| Hello there internet friends! I would love to take a few moments of your time to introduce you to someone. Her name is Natalie and she is a very talented make-up artist. Her business is called Setareh Beauty, bringing professional makeup skills right to your door, and I definitely recommend you call her for all your glamorous needs! Natalie and I are collaborating on an upcoming project where we will be offering Professional HeadShots with Professional Makeup to Military Spouses in the Monterey Bay area. We have a nearby military base here in Monterey, so we want to reach out to our local community wih a special offer for a Headshot Mini Session on specified dates over the next few months. More details on this coming soon! |  |
First things first, Natalie and I decided to get together and create some updated head shots for her own business. Natalie did her own makeup, obviously, and had her hair done by the talented Ximena. We (Natalie and I, plus my handy-dandy husband/photo assistant Garrett) walked around a bit in Pacific Grove for her portraits, and despite a little bit of wind, the weather was just perfect! Afterwards I decided to interview Natalie so you all can get to know her a bit and see what she has to offer!
How long have you been in business, and when did your passion for makeup artistry begin?
I officially launched Setareh Beauty in the fall of 2014, but my passion for makeup artistry began in middle school. While most girls were obsessed with doing their own makeup, I was obsessed with doing theirs! I have been doing makeup for as long as I can remember. What used to be my “hobby” has now become my career. I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t ask for more!
Was there one person or experience that really propelled you forward into making your passion into your business?
I did have an “ah-ha!” moment! See, I separated from the military in early 2013 after six years of active duty service, and returned to graduate school to study international studies. Because I had become a mother and a military spouse during that time, I made the decision to follow my husband’s career. Long-term career goals are hard for military spouses to realize, especially with moves every two to three years. After months of prayer and feeling lost in this new life, I had come upon my best friend’s wedding photos whose makeup I applied, and BAM! I created Setareh Beauty that evening.
I recalled the hundreds of times I’ve done makeup for friends throughout the years, the thousands of questions I receive on a regular basis about beauty products, and I knew I was more than qualified. I would just have to get over the fear of business ownership!
I officially launched Setareh Beauty in the fall of 2014, but my passion for makeup artistry began in middle school. While most girls were obsessed with doing their own makeup, I was obsessed with doing theirs! I have been doing makeup for as long as I can remember. What used to be my “hobby” has now become my career. I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t ask for more!
Was there one person or experience that really propelled you forward into making your passion into your business?
I did have an “ah-ha!” moment! See, I separated from the military in early 2013 after six years of active duty service, and returned to graduate school to study international studies. Because I had become a mother and a military spouse during that time, I made the decision to follow my husband’s career. Long-term career goals are hard for military spouses to realize, especially with moves every two to three years. After months of prayer and feeling lost in this new life, I had come upon my best friend’s wedding photos whose makeup I applied, and BAM! I created Setareh Beauty that evening.
I recalled the hundreds of times I’ve done makeup for friends throughout the years, the thousands of questions I receive on a regular basis about beauty products, and I knew I was more than qualified. I would just have to get over the fear of business ownership!
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Describe what you try to "bring to the table" for your clients.
I feel that the makeup industry is so saturated with canned looks for specific face shapes and skin types. Even when I get my makeup done professionally, I often time feel like my requests are unheard, or that the makeup does not match my personality, or even worse that it was just a canned makeup application.
I pride myself in becoming personally invested in each of my clients. When clients come to me to get their makeup done, it is generally because they want to look and feel extra special for whatever the occasion is. When I do their makeup, it is like I am there [at the event] with them, in some small way. So I like to ask a lot of questions, gain an understanding of exactly how they want to feel and determine their style. I truly believe makeup should not alter or disguise our natural beauty, but rather enhance and capitalize on the naturally prominent features of my clients – because everyone has at least one!
What would you say is your most common request from clients?
Lately, the most common request from clients is to keep it natural, which is awesome. A natural look gives me the artistic license to really highlight and capture their natural features through a plethora of makeup techniques.
Oooh "Plethora" is one of my favorite words! 10 Points!
I feel that the makeup industry is so saturated with canned looks for specific face shapes and skin types. Even when I get my makeup done professionally, I often time feel like my requests are unheard, or that the makeup does not match my personality, or even worse that it was just a canned makeup application.
