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

Hi Crystal, do you have a budget? How do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
I’d like to describe my budget as flexible. I am not naturally the splurging type nor am I a frequent spender; I give credit to my parents for instilling this in me since I was a child. When I started working full-time, I got straight to saving for my future goals, such as buying a house, by splitting my income between savings and spending. As for my spending money, I use it to my discretion and to stop myself from feeling guilty about spending my spending money, I have mastered the “treat yo self” mentality.

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.
Once I graduated college, I found a full-time role in software technology. I’ve had my ups and downs working in the corporate world, but I’ve been grateful for the consistent income and stability. As for my venture into providing makeup services, that came a few years into working full-time. I was offered this great opportunity to showcase my makeup work at a Local Artist Showcase in Austin, TX, which sparked my passion for doing makeup on others. I’d say it jumpstarted me into thinking that I could turn this passion into a money-making side gig. I’ve been able to navigate my way slowly but surely into the freelancing world. I dove into specializing in wedding makeup services and haven’t turned back since. I love the energy on wedding days and getting to do makeup for such an important day in a bride’s life. I am all about making a genuine connection with my clients. I want to spread happiness and kindness. It’s very rare that you encounter professionals that are caring, thoughtful, and genuinely want to get to know you. That’s where I feel most comfortable because those connections and giving my clients such beautiful glam is truly what fulfills me when freelancing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be quite honest, I don’t go out and about much, so I would’t say I’d be the best person to take someone to explore around the city. I’m such a homebody! But if my best friend came into town, you best believe I’m going to show her a good time. I’d want to take her to Klyde Warren Park for a cute picnic, explore Perot Museum, eat anything BBQ or fried chicken, check out the little fun & quirky spots such as Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, and lower Greenville. Definitely would love to bring her out into the nightlife of Dallas! I’d love to take her to some amazing Asian restaurants in Garland, Richardson, and Plano. Food would be the main priority if my best friend came to visit me. You can never go wrong with eating to your heart’s desire.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I wanted to start freelance makeup artistry, I knew if I wanted to do it, I’d have to make that happen for myself. No one else was going to do it for me. But when I mentioned it to my boyfriend (now fiancé wink wink) at the time, and my family, they were definitely supportive of my venture into making money doing something I’ve loved to do for many years. My fiancé and my brother are the two most important people in my journey of pursuing my passion for providing makeup services.

Website: makeupbycrystallam.wordpress.com

Instagram: instagram.com/crystallam_makeup

Facebook: facebook.com/MUACrystalLam

Image Credits
Shannon Wilson Payge Stevens Jerrell Trulove Meghan Fuller

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