Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Truong.
Hi Andy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Back in 2012 when makeup tutorials were becoming such a huge thing on YouTube, I was instantly hooked. I would watch them religiously and just fall in love with the artistry and transformation of it all. At that time, I was forcing my mom and sister to let me play with their makeup and practice on them and the more I got to play with it, the more I became obsessed with it!
I was only 14 at the time and my parents always allowed me to chase whatever dream I had so they would take me to Ulta and Sephora and buy me some of the things I would see the beauty creators using and began building a little kit. I was on my dance team at my junior high so all of the girls would let me do their makeup and so I was able to practice even more and 2 years after that, I took my very first paying client who found me on Instagram.
The more time that went on, I grew a deeper passion for makeup. It wasn’t just to make people look beautiful, it made them feel beautiful and that has kept me in this industry. Seeing the confidence and radiance when they take a look at their face is what continues to fuel my love for what I do.
I have experienced a ton of amazing things as an artist and a male in a female-dominated industry. In the last decade of doing makeup, I have been able to work on sets for big productions, clients from all over the country and have been featured a few times in various articles and Buzzfeed! I have done makeup for New York Fashion Week, and worked with most of the cast of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and many influencers here in Utah and some from LA.
None of this wouldn’t have been possible if I wasn’t surrounded by friends and family who’ve always encouraged me and supported me. The power that social media has in connecting me with all of the amazing people I have gotten to work with is huge!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been some struggles along the way. Starting as young as I did, I didn’t feel as if I started as a strong and form business person. I had to learn a lot of what I know now along the way.
My biggest obstacle was finding a way to do makeup full-time and sustain a living. For a few of the last years, I would go get a regular retail job at a makeup counter or beauty store because I was nervous about being able to pay my bills and support myself. I would quit, do makeup full-time, and then revert to getting a job for stability.
I have been full-time now for the last year because of some difficulties I was experiencing at my last makeup-counter job that left me wanting this even more so I quit. Ever since then, I have been able to sustain my lifestyle and support myself and my little family.
Self-worth was a huge thing for me as I didn’t grow up with confidence in myself, even though I knew I was doing good things by chasing my dreams this early. I’ve since learned to become very stern and strict with my booking, pricing and valuing myself. I have grown to become a more luxurious service and the second I started to put some value into what I can do, the more respect I felt from those inquiring about me for what I do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a luxury makeup artist based in Salt Lake City, Utah and I specialize in event makeup applications.
I am known for my signature bronzey, LA style glam.
What sets me apart from others is my extensive knowledge of diversity within makeup artistry. Not only am I able to fully execute glam for people of ALL skin tones, I am also able to execute any look that is requested of me.
I am most proud of the confidence I am able to paint for someone. Makeup isn’t just makeup to me. I am here to make you feel your utmost best, inside and out! I am very proud of my professionalism, my extensive knowledge and growth within my industry and the service I am able to provide.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am very humbled and in my own lane. I’ve done a lot of amazing things that I am very proud of, but all-in-all, I don’t ever want to overwhelm someone, especially a client, with conversations about myself. I think that comes with not growing up an outgoing or confident person, that I choose to keep my accomplishments pretty private.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shoptrulashes.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/atrumakeupartist?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
Andy Truong
