What does it really take to turn your makeup brush into a brand?

The fiercely talented Raiza Montes (@raizamontes), celebrity makeup and hair artist, joins Sarah on That’s So Akiba, to share her evolution from behind-the-scenes glam to front-and-center influencer. Raiza opens up about how she carved her path from a traditional makeup artist into a full-fledged brand, leveraging social media to build an authentic presence that resonates far beyond the chair.

They talk signature styles, what it’s really like working Fashion Week, the hustle of monetizing influence (hint: her highest-paid post was $12K), and the art of staying inspired in an ever-changing industry. Raiza shares her biggest lessons on building strong relationships, finding the right community, and staying grounded in her Puerto Rican roots.

Takeaways:

-Success in makeup means developing your unique style—and staying inspired by both trends and culture.

-Fashion Week taught her how to blend artistry with fashion storytelling.

-Monetizing influence requires both authenticity and business savvy.

-Building meaningful industry relationships is key to long-term growth.

-The power of community can fuel your journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Glam and Branding

01:53 Transitioning from Makeup Artist to Influencer

05:07 Finding Your Signature Makeup Style

09:17 Staying Inspired in Makeup

10:43 Experiences at Fashion Week

12:27 Monetizing Makeup Influence

15:40 Working with Celebrities

18:54 Challenges in the Makeup Industry

20:16 Building Relationships in Business

22:34 Conclusion and Social Media Presence