Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Espino.
Hi Shirley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Shirley Espino, I’m 41 years old, Peruvian, a mother of two, a wife, a professional makeup artist, and an immigrant living in the United States for the past 9 years.
In Peru, I studied professional makeup, but life took me in a different direction. To support myself, I worked at a bank and studied accounting. Yet, my true passion was always makeup.
Due to difficult circumstances in my country, we made the decision to emigrate in search of a better future. Arriving in the United States felt like starting from scratch… no family, no friends, no support system. That first year was, without a doubt, one of the hardest of my life. We went through moments I prefer to keep private, but they definitely marked a before and after in my life and my family’s.
Despite everything, we decided to move forward and relocated to Tampa, Florida. There, I faced another tough stage: depression, anxiety, and many moments where I felt like giving up. But something was stronger than my fear: my love for my children. They became my biggest motivation, my reason to get up every day. Looking at them reminded me that I had to be strong, that I needed to push forward for them, for my husband and for myself.
That love pushed me to return to my passion for makeup. Picking up my brushes again not only helped me heal emotionally, but it also became a way to be present for them, to care for them, and at the same time, to build a better future for our family.
Little by little, I rebuilt my path as a professional makeup artist. And when the pandemic hit, I discovered a new passion: teaching. I fell in love with the idea of sharing my knowledge and began creating content for brands while also teaching other women—mostly mothers—that it is possible to live from their passion without giving up being present for their kids.
One of the biggest mental blocks I had to overcome was my age. In the beauty industry, where many young women in their 20s shine, I feared I wouldn’t fit in. But I told myself, “If I don’t start now, then when?”
I started in April 2024, with only 800 followers on Instagram. Today I have a community of 9,500 and I’m sure more will join.
I’m still working, learning, and growing, but the most important thing is that I’m living my purpose and helping other women believe that their dreams have no expiration date.
It is never too late to start over when the driving force is the love for your family and the desire to fulfill your dreams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been easy, but it is being possible. The beauty industry is very competitive, and often scope trumps talent.
However, there is room for everyone and everyone can shine in their own way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a freelance makeup artist and content coach, but my real mission is to empower women to create their own opportunities. I help them show up confidently on camera, feel beautiful in their own skin, and turn that confidence into income—often from the comfort of their homes, while staying present for their families.
What makes me proud is seeing them realize they don’t have to choose between personal fulfillment and financial independence. Watching them grow, collaborate with brands, and build something of their own… that’s what inspires me every day.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Tampa is a very nice city, I like the people, the beaches and the sunsets.
I don’t like the traffic 😅.
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