Meet Michelle Montes

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Montes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Michelle , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience has been shaped by experience, I left a flourishing makeup business in India and moved to a new country with a 1 year old and a 4 year old because my Husband got an opportunity here. Starting from scratch with zero connections, was one of the hardest things i’ve had to do.
It comes from the quiet commitment to my craft, even when things felt uncertain. I’ve learned to trust in my hands, in my ability to create beauty that resonates. Every client I work with, every look I design, adds to that strength. My artistry is something I continue to refine not just technically, but emotionally. It’s my anchor, and it keeps me growing.

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

I’m a professional makeup artist based in the Bay Area, and my work is rooted in enhancing natural beauty through skin-focused, effortless makeup. I specialize in makeup for branding sessions, corporate events, weddings, and personal makeup lessons. What truly excites me is helping women feel confident, seen, and radiant in their own skin.

Through my brand, I want people to know that makeup isn’t about hiding—it’s about highlighting who you are, and helping you feel confident wherever life takes you.

I offer 1:1 makeup lessons virtual and in person and they’re truly one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. These aren’t your typical one-size-fits-all tutorials. My lessons are completely customized to you, your features, your lifestyle and your comfort level.

I take the time to really understand what you need, whether it’s learning the basics or elevating your everyday routine. It’s a hands-on, empowering experience designed to build your confidence and teach you how to enhance your natural beauty using techniques that actually work for you.

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

The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been patience, my genuine love for makeup, and my unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

If I could offer advice to anyone starting out, it would be this: never feel like you have to know everything right away. Staying current in this industry means committing to constant learning and practice. The moment you stop learning is the moment you start falling behind.

Also, develop a sense of calm and patience, not just for yourself, but for your clients. People come to me not only for my artistry, but for the sense of ease and presence I bring. Whether it’s a big stage moment, a branding shoot, or one of the most important day of their life, I want to be a grounding force. When someone sits in my chair, I want them to breathe, reset, and feel centered, so they can step out feeling radiant and ready.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle I continue to face is imposter syndrome, it rears its ugly head ever so often. In a world where you’re constantly exposed to stunning work by other makeup artists on social media, it’s hard not to question your own abilities.

Mindset is something that I constantly work on because you will never get anywhere comparing yourself to others. I remind myself to compare my present to my past self only and feel pride in how far I have come. I go through the reviews and messages my clients have sent me over the years on the days I don’t feel my best and it brings me back to my purpose.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Lisa Whalen Photography, Emily Kim photography, Solhaus Media, Joy Moon Photography

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