Meet Ona Linton: Makeup artist

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

Hi Ona, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks are absolutely essential if you want to run your own business. Successful people don’t get to where they are by playing it safe. Sometimes I don’t even tell myself that I’m about to take a risk. I look at risks as investments. I always think to myself- If I invest my time, money, or energy into this how will I profit? Most people may see that as taking a risk, but I see it as taking necessary actions in order to grow!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a makeup artist hasn’t been a straight line to success. Like many things that are built to last there’s been up and downs, good and bad months, and lessons you must learn in order to move on to the next chapter in your life. I knew I always wanted to be a makeup artist at a young age, but I didn’t ever actually believe in myself until two years ago. From there I’ve encountered feeling lost, not wanting anything to do with makeup at one point, struggling to get booked, and many more obstacles that could have easily made me throw in the towel and not fulfill my life’s purpose. Truth be told it even took me being bullied by other women to discover my “Why” for being a makeup artist. I didn’t like the way others made me feel so instead I turned all the pain and frustration into a silver lining and made it my mission to help other women feel good about themselves. It’s not easy persevering through hardships, but it’s so worth it! Being mentally strong is definitely something that has helped me overcome any challenges that I’ve faced. Things that I constantly live by are: 1. You can’t care what other people think about you. The sooner you stop caring the better off you’ll be. 2. Never see another woman as competition! Especially in the beauty industry! You’ll get so much further in your career if you focus on collaborating and networking with other artists! 3. Be patient with yourself, and fall in love with the process.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hands down we’re eating good because Houston is the best place for foodies! I would definitely take them to some of my favorite spots like Nancy’s hustle, Bisou, The Rustic, Thai street market, Seoul Side Wings, Blooming and bee, Postino’s, and so many more places! After we eat I would want to get a good workout in to sweat off all those calories, so we would go to one of my favorite places, Method Pilates in Montrose! I also love to shop in the galleria area and one of my favorite stores to go to is Kuhl-Linscomb off of Kirby!

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?
I would like to say a huge thank you to all of my clients, friends, and family members who have referred me, booked with me, or even have simply liked, shared, or commented on a post! All of the love and support I’ve received along my journey is why I get to do what I do! I know I have so many people in my life that love me and want to see me win, and that makes me forever grateful. Most importantly though, I would be no where without my faith! I have a clear “Why” of why I do what I do , and I think of my talent as something that’s been God given. I was put on this earth to empower other women to feel beautiful, and confident about themselves through makeup artistry, and my passion to do just that has and will forever be a burning desire in my heart!

Website: Www.makeupbyona.com
Instagram: Ona_Linton
Linkedin: Ona Linton

Image Credits
Courtney Leigh Photo Samantha O’Neal Photography