Meet Torrey Ray of Eden Salon and Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Torrey Ray.

Torrey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was first introduced to the idea of cosmetology school by my hairstylist, Jessica Bartolomeo. After I graduated from Arizona State University, I became a social worker. The job was rewarding, but I quickly realized that I had a hard time expressing myself creatively. During one of my monthly visits to Jessica, she asked me if I had considered cosmetology. The idea quickly grew into a decision and I enrolled in cosmetology school.

While in cosmetology school, I started playing around with special effects makeup and body painting. I had always been interested in the gross practical effects from the B movies my father, sister and I watched on the SyFy channel growing up. Dawn of the Dead, Tremors, Komodo Island… silly movies like that. I dove headfirst into my craft and started working with some local artists.

My first big project was working on a film called Dead West. Dead West was a seven-minute zombie western short film directed by my good friend Kevin Kittle. He shot the entire film in one take, which meant that I had to prepare all of the zombie makeup ahead of the filming. It was hard, but I managed to get about fifteen people painted in zombie makeup in four hours. The picture of the girl (Jacqueline Stevenson) in the zombie makeup with the bite mark is from the day that we shot.

Working on these independent films opened many doors for me locally. I started working on creative photoshoots with cosplayers, burlesque dancers, fire breathers, belly dancers, and many other talented artists. The photos I picked are from some shoots that are close to my heart; the snake woman (Katara Fox) was for a creative shoot I did with photographer Sam Mort. This was the first time I had used my airbrush! The scary clown (Amber Skies) was at Monsterpalooza with photographer Tony Julius – it’s been a dream of mine to go to Monsterpalooza and I finally got to go a couple of weeks ago! I’ve never been so excited and overwhelmed.

Now, I am a Cosmetologist currently working as an Independent Contractor at Eden Salon and Studios. Eden is owned by Jessica, who snatched me up as a coworker as soon as I was out of cosmetology school – when she opened up Eden, I knew where I had to go!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I definitely learned my limitations, Sometimes I forget to slow down and take some time for me – my mother and my boyfriend are good at reminding me of this. There are times when I feel like I’m not good enough or that I’ve set my sights too high, but I always end up looking back on my work with pride. I did a scary thing – I left a career with a steady paycheck and job security to pursue a career that can be inconsistent. It’s worth it, though – I love what I do and I’m always learning!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Eden Salon and Studios – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a licensed Cosmetologist and an independent contractor at Eden Salon and Studios. There are many different services that the salon offers, but I personally specialize in hair coloring, hair cutting, hair styling, eyelash extensions, special effects makeup, special occasion makeup (weddings, prom, etc.), and body painting. I like to think that I bring my own “signature style” to everything – I try to think outside the box and produce results that both the client and I will love.

I enjoy working at Eden because the women that work there have become my family. Everyone is focused on creating a positive environment that feels more like fun than work. These women are strong, talented, and always willing to help or bounce around ideas.

As an independent artist, I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I don’t like to toot my own horn, but I’ve learned so much in the last few years about my new career and about myself that it’s hard not to be a little proud. Cosmetology and makeup are always changing – it can be difficult to keep up, but I love the challenge!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Eventually, I would like to attend a school specializing in special effects makeup. It’s been my dream to work on the B movies (and maybe even Hollywood movies) that I enjoyed so much growing up. However, I don’t want to abandon the path that I’m on. Cosmetology is a passion and I would like to grow in that, as well!

In the near future, I’d like to continue working at Eden and working with local artists – I currently have a few projects that are in the works! No, I can’t reveal what those are yet – shh!

Contact Info:

• Address: 825 S. Cooper Rd. Gilbert, Arizona 85234
• Phone: 480-593-6822
• Email: torreyraycosmo@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettytorrey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torreyraymua/

Image Credit:
Sam Mort of Mort Productions, Katara Fox, Tony Julius of Tony Julius Photography, Amber Skies, Kevin Kittle, Jacqueline Stevenson, Torrey Ray, Sam Brimhall, Debra Belle of Frank and Nats Armory, Veronica Smith, Luna Lovebutton, London Snow Photography

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