Meet your Punta Cana Make Up Artist: Olga Montilla
I love what I do.
I’m a makeup artist, hairstylist, and fashion stylist, and I absolutely love it. I’m also the founder of Olga Montilla Beauty Studio and School, where I teach and coach people.
Let me tell you about my experience
I work primarily with weddings.
As a makeup artist, I’ve been in the industry for 11 years. My first year was mostly freelance work. I tried many styles to understand what exactly I liked and which direction I wanted to focus on. I fully committed to this profession when I moved to the Dominican Republic 10 years ago.
My brides often ask me, “What do you like more, hairstyling or makeup?” I always like to create a complete look. I love both because I always have a vision.
Sometimes, when two different stylists work on the same person, they don’t always find that connection. It’s very important to create a complete look, a complete style.
Before moving here 10 years ago, I lived in Thailand. I’ve traveled extensively throughout my life. I’ve been to so many countries that it’s easier to list where I haven’t been. This was during my time as a flight attendant. After living in Thailand and returning to Russia, I realized I wanted to travel more. I started looking at pictures and discovered the Dominican Republic. I thought, “Why not? It’s a beautiful country that looks just like the pictures.” So I decided to try it, and here I am, 10 years later.
When I first moved here, I found a little space in a studio. I rented a chair and started working every morning with Russian brides. Then, during the Russian economic crisis, I lost my clients and began doing different art projects. I started entering the American market. I remember it was very scary for me because I barely spoke English. It was very basic, and I wondered, “How will I do this?” But I always say, “Where there’s fear, that’s where you need to go.”

How I started
I remember my first bride was part of a rock-style wedding at Jellyfish restaurant. There were five girls, and the bride wore a black dress with red lips. For me, it was very unique and different. I thought “wow,” but I completed everyone’s look on time, and they were so happy.
I started doing different art projects and working with various photographers because growing your artistic taste is very important. I didn’t want to concentrate on just one style because brides usually choose similar styles, and if you do the same thing day after day, you can lose your passion. It’s very important to always try different things to express myself.
That’s why I do many art projects, and I’ve been published in different magazines. My latest publication was in Vogue Italy, which was a dream come true.
Working with weddings is very special to me. Being part of someone’s special day means a lot, and my biggest goal is for my brides to feel beautiful while still recognizing themselves in the mirror. I want them to look at their pictures many years later, still recognize themselves, and love how they looked. For me, the most important thing is to enhance their natural beauty so they look exactly like themselves, just even more beautiful.

Why did I start my own company?
From my very first month working, I remember one girl asked me to teach her. I took her on as an assistant and taught her everything I knew at that time. Although I was relatively new to the profession, she trusted me, and I said, “Yes, let’s do it.” Now, years later, this girl works in her own studio in New York and is doing very well. I’m proud of that. More students came, and I started giving classes. After some time, I realized it was time to open my school and studio.
In 2024 we celebrated six years of my studio and school! It wasn’t easy because I didn’t speak much Spanish when I started. I needed to design the space, create the style, deal with different workers, design the logo – everything was a new experience for me. Thanks to the people around me and God for always sending me good people who were willing to help and support me, I succeeded.
I’m still giving classes and growing my brand. In January of 2024, I launched my brush brand. I worked on this project for a long time because having good brushes is like having good hands. After trying many brushes, I couldn’t find the perfect ones, so I thought, “Okay, I’ll create the best.” The factory is in Russia, and I’m making these brushes that everyone – my clients and students – says are the best they’ve tried. The way they apply products, how they blend, how soft they are on the skin – all these qualities combine to make them amazing.

Why should you work with me on your wedding day?
When you work with me, I give you a piece of my heart. I’m very responsible and will do my best to make you feel good, calm, comfortable, and beautiful. I’m not only a makeup artist – I’m like a psychologist, your therapist, your best friend, like a sister.
I always connect with the person I work with, and I know exactly what they want and how they want it. I’ve had different situations where a client smiled and seemed okay, but I could feel they were nervous inside. I know exactly when to order them tea, when to order a shot of tequila, or when to call my massage therapist to help them relax.
Regarding my work, I guarantee that your makeup will look beautiful not only in person but also in pictures, and it will last all day. I follow the trends while drawing from my extensive experience. I understand different looks, face shapes, eye shapes, and textures. I know exactly what will look good on you and stay longer, thanks to my experience. And I’m still learning – I’m always taking different classes to improve my skills.

Thank you for reading
So, this is my story – a journey that started with a dream and a one-way ticket to the Dominican Republic. Every morning when I walk into my studio, I feel blessed to do what I truly love. Whether I’m creating a perfect wedding look, teaching my students, or developing new brushes, I put my whole heart into everything I do.
To all my future brides reading this: your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and I would be honored to be part of it. Together, we’ll create that perfect look that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. And to anyone dreaming of following their passion, remember to go where your fear takes you.
Trust me, the most amazing things in life often wait for us on the other side of our comfort zone.
Olga