Etienne Ortega’s journey from a small town in Mexico to becoming one of the most sought-after celebrity makeup artists is nothing short of inspiring. In the Season 2 premiere episode of Hitting Pan, an IPSY podcast, Ortega opens up about his struggles, triumphs, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From humble beginnings to working with stars like Christina Aguilera, Lana Del Rey, and Demi Lovato (to name just a few), Ortega’s story is a testament to resilience and passion.
Why You Need to Tune In to This Episode of Hitting Pan
Ortega’s story will leave you inspired and motivated to pursue your dreams. Learn how he turned early challenges into opportunities, embraced the power of social media, and built a beauty empire despite facing personal setbacks, including a cancer diagnosis. Watch a highlight of Ortega’s episode below, then head to Spotify to catch the full thing.
Key Takeaways: Etienne Ortega’s Hustle Mentality
Persistence Pays Off: Ortega moved to LA at 17, balancing beauty school, a job at Burger King, and sleeping in his car to pursue his dreams. “It was a lot, but you appreciate all of it when you get older and you reflect on it,” he says. “It’s like, that was very brave of a 17-year-old to do.”
Be Ready to Take a Leap: His big break came when he was introduced to Eva Longoria’s best friend (and eventually Eva herself) at 21. Ortega admits he wasn’t ready but emphasizes that you’re never truly ready—you just have to go for it.
Power of Social Media: Early on, Ortega saw the impact of Instagram, with one tag skyrocketing his career and leading to opportunities with top celebrities like Kim Kardashian.
Building a Brand: ORTEGA BEAUTY, a passion project five years in the making, combines his love for simplicity and creativity. He launched with a series of multi-use lip products, and has plans for even more by the end of the year.
Resilience Through Adversity: In 2021, Ortega was diagnosed with cancer. His battle gave him a new outlook on life, reminding him to cherish every moment and never take anything for granted. “My life is always filtered through that now…it’s a great reminder that life could happen, things can always happen, and things can always be worse. If we’re here today, if we’re healthy, if we’re able to walk and talk, eat, breathe, and have our families, we’ve already won. Everything else is just a cherry on the top.”
Additional Resources & Products Mentioned
Final Thoughts
Ortega's story is more than just a journey to success; it’s a testament to perseverance and embracing the unexpected. Whether navigating the pressures of working with high-profile clients or facing a life-changing health diagnosis, Ortega continues to prove that challenges can become powerful motivators. His ability to remain focused, even in the face of adversity, reminds us that resilience and creativity can take you far, no matter where you start.
New episodes of Hitting Pan drop every Thursday. Follow Hitting Pan on Spotify to catch the full episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow IPSY on Instagram and TikTok for all the latest Hitting Pan news (plus so much more!).
Take our Beauty Quiz now to join the IPSY family. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!