Meet Kyle Santacruz

We recently connected with Kyle Santacruz and have shared our conversation below.

Kyle , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My strong work ethic was shaped early on by my mom and the remarkable women who surrounded me growing up. Their example instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and dedication qualities I bring to every client I work with. Especially on their special day, I show up with intention, passion, and care, because they deserve nothing less than excellence.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I come from a proud family of immigrants who taught me, through their example, that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Being of Ecuadorian descent and a male in a female-dominated industry, I’ve had to carve out my own path but that’s only strengthened my drive and purpose.

I’ve been a self-made makeup artist for 11 years, and to me, this work is more than just makeup it’s transformation. My brand is rooted in making my clients not only look their best but feel their best. There’s something powerful about seeing someone leave my chair with newfound confidence, radiating beauty from the inside out. That moment of transformation is what excites me most, and it’s what I strive to create every single time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were sacrifice, personality, and professionalism.

In the early stages of my career, sacrificing personal time played a huge role in my growth. I was willing to drop everything when a client needed me, and that dedication helped build the foundation of my reputation. While I’ve now reached a point where I can set healthier boundaries, that early hustle was essential.

Secondly, my personality helped me connect on a deeper level with my clients. Building genuine relationships made people feel welcome, valued, and excited to return and often led to referrals that expanded my reach.

Finally, professionalism and respect for every person who sat in my chair set me apart. Whether it was someone booking their first glam session or a longtime client, I treated every appointment with the same level of care and intention.

For those just starting out: don’t give up. Stay consistent, stay passionate, and give every person the best experience you can. You never know who might open the door to your next big opportunity.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my mom, stepfather, and cousins did for me was encourage me to be unapologetically myself. From a young age, my mom recognized my creative spirit and did everything she could to nurture it. She worked hard to push me toward my full potential whether that meant enrolling me in art school or supporting me through cosmetology school. My family never tried to fit me into a mold; instead, they pushed me to dream big, embrace my creativity, and strive for greatness. That foundation of support and encouragement is a huge part of who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makeupbyretro.as.me/schedule/b2169f16/appointment/17120983/calendar/4500513
• Instagram: @makeupbyretro

Image Credits

@makeupbyretro