I pride myself in becoming personally invested in each of my clients. When clients come to me to get their makeup done, it is generally because they want to look and feel extra special for whatever the occasion is. When I do their makeup, it is like I am there [at the event] with them, in some small way. So I like to ask a lot of questions, gain an understanding of exactly how they want to feel and determine their style. I truly believe makeup should not alter or disguise our natural beauty, but rather enhance and capitalize on the naturally prominent features of my clients – because everyone has at least one!
What would you say is your most common request from clients?
Lately, the most common request from clients is to keep it natural, which is awesome. A natural look gives me the artistic license to really highlight and capture their natural features through a plethora of makeup techniques.
Oooh "Plethora" is one of my favorite words! 10 Points!
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Do you ever give any Makeup or Fashion advice to your clients?
I tend to naturally advise my clients as I do their makeup – but because I receive so many requests on such a regular basis, I started using my blog as a place to consolidate the most popular questions. Right now I’m in the middle of a series called “The Beauty Box Dilemma,” based on the overwhelming number of times I’ve been asked which beauty box subscription service is the best. I feel like so many makeup artists try to keep their techniques a secret – but I like to think of myself as an open book. I also offer personalized makeup lessons and parties where I can advise and teach technique tailored specifically for the client.
I tend to naturally advise my clients as I do their makeup – but because I receive so many requests on such a regular basis, I started using my blog as a place to consolidate the most popular questions. Right now I’m in the middle of a series called “The Beauty Box Dilemma,” based on the overwhelming number of times I’ve been asked which beauty box subscription service is the best. I feel like so many makeup artists try to keep their techniques a secret – but I like to think of myself as an open book. I also offer personalized makeup lessons and parties where I can advise and teach technique tailored specifically for the client.
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Are there more services that you would hope to provide in the future?
I hope to eventually offer facials and eyebrow services since great makeup starts with great skin. Eyebrows help define the face! I meet so many clients who, in their younger years, thinned out their eyebrows because that was in style, or didn’t take care of their skin because of demanding schedules or lack of education. Making my clients feel beautiful from the inside out is my number one goal!
Not so much provide more services, but rather serve the local community more. I was the makeup artist Pacific Grove’s Feast of Lanterns. I did eye/lip makeup for their fashion show and their full theatrical makeup for their annual pageant. The pageant was attended by over 10,000 people and took place at the gorgeous Lover’s Point. I love giving back to the community and making young people feel like a million bucks through makeup artistry.
What do you think is the most common reason that people book you?
Being in Monterey, I get such a great variety of clients! There are so many special events going on in the peninsula from the Pebble Beach AT&T Golf Tournament to world-class military balls to the most beautiful beach weddings I’ve ever seen. So often, my clients book me because they like my natural approach and philosophy of makeup artistry, but also know I can glam them up while remaining true to themselves.
I hope to eventually offer facials and eyebrow services since great makeup starts with great skin. Eyebrows help define the face! I meet so many clients who, in their younger years, thinned out their eyebrows because that was in style, or didn’t take care of their skin because of demanding schedules or lack of education. Making my clients feel beautiful from the inside out is my number one goal!
Not so much provide more services, but rather serve the local community more. I was the makeup artist Pacific Grove’s Feast of Lanterns. I did eye/lip makeup for their fashion show and their full theatrical makeup for their annual pageant. The pageant was attended by over 10,000 people and took place at the gorgeous Lover’s Point. I love giving back to the community and making young people feel like a million bucks through makeup artistry.
What do you think is the most common reason that people book you?
Being in Monterey, I get such a great variety of clients! There are so many special events going on in the peninsula from the Pebble Beach AT&T Golf Tournament to world-class military balls to the most beautiful beach weddings I’ve ever seen. So often, my clients book me because they like my natural approach and philosophy of makeup artistry, but also know I can glam them up while remaining true to themselves.
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Whom do you recommend to your clients for hair cut/color/styling?
Gosh, there’s so many great stylists I’ve worked with. My very own Bella Lipori is amazing and she has her own network of talented hair stylists. Recently, I’ve been super impressed with Ashley of BlushMD in Aptos. Beautiful work!
