2025 ESUM Luminary: Viktorija

Posted by Samantha Troy on Mar 21st 2025

If you're not already obsessed with Viktorija, get ready. A talented illustrator, makeup artist, entrepreneur, and mom who somehow balances it all while staying charmingly positive and relentlessly creative. We caught up with Viktorija to dig into her story — from getting her start at a MAC counter to launching her own brand, Kit Rituals. Spoiler alert: it’s as inspiring as it is captivating.

Viktorija Bowers

Makeup Artists. Illustrator. Entrepreneur.

The Bold Visionary of Makeup Artistry

Q - What came first for you, oils and watercolors or makeup?

Creativity Through Makeup

It was makeup that sparked her passion for beauty and creativity. "Believe it or not, makeup came first... But it felt like another skill was unlocked when I picked up a makeup brush." Viktorija admits she always had a knack for doodling and creating, but the real magic happened when she picked up that first brush. With the help of her artist husband (a textbook power couple), she honed her skills and grew her passion for both makeup and art.

Q - When did you begin illustrating & painting?

Finding Solace in Illustration

"I started illustrating about 15 years ago... Illustration is my mental health respite." Fifteen years of drawing, painting, and elevating the art game — and she’s entirely self-taught. She’s quick to point out that her creative journey finding her style was anything but easy with no formal education, but entirely worth it. Illustration became more than just a skill — it became a lifeline.

Q - Did you find your painting skills helpful when doing makeup?

The Intersection of Painting and Makeup

Painting taught her composition, color theory, and how to tell a story — all crucial when creating clean, beautiful, and whimsical makeup looks. "Painting is absolutely one of the most important tools for me as a makeup artist. It helps me understand composition, color theory, and storytelling." Viktorija’s style is rooted in flawless skin and polished technique, but she never shies away from adding that unexpected touch that keeps it interesting.

Q - How and when did you beguin your career in makeup?

From Perfume Samples to Makeup Maven

Imagine being a young girl, new to America, handing out perfume samples at a mall, and suddenly getting plucked from the crowd by MAC artists. "I came to America during the war in my country and had to learn how to belong. As a young girl, I was handing out perfume samples at the mall when I was spotted by MAC artists who had just opened a counter there." That’s exactly how Viktorija got her start. Those artists saw her spark and pulled her into their world — a world that made her feel like she finally belonged. She dove headfirst into the history of makeup, devouring Kevyn Aucoin books and studying like a woman on a mission. Makeup became her sanctuary — a way to express herself, and find community. “Once I picked up that brush, I was given purpose. A life raft,” she says.

Q - I look at your work and love your diversity, from editorial to clean beauty. I always see beautiful skin with a touch of whimsy. How long did it take to develop your style of makeup artistry?

Building a Foundation of Flawless Skin

"I firmly believe that to build a beautiful house, you need a strong foundation. The same applies to makeup. Emphasis on skin and clean application is a must for every artist. Just like in painting, you have to know the rules before you can break them." She's a strong believer that clean makeup is by far the most essential skill for a makeup artist to develop. Once you master that, you learn how to build a look and edit for a more balanced, finished result.

Q - In an interview once, you spoke about someone saying you would not make it because you were so "chipper." I love your positive outlook. How do you do it?

Choosing Gratitude Over Doubt

"Life outlook is a choice... I choose gratitude every day." Sure, she has her moments of doubt — don’t we all? — but she doesn’t let it fester. Instead, she chooses gratitude and moves forward. “Sometimes, we’re lonely boats rocking in the confused sea after a storm, searching for a harbor,” she muses: You decide how you respond to life’s challenges. Viktorija chooses to rise.

What advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists looking to launch their career?

Finding Your Artistic Voice

"Follow your voice... Stay away from negativity, carry yourself with dignity and professionalism. Study references from history, art, and pop culture, so when you’re presented with a task, you have a reference library in your mind to construct the story you’re trying to tell as a makeup artist." In classic Viktorija fashion, she’s all about finding your unique artistic voice and refusing to be boxed in by others’ expectations. Practice your craft, hone,your style, and never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. As she puts it, “Take helpful advice as a pot of color handed to you, but paint your own strokes.”

Q - Share how you took your idea and launched KIT RITUALS. I love your Depotting Palette. From the quality of the safe and responsible materials to the flexibility of the interchangeable inserts. What's next for Kit Rituals?

Crafting Tools of Beauty and Function

"The ultimate compliment is when artists tell us it blends seamlessly into their luxe setups." Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and using the highest quality ingredients, it’s designed to feel as good as it looks. It’s sleek, versatile, and elegant — the kind of tool that earns its place on any makeup table. It’s about merging function with beauty, creating something practical yet aesthetically pleasing. "Recently, we launched our extra-large eyeshadow palette featuring Kit Ritual’s signature illustration."

Q - As an artist, makeup artist, business owner, and mother, how do you balance it all?

Finding Harmony Between Passion and Family

I’m lucky to be married to someone who is part of the same industry. I don’t have to explain why I travel so much or why I’m on set for 12-hour days. We balance our lives and careers together." Viktorija’s got the ultimate support squad at home. Plus, her mom lives with them too, making it a true community and support system for their 10-year-old daughter, who’s already showing signs of inheriting the artistic gene. Everything they do — every project, every late-night brainstorming session — is for her.

Watch Viktorija at work on her ESUM Luminary25 Colloaboration.

Follow Viktorija on Instagram at @viktorijabowers check out kitrituals.com and her portfolio at viktorijabowers.com