Exploring Life & Business with Marisol Saldana of The Beauty Coven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisol Saldana

Hi Marisol, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 10 years. My journey began in 2013 when I was hired at Sephora during the holiday season. After being asked to stay on, I discovered my passion for makeup and beauty. It became a space where I could experiment with different looks without feeling out of place. Growing up, my mom sold Avon and Jafra, so I was always surrounded by makeup, though I wasn’t allowed to wear it. I believe that early exposure really sparked my interest in the world of beauty.

While studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I realized I wanted to stay in the beauty industry. However, I wasn’t particularly drawn to hair or nails. A friend introduced me to esthetics, which closely relates to makeup and skincare, but at that time, I needed to finish college, partly to fulfill my immigrant parents’ expectations. My dad taught me the value of hard work and that in life, you can only count on yourself. From my mom, I learned to be kind and to have confidence in everything I do. These lessons have stuck with me throughout my career.

After college, I moved to Omaha and continued pursuing beauty on the side, doing wedding makeup on weekends. While working full-time as a recruiter, I realized I wasn’t happy and wanted to fully immerse myself in the beauty industry. In the fall of 2020, during the pandemic, I made the leap and paid deposits for both esthetician school and a permanent makeup course. It was a difficult decision given the uncertainty of the industry at the time and the year-long waitlist for esthetics school.

I’ve been doing permanent makeup since March 2021 and graduated from esthetics school in June 2022. Just two weeks after graduation, I started renting my own studio—a step that’s often not recommended for new estheticians. However, coming from an entrepreneurial family and having faith in myself, I knew I could make it work. Now, I run my own studio in Omaha, offering services like brows, makeup, and permanent makeup six days a week, and I love every minute of it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, it’s been fairly smooth because I’ve always had the mindset that failure isn’t an option. As a single mom to a 14-year-old daughter, Lily, I bought my first home in 2021, knowing that I was about to leave my full-time job with benefits to become a full-time student for four months and then build a business from scratch. I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from my friends and family, for which I’m forever grateful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’ve been a makeup artist since 2013, specializing in bridal and special occasions. My first bridal client actually happened by accident. She came into the store one day upset because of a bad makeup trial and was looking for products to do her own wedding makeup. After helping her apply the products, she asked me to do her makeup for her wedding because she loved the look. That was my first booked wedding, and it made me realize, “I can do this.” From that point on, I said yes to every opportunity.

I’ve been doing permanent makeup since March 2021, after taking a course in Dallas for permanent brows and lip blushing. In June 2022, I became a licensed esthetician. Most people know me for my work with brows and makeup. My weekends, especially from April to November, are booked with weddings, while weekdays are spent on brow shaping, tinting, lamination, lash lifts, and permanent makeup. I love the variety of my workdays and the freedom to set my own schedule.

What sets me apart is my consistency and my desire to always improve and provide the best experience for my clients. I also believe in sharing knowledge, which I feel is rare in this industry. I want everyone to succeed. With my clients, I aim to create an environment where they feel excited, relaxed, and comfortable. The best compliment I’ve received is that I inspire others.

Most people find me on Instagram @thebeautycovenomaha. In addition to services, I also offer makeup and brow training for those looking to expand their skills in these areas.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can reach out to me via Instagram @thebeautycovenomaha or by email at [email protected]. I’m also available for travel!

Pricing:

• Permanent makeup (brows and lips) starts at $500
• Brow services range from $30 to $100
• Makeup services start at $125

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebeautycovenomaha.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautycovenomaha?igsh=OHJ2NHVwZG1zY2V0&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebeautycovenomaha?_t=ZT-8sstkNnoiac&_r=1