Have you worked with many other creative people or teams since you started your business?
Well, aside from you, I have collaborated with Trish DaCosta from Love. Life. Fit. She did an amazing guest blog post during my participation in a Whole30 challenge with my awesome gym, CrossFit Monterey.
I recently worked with Steph Grunke of www.rockyourhormones.com on a film series collab with Whole30 that will be released October 2015. The details are still under wraps...
Of course, working with a local photographer like you has been on my to-do list since starting my business, so I’m so excited for this collaboration with Fotofroggy Photography!
Gosh, there’s so many great stylists I’ve worked with. My very own Bella Lipori is amazing and she has her own network of talented hair stylists. Recently, I’ve been super impressed with Ashley of BlushMD in Aptos. Beautiful work!
Have you worked with many other creative people or teams since you started your business?
Well, aside from you, I have collaborated with Trish DaCosta from Love. Life. Fit. She did an amazing guest blog post during my participation in a Whole30 challenge with my awesome gym, CrossFit Monterey.
I recently worked with Steph Grunke of www.rockyourhormones.com on a film series collab with Whole30 that will be released October 2015. The details are still under wraps...
Of course, working with a local photographer like you has been on my to-do list since starting my business, so I’m so excited for this collaboration with Fotofroggy Photography!
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Lets talk about our upcoming HeadShots project! What inspired you to start something like this?
The evolution of social media has made it so that having a current headshot that represents your current brand is crucial. For example, my Air Force headshot or business professional does not represent Setareh Beauty at all, and vice versa. I feel like I meet so many military spouses and colleagues in general who use the same or outdated head shot or use a bonafide selfie that does not represent where they currently are in life…or more importantly, where they want to be.
That is why I’ve been wanting to link up with Fotofroggy, to offer an affordable makeup/photo package for burgeoning professionals or housewives, students or job seeking, so that I can give them the confidence in their own personal branding. Everyone deserves to have their own brand and sell it however they see fit.
You move around a lot, where can clients find you next?
Our next stop is Augusta, Georgia in December of this year! We love Atlanta and Savannah, so being in between both cities will be a fun and new adventure. I’ve already introduced myself the local Rising Tide Society and am excited to experience a different market, make new friends, and hopefully see how Setareh Beauty can evolve and adapt in the South. Of course, I’m always available to travel anywhere in the world for my clients – we’d just have to work out some sort of travel arrangement.
The evolution of social media has made it so that having a current headshot that represents your current brand is crucial. For example, my Air Force headshot or business professional does not represent Setareh Beauty at all, and vice versa. I feel like I meet so many military spouses and colleagues in general who use the same or outdated head shot or use a bonafide selfie that does not represent where they currently are in life…or more importantly, where they want to be.
That is why I’ve been wanting to link up with Fotofroggy, to offer an affordable makeup/photo package for burgeoning professionals or housewives, students or job seeking, so that I can give them the confidence in their own personal branding. Everyone deserves to have their own brand and sell it however they see fit.
You move around a lot, where can clients find you next?
Our next stop is Augusta, Georgia in December of this year! We love Atlanta and Savannah, so being in between both cities will be a fun and new adventure. I’ve already introduced myself the local Rising Tide Society and am excited to experience a different market, make new friends, and hopefully see how Setareh Beauty can evolve and adapt in the South. Of course, I’m always available to travel anywhere in the world for my clients – we’d just have to work out some sort of travel arrangement.
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So now that you're just in love with Natalie and can't wait to book her... be sure to subscribe to her blog to keep up with all things Setareh Beauty, or follow her on Instagram @nataliesetareh. You can follow me on Instagram @fotofroggy, just in case you haven't already, wink-wink! Stay tuned to our blogs and social media, because Natalie and I will be launching our Head Shots Collaboration very soon!
Just in case you missed it:
Natalie's Makeup: Setareh Beauty
Natalie's Hairstyle: Cut or Dye by Ximena
Just in case you missed it:
Natalie's Makeup: Setareh Beauty
Natalie's Hairstyle: Cut or Dye by Ximena
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