We had the good fortune of connecting with Cizani Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cizani, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Honestly, I had no intentions of starting my own little business. It all started once I got pregnant and became a stay at home mom. I was bored all day at the house; I did the same thing all day everyday. Due to my boredom I started watching YouTube. I came across @jamescharles and his makeup videos. After watching his channel, I started playing around with makeup and posting it on my Snapchat. The more I posted the more people would ask if I could do their makeup. Many encouraged me to start an Instagram account for my work. However, I am a really shy person and I wasn’t comfortable doing other people’s makeup or posting pictures on an account, so I was low key peer pressured into making an account lol. On May 29th, 2019, I was able to get myself to create my @ciz.mkup Instagram account and started posting content. Them on September 28th, 2018 I had my first two clients!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The starting process wasn’t easy. My makeup business was a challenge that definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was a challenge that I am glad I overcame. I have become much more comfortable speaking with people and with being myself around others. Not only that, I needed to constantly be promoting my name and business to get a following of more clientele; especially since I’m a self-taught makeup artist from home. Some lessons I have learned along the way would no be to never give up, to never get discouraged, and to especially not let your fears get in the way of your dreams! Not everyone is okay that I’m a home base makeup artist, but I love my business. I love that my business lets me get to meet so many people, they come in as clients and leave as a friend. I also enjoy being creative and expressing myself through art. My face is a canvas that I could do anything to it. I always say makeup has no rules.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t really know a lot of places to have the best time. The places I have found entertaining are Slide Rock in Sedona or Fossil Creek, and camping in Sedona. Other fun places in Arizona include go kart racing, the zoo, and Señor Sushi. I am still learning and exploring new places myself.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my parent-in-laws, Mom, and most definitely my fiancé, Xavier! Honestly, without their help, encouragement, and talks I wouldn’t be were I am right now. Xavier has had my back since day one. He is the most supportive boyfriend/fiancé ever! He pushed me to be the best version of myself. Whenever I get discouraged and want to quit he doesn’t let me and tells me I could do it. My parent-in-laws have help me so much. Giving me advice for my business, helping me with transportation to my makeup appointments and babysitting my son whenever Xavier works. My mom has always believed in me and tells me that I could do anything and everything I set my mind to.

Instagram: @ciz.mkup

Facebook: @ciz.mkup

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