Meet Maria Willis of Ria Rigail in Metro Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Willis.

Maria, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always loved the makeup and beauty industry since I was a child. My parents owned a hair salon on the south-side of Chicago, where I grew up. I often spent many days in the salon just absorbing the energy, conversation, and confidence clients walked out within the end. My parents, like most others, pushed my siblings and I to go to college. This was the idea back then on raising successful children. After graduating college, were reality meets expectations is where I knew I wanted more. I went back to school to become a licensed Esthetician and started working in a salon. It took me back to some of my fondest childhood memories and a place alignment. I knew I was on the right path because I am at peace and focused when I get to operate in my passion. It’s like the rest of the world is blocked out and I get to serve confidence to one person at a time.

What I like most about what I do is the people you meet along your journey that challenge you both professionally and personally. I am extremely extraverted and love meeting new people. Makeup has a way of connecting people and getting you out of your comfort zone. I may not have tried this bold editorial blueliner if an artist didn’t ask to try it on me. My outgoing personality might have overshadowed the quiet girl in the crowd, but since she’s a client in my chair, I get to talk to her. I get to find out why she’s getting her makeup done, her likes and dislikes, and even a little more. It’s the ability to connect with people on a personal level that I like most.

I want people to remember that I operated in excellence out of my appreciation and passion for the art of makeup. A passion fueled by the ability to create beyond boundaries and connect people. I want people to remember I helped them discover the beauty they already posed.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced so far in my career, like many artists, is survival. You have to be willing to change with the trends in beauty and be open to continuously learning. You have to remain relevant and authentic at the same time. It can be challenging because we often see the success of makeup artist (or influencers) on social media. It takes years of hard work and building to reach success; it doesn’t happen instantaneously. In between inspiration and success are many days of preparing, practicing, and still facing the feeling defeat. When I did makeup for trade (TPF) or little to nothing, I had to dream bigger than my reality and I still continue as of today.

Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
My brand, “Ria Rigail” represents beauty and self-confidence. Makeup is not about making people beautiful or changing them. Their beauty already exists. It is about enhance the beauty they pose and showing them new levels through an understanding of makeup. It is more than an art or science, it is a passion. I have worked in the beauty industry for over six years as a freelance makeup artist and instructor. I’ve worked in beauty, editorial, print, and bridal makeup specializing in custom makeup applications to suit the client’s individual needs.

As a licensed esthetician and makeup artist, what sets me apart, is a deep understanding of the skin and product ingredients. Understanding what products to use on different skin types and conditions to achieve a flawless finish. Am a most proud of the Ria Rigail brand’s ability to be inclusive. As a beauty industry offers more products in a wider variety, the Ria Rigail brand has been able to meet the needs of our different clients. This has changed within the last decade and Ria Rigiail will continue to change with it.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as the ability to live in my truth in a way that attracts all of the attributes to my life that I desire. It’s balancing work with passion. It’s reaching self-actualization and authenticity. The measure in which I defined success continues to evolve as my priorities shift, I enter different chapters of my life, and I gain new knowledge. Success itself is subjective and I am continuing to define what it is.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.riarigail.com
• Phone: (602) 492-4158‬
• Email: riarigail@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riarigail/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ria-Rigail-Willis-161669227841493/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/riarigail

                                                           Image Credit:
Nicolas Hopkins
Dorrell Edwards
Kate Doster

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