New Bedford’s Renato Rego Turns Makeup Into Empowerment

A New Bedford makeup artist is making waves far beyond the SouthCoast – and even Nicki Minaj has noticed.

When Renato Rego arrived in the U.S. from Maia, a small seaside village in São Miguel, Azores, he was just nine years old. His mother, a hardworking single parent who spent over two decades at a tea factory called Fábrica do Chá Gorreana, brought him to New Bedford in 2004 in search of a better life.

Now, at 32, Rego has built one for himself, one brushstroke, contour, and bold lash at a time.

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Today, he’s not only the founder of Renato MUA, but also a prestige beauty advisor at Ulta Beauty in Dartmouth, where he connects with locals daily while helping them find confidence through cosmetics. “I definitely love my position at Ulta Beauty,” he said. “It lets me meet so many people around town and share what I love doing most.”

The Artistry Behind Renato MUA

Rego’s brand, Renato MUA, is turning heads across the SouthCoast. His newly-signed studio inside New Bedford’s Kilburn Mill is set to open November 1, marking a major milestone in his 13-year career.

Specializing in makeup artistry and photography, Rego has built a reputation for creativity and authenticity. His work goes beyond foundation and highlighter. He creates experiences, often blending beauty and self-expression through photoshoots, branding sessions, and content creation.

“I love creating,” Rego said. “Photography, editing, makeup – it’s all connected for me. I want clients to walk in, feel beautiful, and walk out seeing that confidence captured forever.”

Finding Power Through Makeup and Music

Rego’s path hasn’t been without struggle. As a quiet teenager trying to find himself, he first began experimenting with his mother’s and sister’s makeup in secret.

“I’d lock myself in my room, put it on, then wash it off before anyone noticed,” he said.

But everything changed when he was outed in high school, a painful experience that unexpectedly sparked transformation.

“I was outed by a best friend, but instead of hiding, I grew stronger,” Rego recalled. “It forced me to own who I was.”

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That’s when Nicki Minaj entered the picture – figuratively at first, and later, quite literally.

“Her music gave me confidence when I needed it most,” he said. “She wasn’t just rapping about surface things. She was teaching power, presence, and perseverance.”

A Connection Fit for a Queen

Years later, Rego’s admiration didn’t go unnoticed. In 2023, Nicki Minaj followed him back on X, liked several of his posts, and even mentioned him by name online.

While the connection remains digital, the impact is very real.

“Her validation means everything,” Rego said. “I grew up with her music helping me through hard times, and now she knows my name. It’s surreal.”

A New Chapter at the Kilburn Mill

Rego’s new studio at Kilburn Mill will be appointment-only, hosting bridal parties, photoshoots, and makeup sessions. It’s more than just a workspace; it’s a reflection of the artist he’s become and the boy who once hid behind closed doors with a makeup brush and a dream.

“There’s so much talent in this city,” he said. “But what separates you is consistency. You have to keep showing up for your passion, no matter how long it takes.”

After 13 years, Rego’s message is clear: “If you’re chasing a dream, don’t stop. Be consistent, be yourself, and don’t let fear stop you. When you give your all, you become unstoppable.”