Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Alvarez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a lover of makeup as far back as middle school when wasn’t allowed to wear it. My uncle is a hair and makeup artist and I was inspired by watching him work his magic. I watched YouTube makeup tutorials for a few years, then realized people actually did only make up for a living and that’s when it became clear what I should be doing. My husband was the one who actually first brought up the idea to send me CMC Makeup Academy in Dallas because he could see my passion for makeup was growing. That was the beginning of me doing makeup professionally on clients and not just family and friends. Once that class was completed I was on my way. Working on any face, I could find and just learning about the business. I learned about the bridal makeup world from another artist who helped me a lot. I also worked in beauty retail and have learned about that part of the business. I’m most interested in photoshoot and editorial or runway makeup. I’m forever grateful to all the teachers, artist, bosses, co-workers, photographers and friends who have helped teach me things along the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth roads are boring, 🙂 There have been a few hiccups, but anything worth having is going to be difficult at some point. That’s what helps us be better is to have bumps along the way. Without difficulties, I’d never learned or improve. I’d say the biggest hurdle so far has been finding a work/life balance. I do have an amazing family with two young boys but most of the work I do is on weekends when the kids are home, so missing them is the hardest part. But it makes the time I do get with them that much more precious.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ark Beauty – what should we know?
My business is focused on traditional and airbrush makeup but I am branching out to start working with hair styling. I really enjoy the look on client’s face when they see themselves for the first time after I’ve done their makeup. I specialize in helping clients look and feel how THEY want to look. The majority of clients I have are women who don’t normally wear a lot of makeup so they just want a natural glow. I help them to enhance the beauty they already have while getting to know them. Sometimes I have clients that want to try new looks or try something bold and I love to be able to show people things they never thought they would like. I adore my clients and I’m always trying to think of new ways to improve their experience in my chair. What sets me apart from other artists is my authenticity, honesty, and candidness. I want what’s best for my clients and I’ll do what needs to be done so they know they’re my number one priority. I’m most proud of how far my business has come in a short amount of time I’ve been working in the industry. It makes me feel like I’ve truly found my place in the world.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My major supporter is my husband, Nick, who’s always giving me support by liking all my pictures, telling me my work is amazing even when I only see flaws and watching my boys when I’m out working on my dreams. He was the first one to believe in me and I truly appreciate all he does. My mom, sister, and dad have always been super supportive of my journey in this new field. My friends who let me work on their faces at the very beginning when I first started out. Thank God for people believing in my talent before I did because they pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me I CAN do it. Big shout out to Candace who taught me a lot about the business and advertising. I’ve gotten inspiration from Kayla “TheMakeupStory” who always has a smile and is always willing to talk about makeup. My teams at the retail spots I’ve worked at have always been supportive and uplifting and I’m grateful to have been placed with a woman who can support other women. My support from my social media family has also been incredible.
Pricing:
- My prices usually start at $75 for traditional makeup and go from there
- Hair prices will start in the $60 range
- My prices usually start at $100 for airbrush makeup and go from there
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arkbeauty.net
- Phone: 214-477-0756
- Email: sia2413@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkbeauty214/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/arkbeauty214/ads/?ref=page_internal
Image Credit:
Lauryn Devore, Ivan Flores, Rob Ballesteros, Kevin Wehmeister, Tina Torres, Biscuits and Tea
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