Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Torres.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been a lover of makeup since I was a little girl. I always played with my mother’s makeup, which sometimes annoyed her because I was always breaking into her makeup bag to put on her Revlon hot pink lipstick and blue mascara (gotta love the 80’s!!), when I got old enough to start wearing makeup, my mother took me to the MAC Cosmetics counter at Nordstrom’s, I instantly fell in love!
When I was 16 years old, I was always that friend or family member applying makeup for homecoming, prom or any special family events and it took off from there. I want to say in 2013 is when I really started taking my work seriously and I became a self-taught freelance makeup artist.
I created my Instagram account in 2013 posting pictures of my professional makeup work, photos of family and friends. In 2016, I started creating makeup looks on myself posting selfies almost every day or even multiple times a day using #30 different hashtags. The attention I got from strangers was insane, and I grew my account organically by being myself and showing everyone what makeup products, I was loving and using or even if I felt cute, I would post it anyway.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road of life is not usually smooth, and this should be expected. If it was smooth, it would be easy, and everyone would be doing it. I’m still learning new things every day.
The beginning of this year, I’ve been doing a lot of pondering and soul searching and decided that if I was going to keep up on Instagram, I wanted it to be more about me, whether it had to do with makeup application on myself, my makeup work, posting pictures of myself with my friends and family, new places or restaurants I was visiting. I also knew that I am so much more than just a pretty face posting makeup selfies every day, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I just wanted to transition my makeup account to a personal account for personal growth. I am still in the process of shifting my audience and still trying to find my groove. It has been challenging and I’ve lost some followers and likes along the way. In the long run, the people who stick around are “my people” who truly love me and support my account. I grew ASH_BEAUTI by being true to myself and that is what I’m going to continue to do.
The best lessons come from failure and error. My advice for young women is to trust their intuition and follow where their soul guides them, without fear of what society or friends, family think. I truly believe that when we genuinely follow our gut, success is guaranteed. When we conform to what we think we should do, rather than what we know that mastering anything takes time and effort, and don’t give up on yourself. Reach out to others engage with your followers, watch videos, and be the master of your own life.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from others?
I love that makeup is a form of expression. That even the slightest bit of makeup can transform a woman’s confidence. It’s not about disguising who you are but enhancing your natural beauty.
I am now a homeowner, wife and a 9-5 working mommy Monday thru Friday, I have two beautiful little girls and a hard-working loving supportive husband, and I cover makeup for all occasions: Photoshoots, Senior pictures, Homecoming, Prom, Holiday Parties, Engagement photos, Family photos, Maternity photos, Wedding and Quinceañera parties upon request.
In 2013, I started in on the runway shows and knee-deep in fashion editorials working every job I was offered for free. In 2014, I had my first publication by Avant Garde Magazine, after that, I was published four more times, another proud moment in 2015, I was a part of Fashion Designer Andre Soriano’s & Adolfo Sanchez glam squad and was able to be a part of LA STYLE Fashion Week. In 2016, I applied makeup on my first celebrity actor, tv host, Alberto Mateo, he was hosting on tv for the Mexico VS Chile Soccer game at QUALCOMM Stadium in San Diego.
I believe my personality always sets me apart from other makeup artists. The makeup world is incredibly competitive and can be catty, but I don’t feed into any of that. I believe every artist creates something different and brings something different to the table. Additionally, I pride myself on being a good listener, which makes people feel comfortable to speak to me. I listen to what the client wants, and I give suggestions and execute. I never take anything personally. Some artists might get offended when a client doesn’t like something or wants to change something, I don’t. You must understand that everyone is different and likes different things If you’re able to listen and remain open and speak from a place of expertise, the client will feel incredibly comfortable with you. There will always be difficult clients, but for every difficult client, there are 10 amazing clients that love and appreciate your work and remind you why you love what you do.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I was ten years old when I really discovered the world of beauty. My mother was an Esthetician for 30 years at La Costa Resort & Spa which is now OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa located just north of San Diego in Carlsbad.
My mother has always told me stories about her meeting celebrities and has done facials on a few of them, but I’ll never forget the day it was “Take Your Child to Work Day” I got to meet the famous actress Julia Roberts!!! She was sitting on the bench right across from me next to the Jacuzzi’s while waiting for her massage, I remember seeing her in the movie “Steel Magnolias” one of my all-time favorite movies, she was so nice and was just as beautiful in person. My mother has always taught me since I was a little girl how to take care of your skin and how important it is to moisturize and how makeup could really enhance your beauty.
Looking back when I was 20 years old, I’ll forever remember my mother gave me the most important beauty advice “Invest in your mind, body and soul mija. Shoes and purses come and go, but your skin needs more than a yearly check-up. Invest in a good regular facial and nurture yourself with massages and quiet rest from time to time” at that time I remember me laughing saying “Yeah, OK mom… sure whatever” but now that I’m a mom myself at 33 years old about to be 34 in December, I totally know what she meant.
I’d have to say my mother is my biggest inspiration she has really taught me hard work, another person I have to give a shout out is to my soul sista/best friend, who has taught me so many things in the makeup world because of her I have made a lot of great connections and she has always believed in my work also showing me balance between career and family.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashbeauti01@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ash_beauti
Image Credit:
Photographers- George Arguelles, FashionPhotoSD & Rocky Forguson Photography
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