Meet Michele Godinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Godinez. 

Hi Michele, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I am originally from Naperville Ill, I grew up there with my family, when I was about 19, I was a model in Chicago and as much as I liked that, I always loved watching the hair and makeup team a transform everyone they did on the photoshoots… My Mom was a hairstylist and makeup artist as well who owned a salon in Naperville, So I was always surrounded by creative people… When I was in early 20s, I decided to go to Cosmology School and joined my mom in her salon… When I was younger, I always loved putting makeup on my friends so going in this field didn’t feel like a job to me since I loved it so much. My mom was such an inspiration in this business to me. She was an amazing hairstylist and makeup artists who had a very busy studio and it’ was great learning from her. After working in the salon environment for many years I always wanted to move to a sunny and warm climate so my family and I moved to Scottsdale Az where I got my first taste working with other stylists and artist which I enjoyed very much… It was after 2 years that I had a calling to go to Southern California where I went to Makeup Designery School and went through the Beauty Program to educate myself on more advanced Makeup skills. 

Through that, I met other Makeup Artist needing help on film, commercials, and event work where I was able to get my experience. I also worked in San Deigo Comic for 3 years which was very exciting… I also had an opportunity to work with the original PussyCat Dolls and the painted ladies at the Playboy Mansion for their charity events which was a fun experience. With the PussyCat Dolls we actually went all over LA with the makeup and hair team and got them stage-ready for the MTV Awards, Charlie Angels premier, and lot of their own shows. 

After many years living in Los Angeles, I decided to move my family to Temecula Ca which was a better place to raise my younger children at the time. So, I started my own Traveling makeup School out there and started teaching makeup classes for San Diego City College, Pasadena College, and Cal Tech for wellness day for all their employees… 

I love sharing all my wealth of information to my students and teaching then became a passion for me. I taught beginner classes as well as advanced for pros and students who would like to learn everyday makeup tips, my mature over 40 makeup class was a big hit. And there was a waiting list to get into my classes… my husband Anthony and I moved to Nashville in 2021 to relocate for a new adventure and everything beautiful Tennessee has to offer. I’m 

Excited to be working doing makeup in Nashville with all the talented musicians I have been meeting for all their photo shoots, music videos, and events… 

My husband is a talented photographer so we been teaming up for photoshoots, and the numerous weddings Tennessee has to out here with the beautiful venues. 

We definitely love the brides and grooms out here who are so excited to get married and we are happy to offer them photography and hair and makeup packages for their big day. I am also working on teaching out here as well, I think Nashville would be a great city to have makeup, wellness classes and to learn about the tips and tricks of feeling your best. 

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?
Oh, yes. In this business, at first you hear a lot of nos which to me means not at this time. A lot of people don’t want to help you out when you don’t have a name, but the most important thing in this business is making relationships. and then they’re more willing to work with you when you do that… The Makeup and Hair freelance business is very hard to get into. Especially in LA and coming to a new city like Nashville. It’s all about networking with photographers, other makeup and hair artist also having a website and marketing yourself on Google is a top priority… It takes time but once you get in the work does come. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Makeup for events, photography, music videos. Men’s grooming is specialty I do out here., it’s great to make the men photo-ready. I also enjoy weddings which is wonderful to do since it’s such a happy time in the bride’s life and it’s such an honor to me that they chose me for their big day. 

I specialize in airbrush makeup which gives a long-lasting 12-hour hold and makes your skin so luminous. It work on all ages, I believe in pro-aging and the Temptu products are made to be able to use at home as well. It really makes the skin look younger! I have 33 years’ experience which sets me apart because I can work on all ages and skin types which is really important because a lot of people don’t know how to work with more mature skin. And since I have so much experience, I love sharing all my skills to my clients. When you take one of my classes you will get a certificate, mentoring, and up to 40 percent discount on makeup products online. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My best advice which I wish I had with the beginning of my makeup career is to look for a mentor. Start out as an assistant. 

It’s makes such a difference in your profession as an artist. If you have a hard time finding a mentor keep trying, just let people know you’re willing to help them just to learn from them. it’s a full-time job just to get the work but it can be done don’t give up and once you’re in, you will be busy. It’s all about being reliable, being on time and being professional and kind. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: micmakeup_beauty
• Yelp: https:/www.yelp.com/biz/beautybymichele
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Anthony David Photography
Chelsea Erica Smith