Life & Work with Catherine Lopez- Camas of Grand Rapids, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Lopez- Camas.

Hi Catherine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Journey through beauty, business and motherhood;
My love for makeup began when I was around 16 years old. I initially thought college would be my path, but at 18, I landed what felt like a dream job- becoming a beauty advisor. Through becoming a beauty advisor at Ulta Beauty I met so many inspiring women who had gone to cosmetology school and who loved makeup as much as I did. It sparked something in me that seriously made me consider a different direction. After finishing my semester in college, I toured a cosmetology school and knew immediately that it was where I wanted to be. I enrolled in the summer of 2019 and even took courses in lash and nail artistry. I grew a deep love for lashing and it inspired me to not just be a lash artist but also launch my own launch brand and that dream came to life in January 2020; it was an exciting leap of faith- but then COVID hit and like so many other small business owners, I had to adapt. I slowed down my online orders and when COVID started to slow down, I began participating in small pop-up shops and vendor markets where my customers could see the lash styles first hand and I could make face to face connections. After graduating summer of 2020 I explored the industry through booth renting as a hair stylist and makeup artist. While I loved learning everything I could in both nail and lash industries, I eventually realized I had to compromise and focus on less services to give my clients my all. I chose to focus on growing my brand solely as a hair and makeup artist so that I could also manage my lash brand and full time job on the side while still participating in vendor markets- these vendor markets quickly became something I looked forward to, I loved the sense of community, connecting with other small businesses owners, and seeing everyone come together.

Another dream of mine was always to become a mom- and in 2022, I gave birth to my first baby boy and I took a small break from everything to adjust to motherhood. When I returned to vendor markets and the world of entrepreneurship, I felt inspired to host my own by the love I had for supporting small businesses and being a part of a community that creates welcoming spaces for local creatives and entrepreneurs to shine. In 2024, I welcomed my second baby boy, and today I am navigating life as a wife, mommy of two, and a business owner with a heart full of gratitude. I am incredibly blessed to have the support of my husband, family and in-laws. They have encouraged me every step of the way from beauty school to building my brand to hosting markets, and most importantly- through motherhood.
Through every step- every pivot, every decision, every success and setback- I have leaned on my faith. God has been my foundation and guide. I truly believe he placed each dream in my heart for a reason and has directed my path. It’s a blessing to be living the life I once prayed for.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been easy. From navigating career changes, launching a business during a pandemic, pausing during early motherhood, and balancing entrepreneurship with raising a family-it’s been a journey full of highs and lows. But every challenge has helped me grow stronger, more focused, and even more grateful for my little village.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Whether im behind the chair styling hair, glamming beauties, packaging lashes, or curating a vendor event, my mission is the same: to create beautiful, intentional experiences that uplift others. I love connecting with my clients and appreciate my market vendors so much, I love to share the passion for small businesses and entrepreneurship with them. I will always pour my heart into everything I do while also being present for my family. I want to also take this opportunity to thank all of you that have came out and helped support me and all of the wonderful entrepreneurs who join these events by attending our markets, sharing posts and lining up the door eager to shop and support the most hard working and talented small business in our community!

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Here’s how you can support and connect with me:
• Book hair and makeup services for your next special moment
• Shop my lash brand- Honeymilk Lashes & Co at events
• Attend or apply to be a vendor at my events where small businesses and community come together
• Collaborate on styled shoots, content creation, or local events
• Follow me on Instagram!
Get glammed @blossomingbeautymi Lash brand @honeymilklashesandco
Keep up with events and vendor markets @honeymilkeventsmi
• Share my journey on social media to help me continue growing my dream

Thank you for being a part of my story, with love and gratitude, Cat ︎︎(heart)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/fxoever
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomingbeautymi
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/honeymilkeventsmi