Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand

Episode: From Self-Conscious to Sparkle: Carla's Confidence Glow-Up

Host: Jaclyn Zukerman Delory (Jaclyn)
Guest: Carla Balzano, Creative Contour by Carla
Date: February 11, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the transformative power of self-esteem and self-expression through beauty, centering on the journey of makeup artist and entrepreneur Carla Balzano, also known as Creative Contour by Carla. Host Jaclyn Zukerman Delory delves into Carla’s personal growth from self-doubt to radiance, discussing the deeper connection between inner confidence, visibility, and building a legacy. Listeners are treated to candid stories, industry insights, and uplifting advice for anyone seeking to shine brighter—in business, creativity, or everyday life.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Style as Self-Expression

[01:27]

• Opening icebreaker: Jaclyn comments on Carla's outfit—light pink (soft, loving), hot pink (fun), denim (rebellion).
  • “I feel like the combo speaks to Karla. So what inspired this look today?” – Jaclyn
• Carla’s explanation: Light pink has become her signature; hot pink brings boldness; denim reflects her quiet rebellious streak.
  • “Rebel is kind of quietly in my nature for sure. So how appropriate.” – Carla (01:52)

Carla’s Journey Into Makeup

[02:25]

• Early curiosity: Carla recounts playful childhood experiences with her mom's old makeup, later supported with kids’ makeup kits.
• Career inspiration: Bobbi Brown and Kevyn Aucoin inspired her teenage dream.
• First steps: Became a licensed esthetician at 21.
  • “I've been essentially living with a shattered self-esteem… I had to rebuild it so I could help others feel their best.” – Carla (04:10)

Self-Esteem, Vulnerability, and Visibility

[03:50-04:56]

• Personal journey: Carla opens up about battling low self-esteem and how that affected her ability to authentically support clients.
  • “I took this kind of intense personal journey, and I went through all of these building blocks to essentially rebuild shattered self-esteem.” – Carla (04:13)
  • “When you’re whole within, externally, everything just looks good… you’re going to be glowing from within.” – Carla (04:36)
• Host's reflection: Jaclyn expresses gratitude for Carla’s role in her personal milestones, highlighting the bond created through beauty.

The Beauty Industry and Social Media Trends

[05:24-06:47]

• Challenging beauty rhetoric: Carla emphasizes using her platform to gently but persistently challenge harmful industry messages.
  • “Anybody who follows me on social media knows that I call that out very regularly in these teeny, tiny little ways.” – Carla (05:25)
• Advice on trends: Encourages experimentation but warns against blindly following social media trends; stresses individuality.
  • “Just because it works on somebody else doesn't mean it's going to work well for you and your unique needs. There's a lot of nonsense out there… Sometimes we have to turn off the social media.” – Carla (06:14, 06:31)

Working with Clients and Teaching

[06:47-07:11]

• Current services: Carla does one-on-one client sessions and personalized makeup lessons.
  • “How do I work with clients right now? It’s one-on-ones… with makeup lessons as well.” – Carla (06:53)

Music and Mindset

[07:11-07:33]

• Red carpet playlist: Carla's current anthem is “Pretty Girl Era,” reflecting her season of confidence.
  • “I don't care, I'm in my pretty girl era. That's so fitting for me.” – Carla (07:13)

A Day In the Life of Carla

[07:42-09:18]

• Early starts: Makeup artists often rise before sunrise (4-5am).
  • “We’re usually up before the sun… I need to have my coffee. Do not talk to me until I've had my coffee.” – Carla (07:44)
• Routine: Morning coffee and breakfast, somatic exercises for mental prep, on-site sessions with clients, afternoon movement, cozy evening wind-down.

Rapid-Fire Game: Makeup & Lifestyle Edition

[09:55-11:12]

• Bold glam or soft natural glow?
  • “For me, I would wear a bold glam.” – Carla (10:18)
• Client playlist:
  • “I would say pop divas.” – Carla (10:29)
• Studio vs. on-location:
  • “On location experience.” – Carla (10:41)
• Winged liner dilemma:
  • “Redoing both eyes because one betrayed you.” – Carla (10:49)
• Coffee routine:
  • “In the morning, specifically, it’s a black hot coffee… I want caffeine in the morning.” – Carla (11:16)
• Night-out look:
  • “Probably pink. But if I can have sparkle and pink… then I’ll pick both.” – Carla (11:45)

Reflections and Closing Thoughts

[12:03-12:39]

• Advice to her younger self:

  • “The things you want will happen and your dreams are achievable and go after them.” – Carla (12:03)

• Legacy:

  • “A kind, empathetic person who worked really hard and loved all her people.” – Carla (12:26)

• Staying connected: Listeners can follow Carla on social @Creative Contour by Carla.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “When you’re whole within, externally everything just looks good… your makeup will always look your best because you’re going to be glowing from within.” – Carla (04:36)
• “There’s a lot of nonsense out there. So sometimes we have to turn off the social media and say, some of this is not for me. And that’s okay.” – Carla (06:31)
• “If I can sum it all up, I would say the things you want will happen and your dreams are achievable and go after them.” – Carla (12:03)
• “How do I want the world to remember Carla Balzano? I think as a kind, empathetic person who worked really hard and loved all her people.” – Carla (12:26)

Timestamps for Essential Segments

• 01:27 — Style icebreaker: Carla’s signature look
• 02:25 — Carla’s journey into makeup and early inspiration
• 04:10 — Self-esteem, authenticity, and helping others
• 05:24 — Calling out harmful beauty rhetoric
• 06:14 — Navigating social media trends and personalization
• 06:53 — Client work and makeup lessons
• 07:13 — Carla’s empowering playlist pick
• 07:44 — A day in the life of a makeup artist
• 09:55 — Rapid-fire: beauty, coffee, and style
• 12:03 — Advice to her younger self and personal legacy

Tone and Takeaway

The episode is warm, encouraging, and honest, with Jaclyn’s supportive energy fueling Carla’s openness. It’s a celebration of finding your own sparkle, challenging beauty standards, and trusting your personal path to confidence. Carla’s story is both relatable and empowering for listeners at any stage of their career or self-esteem journey.