Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Rivera
Hi Ally, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all began with my adolescent passion for the arts and entertainment. Throughout my formative years, I found myself enchanted by the magic of the camera, indulging in the joys of singing and dancing. This enthusiasm, combined with my towering height, naturally led me into the captivating realm of modeling. I even took a few daring leaps, auditioning for America’s Next Top Model. The allure of the runway and the thrill of striking poses in front of the lens were exhilarating. It was during these vibrant moments that I discovered my knack for makeup artistry, often transforming my own look and assisting friends with theirs. I still cherish the memory of my aunt gifting me my very first makeup book by Bobbi Brown when I was just a pre-teen—a true turning point!
Fast forward to my high school graduation, my father envisioned a future for me in a field that promised stability—perhaps accounting or pharmaceuticals. However, my heart was never in those pursuits! I explored various Art Institutes, primarily focusing on Fashion, but ultimately found my place in a school for Esthetics. Growing up with skin challenges, I was eager to learn the art of skincare, color theory, and makeup application—a perfect blend for my aspirations. My journey in esthetics led me to a managerial role at a day spa for six intense years, a position that, believe it or not, was one of the most stressful experiences of my life!
After relocating to Tampa, Florida, I continued my management career but soon found myself overwhelmed yet again. A twist of fate brought me to a plastic surgeon’s office, where, on my very first day of training, I discovered I was expecting! We decided to make our way to Charleston to be near family and for my husband’s job. With the outrageous cost of daycare, we chose for me to embrace the role of a stay-at-home mom. During this time and desire to maintain my own personal finances (because if you know me you know I hate asking for anything), I wore many hats: teaching English online, selling Rodan & Fields skincare, and providing virtual assistance where I dabbled in content creation for an array of professionals, all while nurturing my two little boys and maintaining my household.
As much as I adored my time as a stay-at-home mom, I never anticipated it would stretch on for so long. Somewhere along the way, I began to lose my sense of self and found it difficult to articulate what truly brought me joy. In a delightful turn of events, my husband and I finally celebrated our marriage with a beautiful wedding ceremony in 2021. While seeking vendors, I encountered quite the challenge in finding a makeup artist who resonated with my aesthetic. Ultimately, I discovered the perfect match, and during my bridal trial, I playfully declared that I had always harbored a love for makeup and that I was “coming for her”—in the most endearing way, of course!
Post-wedding, feeling the tedium of my routine yet unwilling to return to a monotonous 9 to 5, I decided to pursue professional makeup artistry—a venture I instinctively knew I would excel in. Just two months after my nuptials, my makeup artist posted on Instagram, seeking to expand her bridal team. I brashly responded, “I don’t have a résumé, but I can come show you what I’ve got,” and to my delight, we arranged a meeting. After showcasing my skills, she recognized my potential, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Little did I know, the Charleston area was bursting with wedding opportunities! My schedule quickly filled with events, working both for her team and securing my own clients. The rapid progression of my career was a delightful surprise, reigniting my passion and helping me reclaim my identity. This new path has bestowed upon me the confidence that had eluded me for far too long, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I approach the three-year mark of my journey, I can honestly say it has been relatively smooth. Of course, like anything in life, especially when raising children while pursuing a career, challenges arise. I’m lucky to have a husband who can occasionally work from home, but there are times when I have to pass on certain opportunities. With my youngest only 9 months old, I often feel that familiar throb of mom guilt for not being home as much as I was with my two older boys. However, having experienced how fleeting these years can be, I cherish every moment I get to spend with my family, making the most of each opportunity that comes my way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional makeup artist who thrives on creating full-on glam looks. While specializing in bridal beauty, I also sprinkle my magic on photoshoots and events to help everyone shine. The Esthetician in me truly loves helping ladies skin glow!
What makes me stand out from the crowd? It’s all about that upbeat connection. I truly believe that when you sit in my chair, we’re not just doing makeup – we’re embarking on a fun adventure together. I love making my clients feel at ease and turning the whole experience into a fabulous celebration.
Just take a peek at my reviews, and you’ll see that my clients rave about the joyful vibe I bring. After spending a couple of hours with me, you might just walk away with a new bestie! So, if you’re ready to glam it up and have a blast, I’m your girl!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have an extensive list of individuals who have played a significant role in my growth throughout this journey. To begin with, my mom has always been my guiding light. She has supported me in every endeavor I’ve pursued and holds a deep admiration for all my aspirations. Her willingness to go above and beyond to assist not just me but anyone in her life is remarkable. She truly deserves an award for her unwavering support—she’s nothing short of a superhero. In fact, she was my very first model for a makeup reel on my Instagram, and her debut garnered quite a few views. Way to go, Mom!
Then there’s my dad, who has always believed in my potential to achieve greatness. He may not have envisioned professional makeup as my path, but once I embarked on this journey, he proudly showcased my work to everyone he knew. Making him proud has always been one of my driving motivations.
I can’t forget my husband, who works to provide for our family. He has given me the incredible opportunity to stay home and care for our children. He consistently reassures me that he will support me in my pursuits, and he celebrates every moment of creativity I share with him.
I owe a great deal to my friend Galya, who was my bridal makeup artist on my wedding day. She recognized my potential and encouraged me to combine my skills with her expertise, allowing me to carve out my own niche while helping her business flourish. Her dedication to helping me and her team grow is truly inspiring, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity she provided.
Additionally, I have a talented friend who is an amazing photographer. As soon as I launched my business, she welcomed me into her studio to glam her clients. While I love doing bridal makeup, this experience has allowed me to express myself in new ways, and I am so thankful for her trust in me.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to my close friends— you know who you are— for consistently filling my mind with encouraging words. Whenever I doubted myself, their support lifted me back up.
Thank you to everyone who has hired me to be a part of their special moments, from weddings to family photoshoots. I am equally grateful to those who have shown interest in my services. Knowing that you see my work and feel a spark of interest warms my heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almari_beauty_artistry/profilecard/?igsh=MXMyMWR0czJhZGt6OA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YzVgqTriF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
