Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Cruz
Hi Ruby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started when I was a little girl, I loved styling my dolls and was always so intrigued by their hair and makeup. The bold eyes and the perfect lips, who wouldn’t want to be like their dolls growing up? I grew up in a strict household in which wearing makeup was prohibited until after 15. As you can imagine, this only made my curiosity even greater. I couldn’t wait to explore and create beautiful looks, and thanks to my sister’s friends I didn’t have to. I started asking them if they wanted me to do a makeover anytime they came to visit. To my excitement they always said yes! I was able to practice on multiple face shapes, age groups & try different looks. As time progressed I watched Michelle Phan & Heather123 religiously on YouTube, gathering inspiration and knowledge.
As a senior in high school I told my family I wanted to be a Cosmetologist & go to beauty school. This did not go as well as I expected. To my surprise, Cosmetology wasn’t perceived as a “real career” in the early 2,000’s. Well at least it wasn’t in my extended circle. I can’t blame them, the only insight they had of stylists was that of those who constantly complained about reaching retirement age and barely making ends meet. Therefore they pushed for other career choices which I followed. I became an office manager at a local business and one day decided I would also start freelancing on the weekends. This would be my first time charging anyone for a service and opening myself up to exposure. I remember it very clearly, it’s a core memory of mine and it changed my life forever.
I ordered my first business cards on VistaPrint, $19 well invested…“Beauty By Ruby Cruz hair and makeup artist”…. I knew I wasn’t a hairstylist yet, but I knew I one day would be. I placed my first ad on Craigslist and got my first client, a $25 makeup appointment, I was ecstatic!!! It all went uphill from there. Every weekend was one appointment after the other. Eventually weekends paid what my office job did in a week. I said to myself, “This can be a career, I can make it.” I then enrolled myself in our local Paul Mitchell school, took out student loans, and alternated between work and night classes. I joined the honors program and volunteered as much as I could. I took my state board exam and became a licensed Cosmetologist. I worked my office job and hustled everyday to get clients in my chair.
I later joined a few Bridal teams and that exposed me to a whole new industry. I fell In love all over again & eventually shifted to my own Bridal team. I met wonderful & talented artists that also became friends. Together we provide unique experiences that we all enjoy. Wedding days are so beautiful & I love being able to make my Brides feel like literal princesses. The energetic dynamic is indescribable and you walk away feeling fulfilled. Being someone’s artist, and seeing them right before walking down the aisle is a very empowering experience. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to grow and continue doing what I love to do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A smooth road? What is THAT!!?? Lol… I’d say my whole life has been a bit like an uneven zigzag if I’m honest…. Balancing being self employed, trying to scale a business, as well as being a Mom is very challenging. I often have to hold back a lot from what I want to do in my business and prioritize my Mom responsibilities. I’m sure many working Moms can relate, it’s a constant internal battle between what our goals and aspirations are versus what raising a family requires from us. I’m hopeful that as my kids get a little older and more independent, I’ll be able to really go all in & build a stronger brand and provide even more services in our community.
This had been my biggest struggle up until recently.. Last year I suffered a car accident that I believed ended my career. It left me with several injuries & broke my dominant arm & wrist which required surgical reconstruction. Truly an artist’s worse nightmare, everything began to fall apart and being optimistic was very challenging. It broke me to let my Brides down & have so much uncertainty. The possibility of never being able to do hair and makeup again really haunted me. It has taken a lot of willpower and perseverance to get back to where I am today. It was the most defeating experience I’ve ever had and it taught me a lot about life. My Bridal Artist community & friends where so amazing, they came forward to help & showed me so much support. It was a heartwarming gesture that I will never forget and I truly couldn’t have done it without them. Every day is a blessing, and I don’t take anything for granted anymore.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is split between two categories, I am a Bridal hair and makeup artist as well as a Colorist. In Bridal, I specialize in Soft Glam makeup looks with an emphasis on the eyes and natural finish skin. Hollywood waves, big hair, and elegant updo’s are what I do most, but I love doing all hairstyles equally. As far as color, I specialize in color corrections and doing high lift lightening services on naturally darker hair.
I’m proud to have built a name for myself without ever jeopardizing my integrity and beliefs. Being and entrepreneur isn’t easy, there’s no safety nets or backup plans and sometimes that pushes people to have a scarcity mindset. I believe in uplifting others, and building a community. I enjoy growing with my colleagues and sharing our knowledge amongst each other.
It is important to me to be genuine with everyone I meet. I truly understand and value the needs of my guests and strive to meet or exceed their expectations. I’m very attentive to details in the services I provide, and my guests know I won’t let them leave unsatisfied. I have been blessed with having empathy, I see it as a virtue. It helps me to connect and be able to provide assurance and tranquility to my guests by anticipating their needs & making them feel safe.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship has to come from someone you can see yourself aspiring to be. I suggest anyone do their research about people’s values, beliefs, and work ethics. Sometimes we get carried away by popularity or social media followings and we become easy targets. Not every mentorship course will work for you, you may not resonate with them after all, or they may not actually share knowledge that you need in order to grow. Save your hard earned money and invest in furthering your education first and then seek mentorship in the areas that you feel you need reassurance and guidance in. As far as networking, be yourself! Show up every time with a positive attitude and be genuine. You will find the people you align with and they will seek you too. You never know the conversations your name will be brought up in, make sure it’s a good one!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyc_mua
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybyrubycruz
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@rubyc_mua
Image Credits
Anotherdreamprod
Leah pruett Stewart
Jackie Ceja Photography
