From small town dreams to Global Glam

Makeup Artist/Retoucher/Hair Stylist: Monica Garcia @makeupby.monicamua
Photographer: Ashton Staniszewski @ashtonstan
Photographer: Jef Edimunah @jefedimunah
Fashion Designer: Jose Ventura @joseventuravbcg
Female Model: ellice nisbet
@ellicenisbet
Hair Stylist: Anna Thacker @_aestheticallyanna_
Retoucher: Emily Mercado @glamedby_em
Hair Stylist: Agrini Boken @morni_aesthetics
Accessory Designer: Soukashi Team Japan @soukashi_official
Exclusive Interview
In the heart of Hastings, Nebraska, Monica Garcia turned her passion for beauty into a thriving career. As a travel makeup artist and esthetician, she has built an impressive reputation, working at high-profile events like Miami Swim Week, New York Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week. Her journey, spanning nine years, has taken her across the globe—from Canada to France to the Dominican Republic—proving that talent and determination can break any boundary. In this exclusive interview, Monica shares her inspiring story, insights into the beauty industry, and advice for aspiring artists.

What inspired you to become a makeup artist and esthetician, and how did you start your journey in the beauty industry?
Like almost every little girl, I always loved makeup. I remember in 5th grade sneaking makeup from my mom’s room and taking it to school so that my friends and I could put it on in the restroom. Then we’d wash it off before we went home. I remember always wanting to give someone a makeover. I was also always asked by someone to do their makeup, It was something I always loved doing. Then one day I said why don’t I do this as a business instead of a hobby?
So I did. I never imagined I’d make it this far. But here I am.

You’ve built a successful beauty salon and spa in Hastings, Nebraska. What challenges did you face in growing your business, and how did you overcome them?
Being from a small town your resources can be very limited. It was hard to take off at first. I networked within my community and that got me to move from a spare room in my house to a small studio downtown. I was at my first shop for about 4 years. Then I moved to a bigger location in the same area which is downtown. I’ve now been there for 2 years. We’re slowly growing. There are good days and there are slow days at our salon. But I am thankful our community supports us.
Your career has taken you to major fashion events like New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. What was it like working at such prestigious shows?
It was intimidating at first. As I was working with bigger artists from big cities and then there was me. The small town girl from a state no one remembers.
But that quickly went away when I realized I was there for a reason. I really do enjoy working for runway it’s so different than bridal. Backstage gets crazy and I live for that thrill,

Bridal and pageant makeup is a significant part of your expertise. What do you love most about working in this niche, and how does it differ from other types of makeup artistry?
Although Bridal makeup is not for the weak! I enjoy it. It’s a special day for a woman and celebrating her and being a part of that day is so sweet I think. Luckily I haven’t had a lot of “bridezillas through out my career. But being patient, having boundaries, and educating your brides on the artistry will make the process go a lot smoother for when I do have those picky brides.
And Pageant makeup is hectic!
As most of the time they get ready in the hair and makeup room it becomes chaotic! You have girls losing shoes, accidentally ripping their dresses, crying and ruining their makeup, or were running out of time and they have to be on stage so there you are working turbo mode to get her out on time. I love that! I love the chaos!
As someone who has worked internationally, what cultural influences have shaped your approach to beauty and makeup artistry?
Be humble! Being yourself and being humble will open up so many doors for you! I think that’s what has made my networking easier. That and being a team player. I’m not a hair stylist but if our team falls behind and I’m finished I go help the hairstylist that fell behind! Even by unpinning the girls hair. Being a team player will say so much about your work ethic.
What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists, especially those coming from small towns, who dream of working on a global stage?
Dream big! In this life anything is possible when you work hard and stay true to yourself.

Monica Garcia’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the courage to chase dreams beyond borders. From her salon in Nebraska to the runways of Paris, she continues to inspire and uplift others in the beauty industry. Keep up with her latest work and travels—because this is just the beginning of her incredible story.