Conversations with Lauren Trecaso

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Trecaso

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
Hi, I’m Lauren, a traveling makeup artist based in Northeast Ohio! Happy to be here and share a bit of my story. Art has always been my passion for as long as I can remember. At six years old, I won a character drawing contest with my illustration of Pikachu. I started carrying my sketchbook everywhere, capturing the scenery around me. My parents still talk about the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge sketch I did during our trip to Brooklyn, New York when I was eight years old. Throughout grade school, my art teacher often asked to keep my work to show as an example to future students. Beyond drawing, I enjoyed crafting, painting, creating choreographed dances and fashion shows with my family.

Fast forward to high school, when I became fascinated with magazines. I created an inspiration wall in my bedroom filled with pages that sparked my interest, usually featuring photoshoots of models with beautiful makeup and captivating outfits. I loved seeing people express themselves in ways that words couldn’t evoke. As a student in a Catholic school where uniforms were the norm, self-expression was all the more intriguing. I started experimenting with makeup on my friends, like recreating Kesha’s famous glitter eye look.
A friend in high school had a vision for a clothing brand named Renowned. A small group of us got together and had a photoshoot in my backyard, where I did my friends’ hair and makeup for the shoot. Reflecting on this, I realize how long I’ve been doing makeup and how much I enjoyed it even back then.

I pursued graphic design and photography in college, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design and Photography Illustration from Kent State University. Throughout my career I’ve worked at several organizations, including a web design firm, an advertising agency in downtown San Diego, an electric company, and at Coach on the fashion brand’s Global Retail Training and Development team. I also started my own business, 29 Design, specializing in branded identities, logo designs, vector illustrations, web designs, brochures, and photography.
Fast forward to the present day- I attended six weddings last year. I did my own makeup for each one. As a bridesmaid in my cousin’s New Jersey wedding, my aunt asked if I would do her makeup for her daughter’s big day. I was honored and eagerly rolled up my sleeves, determined to make sure she felt confident and beautiful. Soon after, some of the bridal party asked for my help with their makeup, and I was happy to assist. Everyone was very complimentary and encouraged me to consider doing makeup professionally. Intrigued with the idea, I took photos and videos of my aunt’s makeup to post later.

When I returned home, I conducted extensive research, received training from a professional makeup artist (Zoe Elizabeth – she’s amazing), and launched my business. I set up my social media accounts, shared content from the wedding, networked, and offered complimentary sessions to build my portfolio. I’ve been steadily booking clients ever since.

My best friend from college was my very first client. My best friends have all pointed out that being a makeup artist aligns perfectly with my personality and creative side. I genuinely love making people feel good about themselves and lifting them up to shine like they should, and I’m able to do that through my work. Not to mention, makeup is a creative outlet, similar to painting, which I also enjoy in my spare time. Doing makeup is an incredibly mindful practice, another reason I’m drawn to it.

Makeup allows me to connect with people I might never have otherwise met. One day, I saw a post about a Galentine’s event in Cleveland and messaged the organizers, offering my services as a makeup artist. It was a great time connecting with other entrepreneurs and I was hired to be the makeup artist for the organizer’s wedding. A few months later, I was on a flight to Naples to do the makeup for her bridal party.

Makeup is designed to empower you. My goal is to make all my clients feel beautiful and confident in their individuality.

I want to express my gratitude to all of my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my journey; your encouragement doesn’t go unnoticed! A special shout out to my parents, whose support has played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today. My mom and my nana, both incredibly creative, strong, and thoughtful, have been my guiding lights, mentoring me through life and inspiring me to approach everything with love and kindness. My mom has been by my side since day one, both in life and on my makeup artistry journey. She’s attended every event so far and even helped me pick out my first makeup chair!

I’m thankful for my dad’s support and guidance throughout my life. My parents, brothers, and grandparents have been constant sources of encouragement throughout all my creative endeavors, cheering me on every step of the way. To my aunts, uncles, and cousins, your support means the world to me. I’m convinced I have the best friends in the world! I wouldn’t be where I am without their friendship.

I appreciate you taking the time to read some of my story. I’ll leave you with my favorite quote, Maya Angelou’s words: “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”

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?
Life, undoubtedly, presents its share of challenges. As an entrepreneur, navigating obstacles has taught me the importance of self-trust, incredible focus, and actively combating imposter syndrome. Also, it’s helpful to focus on the people who support you and be grateful for them.
I’ve learned that true growth stems from pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing challenges head-on. It’s in these moments of adversity that we truly discover our strength and potential.

We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
As a traveling makeup artist, I specialize in bridal and performance makeup but am open to exploring all avenues that makeup can take me. I create unique looks that enhance your natural features, helping you feel more beautiful and confident in your skin. I believe what sets me apart from others is my artistic background, understanding color theory well, my attention to meticulous detail and my ability to adapt to each of my client’s unique needs. I’m a very open-minded person and have always been intrigued in learning about different cultures, art and anthropology. I’m proud of my ambition, work ethic, and determination.

Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to the day I’m on my private jet, surrounded by my favorite people, en route to do Lady Gaga’s makeup. #dreambig
Needless to say, I have big aspirations, and I’m excited about my future in this industry. Eventually, I would like to start a nonprofit where proceeds from my makeup services can support its cause. I enjoy traveling, so I’m looking forward to making more connections, exploring more destinations and meeting many more beautiful faces!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makeupbylauren143.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbylauren143/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556959015067
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakeupbyLauren
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeupbylauren143