Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Franco.
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I never set out to become a makeup artist. In fact, makeup was never part of some carefully designed career plan. I have an art education, so creativity was always in my blood, but I explored different careers before finding my way to makeup.
And then somehow, makeup found me.
What started as an artistic outlet slowly turned into my business, my passion, and eventually my profession. Today, I’m a makeup artist, small business owner, and educator—and honestly, I never could have imagined where that unexpected little detour would take me.
Maybe it’s the Ukrainian in me, maybe it’s the Scorpio, but I’ve never been particularly interested in doing things the ordinary way. I like creating, experimenting, taking risks, and figuring things out as I go. And that spirit has shaped everything I’ve built.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course it hasn’t been a smooth road. When you start something from nothing, you’re essentially building the plane while flying it. You don’t know what you’re doing yet, and there’s no instruction manual waiting for you.
There have been plenty of challenges, disappointments, mistakes, and moments that genuinely broke my heart. But I’ve learned that those moments are part of the process. You keep showing up, even when you’re tired, even when you question yourself, and even when things don’t look the way you imagined.
It really is hard before it gets easy. And then one day, you look back and realize that all those moments you thought were setting you back were actually teaching you how to move forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a makeup artist, educator, and hairstylist, and honestly, I love every part of what I do.
My career has never fit neatly into one box— and I like it that way.
Summers are usually a beautiful kind of chaos, with weddings taking over my calendar. I specialize in South Asian and fusion bridal makeup and hair, and I absolutely love the artistry, culture, color, and transformation that come with it. Every wedding is its own world, and no two brides are ever the same.
Throughout the year, I also get to collaborate with some incredibly talented photographers, creating images that are more than just beautiful-they’re memorable. boudoir, maternity, intimate portraits, editorial work… I love the opportunity to create something completely different from bridal.
And then winter comes, and I switch gears from creating on faces to creating artists.
Education has become a huge part of my business. I teach makeup artists how to refine their technique and build a professional kit, but I also work with everyday women who want to understand makeup beyond simply buying whatever is trending. I love teaching people how to shop intelligently, curate a makeup collection that actually works for them, and understand how to use what they own.
I think what sets me apart is that I’ve never wanted makeup to be just about makeup. For me, it’s art, transformation, education, and connection-and I get to experience all of it.
What makes you happy?
Besides my career, I would have to say my family and absolutely travel. Traveling has always been something that makes me incredibly happy because I believe it truly shapes you as a person. It takes you outside of your own little world, introduces you to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, and constantly reminds you how much there is to see and experience.
I think every place you visit leaves a little imprint on you. Travel makes you more curious, more open, and, ultimately, a little more interesting. And I love that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefacepro
