Conversations with Kristina Stuller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Stuller. 

Hi Kristina, 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 fire for makeup came to me in the 7th grade, I created a rendition of Cleopatra for Halloween and fell in love with the Cat-Eye look from then on out. Who knew drawing a black line across my eyelid would make me feel 10x’s sexier? 

Straight out of high school I attended and graduated from Fremont Academy of Cosmetology in 2000 and began working as a Licensed Advanced Esthetician ever since. I’ve worked for several local salons learning the industry, before deciding to start my own studio with co-owner Joshua Ball. 

In 1999, Josh was gifted a film camera on his graduation day. He graduated from the University of Toledo in 2009 and shot nightlife and fine art photography until one fateful night in 2010 when we met, I asked if he could help me with my makeup portfolio. Together we started our makeup and photography business The Vanity Studios and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road following your dreams. It’s scary, uncharted territory if you don’t have a mentor. Which I myself, did not. So, I strive to be one. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I don’t just apply makeup, I create an art. As an artist, I have a constant drive to improve my craft and a passion for learning. I like meeting new people, going to new places, and adding a little more color to our world as I go. I never want to be an “influencer”; I always want to be an “inspirer.” 

I apply a very wide variety of makeup from Natural to Glam, but my absolute favorite and also what sets me apart from the others in my small pond are my SFX. I create my own line of Halloween prosthetics to keep costs down when creating entire characters for TV, Film, Photography, or just a Halloween party. I always ask my guests, “Who do you want to be today?” 

Besides makeup, I design and create my own character wardrobe. I’ll create stylized crowns, fashion accessories (i.e., hats, sunglasses), and even custom body jewelry. And, to show it all off for me is my amazingly talented photographer and love/co-founder, Joshua. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I was raised by my father and definitely was a “daddy’s girl.” I remember when I would go with my dad to the grocery store for the week. While he would shop, I would wander down the makeup aisle and pick out my absolute favorite eyeliner of all time at the time. Maybelline’s Black Eyebrow pencil. It was red handled and it wasn’t meant to be used as eyeliner but I liked it better because it didn’t “run” off my waterline and smear making my eyes look “racooney”. Is that a word? Well, iykyk. 

Contact Info:

• Website: TheVanityStudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanitystudiosmua/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevanitystudios/

Image Credits
The Vanity Studios LLC.