Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelsy Silvernale.
Nelsy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved makeup, but I never really considered it a viable career choice. For a long time, I was working in the restaurant industry and worked my way from hostess to server, to bartender, and eventually started thinking about management. But I just couldn’t see myself doing that forever, especially after having my first child.
I was working long, late nights and then having to get up early with a baby, and I felt like I wasn’t really present. At the time, I was doing a lot of soul searching and trying to figure out if there was a different path for me. Somehow, I kept coming back to makeup.
I would spend hours watching tutorials and practicing on myself. I’d show up to my restaurant job with a full glam look, and eventually my coworkers started taking notice. They would ask me to do their makeup for parties and events, and that really gave me the confidence to start thinking about makeup as something I could actually pursue.
Not long after that, one of my coworkers, who also worked at the MAC counter, told me they were hiring and encouraged me to apply. I did, and I ended up getting the job. I learned so much there and met so many amazing people. I also met my mentor, who was doing weddings on the weekends. She asked me to come along and assist her. I was nervous at first, but she talked me through it and encouraged me to give it a shot.
I’m so glad I did. That one opportunity completely changed the direction of my life. Now, almost 10 years later, I’m still doing what I love, and honestly, I find myself falling more and more in love with this career every year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it has been easy, but I can say it’s been a pretty serendipitous journey. Things always seem to align in ways that remind me I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be with this career choice.
There have definitely been some difficult bumps along the way, especially with imposter syndrome and those slower seasons when I’ve questioned whether I really belong in the bridal beauty space. There have been times when I’ve wanted to give up completely, but somehow, something always pulls me back. A new opportunity, a connection, a client, or even just that feeling of knowing I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I think those challenging seasons have actually helped me grow the most. They’ve taught me to trust myself, be patient with the process, and remember that success doesn’t always happen in a straight line.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a bridal and event makeup artist, and I specialize in soft, natural glam. My goal is always to make my clients feel like the most beautiful version of themselves without feeling like they’re wearing a ton of makeup. I love enhancing what’s already there and creating a look that feels timeless, feminine, and true to the person sitting in my chair.
I’m probably most known for my natural, skin-focused approach and for creating makeup that looks beautiful both in person and in photos. But beyond the makeup itself, I really pride myself on the experience I give my clients. I want my chair to be a place where they can relax, laugh, and feel taken care of, especially on a day that can otherwise feel a little overwhelming.
I’m most proud of the business I’ve built and how much I’ve grown both creatively and personally along the way. What sets me apart is that I genuinely care about the person behind the makeup. I don’t want everyone leaving my chair looking the same. I want them to look like themselves, just a little more confident and polished.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I’m actually pretty introverted. I think because I’m so social and talkative when I’m working with clients, people assume I’m naturally outgoing all the time. But I really value my quiet time and being at home with my family.
I also never expected makeup to become a career for me. I’ve always loved makeup, but for a long time I never saw it as something I could actually build a life around. It’s funny looking back now because it has become such a huge part of who I am and has opened so many doors for me that I never could have imagined.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeauty_bliss
