Meet SYDNEY GOLDSTEIN | Makeup Artist & Salon Owner

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

Hi SYDNEY, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to start my business because I wanted a salon where everyone was welcome and I knew that i would have services that were done by some of the best in the industry. I wanted my name on these looks and styles people would be coming out of the salon with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career as a makeup artist has been anything but linear, and honestly, that’s what I love most about it. I didn’t arrive here overnight—this path has been shaped by curiosity, grit, and an obsession with bringing out the kind of confidence in people that only beauty artistry can unlock.

What sets me apart is my philosophy: makeup isn’t about covering up—it’s about revealing. I focus on enhancing natural features, understanding unique skin tones and textures, and creating looks that feel true to the person wearing them. Whether I’m doing soft glam, editorial boldness, or natural radiant skin, I want people to look in the mirror and see the best version of themselves, not a transformation they can’t recognize.

I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown—artistically and personally. Every face has taught me something: patience, storytelling through color, the power of subtlety, and the beauty of individuality. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone’s posture change because they suddenly feel seen and celebrated.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. This industry can be competitive, unpredictable, and demanding. I had moments where I questioned if I was good enough, moments where I was juggling multiple jobs, investing in products I couldn’t always afford, practicing late into the night, and saying yes to opportunities that pushed me far outside my comfort zone.
What kept me going was passion—and the understanding that skill is built through repetition, failure, and the willingness to try again.

The challenges taught me important lessons:

Your signature style matters. Don’t chase trends—master your own aesthetic.

Every client is a collaboration. Listen first, then create.

Invest in education. Techniques change; staying stagnant isn’t an option.

Authenticity is your brand. People remember how you make them feel as much as how you make them look.

What I want the world to know about my story is this:
Makeup is my medium, but empowerment is my mission.

My brand is built on celebrating individuality, honoring diversity, and creating artistry that feels personal, intentional, and elevated. I want every brushstroke to reflect who my client is—not just what’s trendy.

This journey has been wild, beautiful, challenging, and deeply meaningful—and I’m just getting started.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to your exact background, accomplishments, style of artistry, or brand voice—just tell me a bit about yourself!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here’s a possible itinerary for a week-long trip:

* **Shopping and Dining:** I would absolutely take my friend to Fashion Square mall for some retail therapy. For dinner, we’d head to the new Elephante restaurant for a delicious meal.
* **Luxury Accommodation:** We’d make our base at The Phoenician, a luxurious resort for ultimate relaxation and comfort.
* **Exploring Local Culture:** We’d spend an afternoon strolling through Old Town Scottsdale, exploring the unique shops and soaking in the local atmosphere.
* **Additional Ideas:**
* Explore the Desert Botanical Garden for a stunning natural experience.
* Catch a show at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM).
* Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the valley for breathtaking views.
* Have drinks at a rooftop bar to watch the sunset.
* Visit a local brewery or winery for a taste of the region.
Then I would book hair and makeup at Sydney G to get ready for a night out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m also incredibly grateful for the clients who trusted me in the earliest days, even when I was small and my dream was still growing. Their loyalty, word-of-mouth support, and willingness to sit in my chair gave me the foundation to build the salon I own today.

Website: https://sydneygsalon.com

Instagram: @sydneygsalon