Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ruiz.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a traveling South Florida makeup artist. My clients range in locations from Orlando, to Tampa, Naples, Estero, Boca Raton, Miami, through the Florida Keys and even with out of state clients traveling down for my business. I started as a Freelance makeup artist at MAC Cosmetics, where I ended up receiving a permanent position in the company, followed by a double promotion. When I first walked into MAC Cosmetics to apply for a job, I was quickly dismissed. I knew that I had always had a passion for makeup, however, since I had never had any professional experience with it, they would not consider me as an option to work within their company at the time. I felt it in my bones that I needed to work for MAC Cosmetics, and that this would be-be a pivotal point to truly embark on my professional career in the makeup industry. So with that being said, I was not going to take “no” for an answer. Since professional experience was what I was lacking, then I knew that was what I needed to gain to open my doors with MAC. So I went to multiple online bridal websites and contacted multiple makeup vendors asking if they needed freelance makeup artists to work for them. I worked for next to nothing, but I didn’t care, I knew that these experiences were worth a much higher value than a paycheck. I took pictures of all the work I did over a year timespan.
A year later, I came back to MAC with a professional portfolio of all the work that I had executed on clients. I walked right up to the same manager that once dismissed me and I put my portfolio down on the counter. She was astonished that I had come back and told me she couldn’t believe that I went to such lengths just for a job there. My response? “I told you I wanted to work here. I work for what I want.” She went through my portfolio, and I was immediately granted a makeup interview where I had to perform different makeup looks on a model. I got the call just a couple days later that I had beat out 3 other artists for the job. Within my time at MAC, I started building the foundation of my artistry skillset to eventually venture out into my own company outside of the walls of retail. Slowly by surely, my freelance business started picking up and I was receiving inquiries left and right. Then, I was also presented with a very special job offer from NARS as a freelance makeup artist specialized to work special events for the company. I am very grateful for those stepping stones in my career as I have now moved forward in building my own company & clientele. I have executed highly satisfactory makeup for events such as weddings, Quinces, Sweet 16s, charity fashion shows, photoshoots, galas, music videos, store openings and have hosted my own makeup classes.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say that you have to start somewhere, so just start! I’ve had so many girls tell me that they want to be doing what I am doing and I tell them… then do it! I once started with nothing but the passion in my heart for this industry, but let me tell you, it was enough to get me to where I am today in my business, and I still have so much growing yet to do! I have so many aspirations and hopes for my career in this field, and I know others do as well. If it’s something that you truly want, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to put yourself on that path of success. Nothing is overnight, nothing is instant. But it starts with a fire in the heart, a vision in your eyes, and the willingness in the soul.
We’d love to hear more about Kiss & Makeup by Steph.
I have executed highly satisfactory makeup for events such as weddings, Quinces, Sweet 16s, charity fashion shows, photoshoots, galas, music videos, store openings, and makeup classes. My artistry skillset ranges from glowing bridal makeup, natural and neutral looks, to abstract and costume makeup, to full-on runway glam. No matter what the occasion, I have been trained to be able to satisfy whatever makeup artistry request your heart desires for any occasion. What I feel sets me apart from others is that I don’t just provide makeup, I provide an entire experience for my clients from start to finish. I take pride in my work and the experience I provide inspires my clients to take genuine pride in themselves and the beauty they exude when I’m finished.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I like to pull inspiration from everywhere. Whether it be from celebrity makeup artists to beauty bloggers, from co-workers or just simply looking at the shade of a single eyeshadow color. I feel that it is so important to observe the work of others and of brands to see how it can inspire you to create your own version of its aesthetic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephanieruizartistry.com
- Email: Stephruiz28@aol.com
- Instagram: @Kissandmakeupbysteph
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
