the world to know about me is that I am a Tex-mex baddie. I’m joking lol no. I’m Mexican-American, born in Brownsville, Texas raised in South Houston, Texas without a lot of resources growing up. And I managed to achieve one of my dreams that I wished for without the help of anyone and if I can do it, then so can you!
Oh and Spanish was my first language so my grammar is off is I’m using a grammar checker while doing this interview haha

And my brand is to be yourself and never give up on your dreams. As cheesy as it may sound, my username is Natyourusual. My name is Natalie and I’m not your usual. Lol I was always told I was weird, and got bullied all my life, but I sticked to being myself and continued to do what I loved.
I want all of those ladies, gentleman, they/them to know that if they are being bullied or being told that they are dumb or are never going to succeed in life with their artistic non-traditional career that they should ignore them and continue to pursue whatever dream they have and to never give up because they can do it!

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.
Oooh no honey lol I’m the last person you should ask, especially ever since COVID happened. I’ve not been going out and I’m also an introvert, I tend to stay at home more than most. First, I would take them to try out Texas food classics such as Whataburger, BBQ at Pappas Bar-B-Q, taco food trucks in Edgebrook and Tex-Mex food at Taqueria La Jalicience for sure. As far as drinks go Mexican drinks or snacks like a raspa de fresas con crema and elote at Refresqueria Arco Iris or a snowcone with this heat at Joe’s Sno, but if you are talking alcohol like a michelada with shrimp or Smirnoff preparada, then at Fastrak Express. And we would hang out at Discovery Green have a nice time in the park, go to the Galleria to shop, midtown at night to pop into restaurants or clubs, Kemah to take a walk and go to rides, and depending on the time of year go to the rodeo, visit the iconic Houston murals, and whatever new spot we discover along the way, because there are a lot of things to do here I still haven’t gotten the chance to try out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give credit and recognition to myself because I didn’t have to have a support system to do what I loved and believed in! I just did it because I wanted to. I took a lot of years to do this. I worked hard by myself without knowing a lot of things. I would learn as I go. Who I truly give a shoutout to is to all of my supporters that take the time to see my videos, and talk to me not only about makeup but about personal stuff. They are who I consider my Internet friends! And without them, it would be boring. lol

Instagram: http://instagram.com/Natyourusual

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCApY7ISv67gWQpZJLxk3RRw

Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR14XYBG/

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