Paulina manages 11 artists specializing in bridal, TV, editorial and political hair and makeup, and her work has been featured on Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, the CBS Early Show, CNN, and The Dr. Drew Show. Her multifaceted hustle can quickly switch from working on a national ad campaign to working with prominent political leaders to covering New York Fashion Week and so much more. Just as impressive as her long list of accolades is her dedication to her team. She’s a creative, intentional and thoughtful leader who is truly passionate about her work and the happiness of the team members that help make it possible.

The Basics:

Hometown: I was born in Santiago Tuxtla, Veracruz, Mexico, but moved to the U.S. when I was 4 years-old. I spent my summers in Mexico but lived the school year here, so I sort of feel like Santiago and Jacksonville, Florida are equally my hometowns.
Current city: Jacksonville, Florida
Degree: A.A., University of North Florida
Very first job: JCPenney + Gayfers Teen Model
Hustle: Owner, Paulina Perez Makeup Artistry

The Interests:

Babe you admire and why?
Anya Brewster. This badass chick has an amazing list of TV shows on her roster, yet juggles mom life while still kicking ass in this industry. She truly is a boss babe while being passionate about human rights on her free time. 

How do you spend your free time?
Honestly, when I can let go of my responsibilities of work or being a mom, I love a good face and chest mask and hanging out with my hubby or friends and drinking wine. I also absolutely love the beach.

Go-to coffee order and/or adult beverage?
Coffee: grande iced skinny vanilla latte (it’s OK to roll your eyes at my basic-ness). Adult bev: freshly blended watermelon, mint, and lime juice with vodka.

What would you eat for your very last meal?
Garnachas, empanadas, and gordas from Santiago, Veracruz, and a real Mexican Coke in a plastic bag with a straw.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?
My grandmother. I have so many questions. I miss her smell and her cuddles.

The Hustle:

Tell us about your hustle.
I own a hair and makeup company, Paulina Perez Makeup Artistry, that houses 11 artists. We specialize in bridal/tv/editorial/political hair and makeup. I wear all the hats: I’m the director of communications, as I like to call it. I’m who you call, email, social media, DM with any questions. I do payroll, I’m in charge of marketing and social media, booking scheduling and networking. Last but not least, I’m also one of the 11 artists! We work with a lot of private clients such as bridal events; we average over 200 weddings a year. We also do a lot of corporate filming, television shows and commercials, editorials, and political makeup.

Have you always been interested in makeup and cosmetology? When did you decide to pursue it?
Honestly, it fell into my lap. One of my first jobs in high school was being a brand rep for a cosmetic line called Hard Candy. At the time, Hard Candy was sold in Dillard’s and Gayfers/Belk and I’d work 10 hours each week after school at the different counters representing them. It was my first taste of makeup artistry. I went to college to pursue journalism, and still did makeup on the side. Even after working for a local television show for a few years, I always kept going back to makeup. Eventually through the years, I pushed through to be able to only do this.

Tell us about how you work with your clients.
I like to think that my clients and I have a very trusting relationship. (After all, they’re letting me get right into their lash line with glue!) They usually bring a picture, so I ask them to explain everything in it. I notice things in the picture that most people don’t, and try to explain everything back to them before starting. I love to take into consideration the time of day they want the makeup done, and anything that might affect the makeup look. We have a light in our studio we can dim to different temperatures to mimic the outdoor light at specific times, so they know what to expect. Honestly, I love the feeling around the job as a whole. Private clients are so happy and emotional about the events surrounding the day, that it makes you feel so blessed you were chosen to be a part of it. For the TV side, it always eventful so everyone’s hyped energy is always so great to be around. My favorite client story involves CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. He came in and out of my makeup chair all day and every time repeated my name a few times during each interaction. When I realized he was doing that to make sure he knew my name, it made me love him even more! He’s such a high-profile client, yet wanted to make sure his makeup artist felt like an important part of the day. That, to me, speaks volumes of someone’s character. In a world where high-profile people don’t always have the time or desire to go out of their way to make someone feel special, it’s always great to see those who do.

What’s been your biggest career milestone?
Honestly, my career has always been a struggle within my family because no one else is artistic. I come from a family of doctors. For years, I was successfully running a business and doing TV, but it wasn’t until I did my first presidential debate that I heard my dad say, “I’m so proud of you.” Those words have been said so many times since, and each time feels amazing.

How has being a woman affected your professional experience?
Being a working mom is a struggle in basically every industry, is it not? Who gets called first? Who is expected to take a back seat? I created my company 10 years ago with the full intent to be a working mom, and my husband and I worked towards that goal before we had kids. My staff knows their kids are welcome when they have in-studio jobs, and we have brought playpens, swings, and Nintendo Switches so their momentum of being an artist does not have to stop because they have kids. Company meetings involve all our kids chasing each other in the playroom, and to be honest I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the working mom culture I’ve created for MBPP.

What are some common misconceptions about your job?
People think that it’s all Instagram fun. They don’t see the struggle to find clients when you’re starting out, the legal side, the marketing side, the 40-hours-plus of office work each week that isn’t glamorous. There are sometimes unfriendly clients, but you put your big-girl pants on and still make them the most beautiful version of themselves possible. It’s a lot of letting go of your ego and becoming the best version of yourself for the person in your chair.

Who are some women in your field you look to for inspiration?
Kim Greene and Melissa Street are seriously goddesses in our industry. I look up to them so much and have been honored to be mentored by both of them.

Career and/or life advice for other babes?
Please don’t live your life for others. Not your parents, not your peers, your significant other—no one. Life is so short, and as long as you aren’t causing harm to anyone, please do what makes you happy. The money will come when you’re passionate about your job. Don’t mold to the cookie-cutter, excel sheet of what your life should be. I created a work-life balance culture for mothers that work for my company because the cookie-cutter corporate life didn’t give that to me. I love what I do, I love spending time with my family, and my artists are kickass women who have a fiery passion for their art and love getting to share it with the world. None of that would be possible if we stayed within the mold. Kick ass, then enjoy a glass of chardonnay. Life is meant to be happy!

Connect with Paulina:

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This interview has been condensed and edited.

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