About Ana
Ana Cortes is a Professional Makeup Artist and Licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Beauty by Ana has been a long time in the works since discovering a passion for hair and makeup from a young age. She remembers getting in trouble for getting into her mom's makeup at 5 years old, as well as having barbies with no hair because they all got haircuts. She always knew it was something she wanted to purseue and therefore enrolled herself at Paris II Cosmetology in Kansas City after High School. While in school, she realized there were endless possibilities in the Beauty Industry, and her love for makeup continued to evolve.
After graduating from Beauty School, she landed her first job at Trade Secrets Salon, and while working at the mall, she discovered MAC Cosmetics. She felt a sense of belonging and made it a goal to get hired on even if it was part time. Little did she know, it was super competitive, and it would take a few years to finally get hired. Ana was hired as a part-time, 15-hour a week Artist while still doing hair. She was quickly promoted to a Full-Time Artist, and she focused on her career in makeup. During her time at MAC, Ana was promoted to 3rd Key Holder, relocated to Wichita to be a Retail Manager, and eventually landed back in Kansas City as the Store Manager at the Country Club Plaza until the store closed during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
While at MAC Cosmetics, Ana worked alongside some of the top Artists, Trainers, and Mentors in the makeup industry who helped her develop her skills. Some highlights during her career as a professional makeup artist are: doing makeup for Mariah Carey's vocalists, makeup for Kate Pierson of the B-52's, Lucky Brand Fashion Show with Tim Gunn, and traveling the country to participate in numerous MAC industry events.
Upon the end of career with MAC due to the pandemic, Ana decided it was finally time to accomplish her dream of having her own salon, and Beauty by Ana became a reality. Making people feel better about themselves and getting emotional when they look in the mirror or having the honor of being part of someone one's wedding day is the reason Ana continues to be passionate about this industry. People will always remember how you made them feel.
In her free time, Ana loves spending time with her pups, Pepe and Pancholin as well as friends and family. She loves cooking, reading, salsa dancing, traveling, and collecting plants.
