Check Out Vanessa Ruiz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Ruiz.

Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I remember I was always very interested in the beauty industry. In high school, maybe even before then, I paid attention to trends, especially makeup trends. This is more or less when Kim Kardashian exposed her highlight and contouring tricks. As time went on I invested more and more in my personal makeup. Perfecting my technique on myself was easy, but having my three sisters and a group of friends request makeup on themselves was more of a challenge. So I did more learning and invested countless hours in perfecting the look that I like and makeup. Word got around and before I knew it I had a lot of people reach out to me because they saw my work on somebody. I never would have imagined that I would be doing makeup for a living.

But what started as me accommodating a close circle of friends progressed to me being one of the highest-booked makeup artists in Tucson. My style is very specific, I specialize in a very natural glam, which I like to call the Kardashian glam. It is amazing when people sit down on the chair and just say give me your signature look as opposed to people who book me because I’m a makeup artist I want something completely different than what I’m used to doing. Those people are few and far between now.

I also am extremely open and friendly with my clients while they’re in my chair. This is my tactic for me to gain their trust so that at the end of the make up they are completely honest and feel comfortable giving me any feedback, not just that, but they feel empowered on the inside, as well as the outside. I have 16 years in dermatology and aesthetics in my background, which really helps me address the skin behind the makeup as well. I’m extremely invested in putting together a whole look and trying to inspire women to feel and look their best. My social media is not just limited to makeup but gives leads and outfits, trends, makeup, tricks, skin, care, hair, styles, wellness, and workouts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I had a lot of hate growing up. I think a lot has to do with my out-of-this-world demanding attention and personality or in your face confidence . While I was growing up I had a hard time making friends that were girls . So, instead of intimidating I started sharing. I would become to go-to person for makeup tricks and fashion advice. So I would turn the negative response into a positive response by inspiring women to feel good about themselves the way I did with makeup.

It took a few years of me, lowballing my prices, in order to get the clientele and the trust out there. I have worked three jobs for many years in order to sustain my household as I am a single mom of two. Working in dermatology, as well, as kindly making a business as well as being a speaker for a pharmaceutical company has given me a lot of opportunities and networking.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize and have a very specific, signature look in makeup. Being drawn to the natural glam that the Kardashians wear it’s something I’ve been perfecting for many many years. I think makeup artists get hired because they do general basic makeup more often than their signature look if they have any.

What sets me apart is that I do have a signature look, and when people sit in my chair and ask for that look, I work comfortably and know that the outcome will be on point. I also talked through my makeup sessions and got to know my clients not only does this build a trusting relationship with them, but they open up to being inspired and impacted woman to woman in a positive way. I want them to remember their makeup experience as a great one.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I do think my transparency has been a very important factor in my success. I don’t get keep any tips or tricks. I love to share knowledge.

I’m even in the habit of being a teacher as I am doing makeup on the client. I will show them how they can incorporate little things into the routine to make a difference. I’ll let them take pictures of all the products I use. I am now being requested at beauty schools in the area to demonstrate a makeup application, showing my style.

Pricing:

• $80 social makeup.
• $130 bridal makeup.
• $100 bridal party or travel makeup + travel fees.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @myvanety
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/vanessa-ruiz-3a89b4122