A soft-lit, elegant portrait of Mariel Barcelona, surrounded by makeup brushes, palettes, and wedding planning materials, with a subtle cityscape of Barcelona in the background.

Mariel Barcelona: Visionary Makeup Artist and Planner

As a creative kid, I fell in love with makeup's transformative power, experimenting with techniques in college and drawing inspiration from beauty blogs. I turned my passion into a career, merging artistry with business savvy to build a beauty empire. I've grown my business by adapting to opportunities, collaborating with other artists, and staying updated on techniques. I've even expanded into event planning, offering unique services through Charm Occasions. I'm committed to exceeding client expectations and constantly seeking new experiences to share. There's more to my story, and I'm excited to share the rest with you as you explore my world.

Key Takeaways

• Mariel Barcelona is a visionary makeup artist with a passion for transforming lives through her artistry and event planning expertise.
• She built her beauty empire by combining her advertising degree with her makeup skills, offering unique and affordable services.
• Her event planning company, Charm Occasions, provides seamless integration of makeup services with event decor and planning for various occasions.
• Mariel's expertise extends to event decoration, offering bespoke solutions for clients seeking unique and memorable experiences.
• With a strong support system and industry connections, Mariel continues to push boundaries in the beauty and event planning industries.

Early Beginnings and Inspiration

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the transformative power of makeup, and by the time I entered college, I was experimenting with various beauty techniques that would eventually become the foundation of my career as a visionary makeup artist.

My childhood dreams of becoming a makeup artist were fueled by my artistic influences, such as watching makeup tutorials and reading beauty blogs. In college, I discovered my passion for advertising, which I pursued as a major, but my true calling remained in the beauty industry.

Through self-experimentation and online tutorials, I honed my skills, and my career aspirations became clearer. I was determined to turn my childhood dreams into a reality, and I'm grateful for the journey that has led me to where I'm today.

Building a Beauty Empire

By the time I graduated from college, I'd already begun building a portfolio of my makeup work, which would eventually serve as the foundation for my business ventures, Barcibeauty Makeup Service and Charm Occasions Event Planning.

I leveraged my Advertising degree to develop effective marketing strategies, securing brand collaborations that helped establish my reputation in the industry. Staying attuned to industry trends, I identified growth opportunities and adapted my services to meet the evolving needs of my clients.

As my business grew, I continued to refine my craft, collaborating with other artists and staying up-to-date on the latest techniques. Through strategic planning and a keen eye for detail, I'm proud to be building a beauty empire that exceeds client expectations.

Expanding Into Event Planning

As I ventured into the world of event planning, I realized that my passion for creating unforgettable experiences could be combined with my expertise in makeup artistry to offer clients a unique, all-encompassing service. This led to the founding of Charm Occasions Event Planning, which aims to provide affordable and unique event solutions.

By leveraging my partner's experience in the wedding industry, I'm able to offer decorating services for romantic picnics, birthdays, and debuts. My event coordination skills allow me to seamlessly integrate makeup services into the planning process, resulting in a cohesive and stress-free experience for clients.

This expansion hasn't only contributed to business growth but also enabled me to tap into my creative potential, further solidifying my position as a visionary makeup artist and planner.

SoCal Favorites and Recommendations

I love exploring the hidden gems of Southern California, where the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary delights creates an ideal setting for clients to celebrate their special occasions.

When I'm not busy making up faces or planning events, you can find me indulging in beach escapes to Laguna Beach, where the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation.

I'm also a fan of shopping sprees at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, where I can score unique finds and inspiration for my next event design.

From high tea at Morning Lavender Cafe to exploring the eateries and museums in West LA, I'm always on the lookout for new experiences to share with my clients and friends.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I've been fortunate to have an incredible support system that has played an essential role in shaping my businesses and creative vision. I'm grateful for the unwavering support of my business partner, friends, family, and boyfriend, who've been my rock throughout this journey.

I'm also thankful for my clients, whose testimonials have helped build my reputation and attract new customers. My industry connections, made through networking events, have opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

As I look to the future, I'm excited to achieve my goals and continue to grow my businesses. I recognize that I wouldn't be where I'm today without the help of others, and I'm committed to paying it forward and supporting others in their own entrepreneurial endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Your Favorite Makeup Trend for Summer Weddings?

"As summer weddings bloom, I'm obsessed with bold eyeshadow, glowing skin, and natural lips that exude a dewy finish - it's the perfect trifecta for a radiant, sun-kissed bride that's simply unforgettable."

How Do You Balance Creativity With Client Preferences?

When balancing creativity with client preferences, I prioritize personalized consultations to understand their vision, then craft custom color palettes that fusion their desires with my artistic expertise, ensuring a unique, yet tailored look that exceeds their expectations.

What Inspired Your Unique Event Decor Style at Charm Occasions?

I drew inspiration from my advertising background and love for beauty, combining bold event design with delicate floral arrangements, carefully curated color palettes, and thoughtful venue selection to create unique, Instagram-worthy spaces that tell a story.

Can You Recommend Any Makeup Products for Sensitive Skin?

"As I envision a flawless canvas, I recommend gentle, allergen-free products for sensitive skin, like Hypoallergenic brands or mineral-based foundations, which soothe and calm the skin, ensuring a smooth, radiant finish."

How Do You Handle Last-Minute Changes on Wedding Days?

When handling last-minute wedding day changes, I prioritize managing stress through adaptability, relying on quick fixes, and maintaining open communication with the bride and vendors to guarantee a seamless, stress-free experience for all involved.

Back to blog