We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki La Rose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
For the first 14 years of my career I did not know balance, never met her! It was all about the HUSTLE, never saying no, working every and any job that came my way. Now in year 16 of the beauty industry, what’s helped me gain balance is shifting some of my focus to the digital world. Specifically starting my YouTube channel has been the biggest blessing I could ever imagine in terms of allowing more balance in my life, taking 2 days a week to film for my channel from the comfort of my home studio has been absolutely amazing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started getting in to makeup in my early twenties after coming to terms with the decision not to go to collage, growing up I hated school. I wanted to be free and really did not do well with anyone telling me what to do- not much has changed lol! So the freedom that came with essentially being my own boss and choosing my schedule was really meant for me as well as the creative aspect of doing makeup. But getting INTO this industry was a whole other battle, I grew up in LA- the Mecca of competition. Trying to pave my own way and get my name out in this ultra competitive industry was not for the faint of heart but I did so but literally never saying no, I took all jobs, night shoots, head shots, weddings, proms, free test shoots, you name it, I said yes. Ultimately you have to do whatever it takes to gain that real life experience because nobody wants to book a makeup artist that has little experience. I built my entire business on word of mouth and ultimately if you are in this industry, your reputation is everything.

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?
We are hopping in my car and heading up the coast to Santa Barbara for the beach, thrifting, wine tasting and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants- the Lark.

Instagram: Makeupbynikkilarose

Facebook: Makeup by Nikki la rose

Youtube: Makeup by Nikki la rose

Image Credits
Photographer: Carla Taylor

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