Life & Work with Ileana Molina of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ileana Molina.

Hi Ileana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I received my esthetician license in 2017 and then my intructors license in 2020. I always saw myself as only a service provider focusing on makeup artistry, eyelash extensions, and waxing but then became so passionate about education and training and mentorship. It was so fulfilling to show other esthetic students the journey that they’re able to take throughout school. I loved filling others cups. I made a hard decision to leave services and in 2023 I helped an indie cosmetic brand with their launch inside of JC Penney Beauty. I traveled to over 15 states, and made in impact in store sharing the brand story. That made me fall in love with the retail beauty world, using my license in a different way other than just services. I felt so much more than a makeup artist or lash tech.
I’m now the Midwest Account Coordinator for LYS Beauty the first clean black owned brand inside of sephora. In charge of a 4 state territory and making waves every step of the way. I could only work for a company that I truly believe in and LYS is jam packed with skin loving ingredients and is accessible for all shoppers with an under $30 price point. Spreading my passion for beauty and makeup throughout beauty advisors in store and sharing my journey with them gives them so much hope of everything that can conquer in this industry. I could never imagine doing anything else. I love the beauty industry so much!

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 hasn’t been a smooth road. As an independent contractor you create your own schedule, decide your prices for services, and are in charge of your own marketing. The weeks were up and down, and I had to learn about time and money management. I also had to invest in perfecting my craft to keep up with trends and clients wants. Also with my new position I have to travel and balance having a 6 year old, I’m lucky for family for supporting me on my goals and passions.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the Midwest account coordinator for LYS Beauty. I specialize in artistry training, ingredient knowledge, and client basket building. I love eventing and exceeding my goals for the company. I’m proud of working my way up from their first Cleveland freelance beauty expert for LYS Beauty to their first Midwest Account Coordinator. The promotion came from hard work dedication, and of course selling!
Check out LYS Beauty at all Cleveland Sephora’s and check out the sephora app for upcoming events and Crocker Park, and Pinecrest.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising would be is that I didn’t always love makeup. When I got older and graduated high school I become super passionate, thank you to the YouTube makeup tutorial era! I was always playing sports growing up with all brothers and my dad was strict about me wearing makeup. I always watched my mom get ready but I never knew this would be my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lysbeauty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atouchofileana_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ileana-m-39532326a