Meet Michelle Ruiz | Entrepreneur + Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Ruiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Do you ever feel tired? Tired of going in to work and giving it your 110% because, you know… that’s what you do – which is do your best at every job. Yet, somehow everything you do just never seems to be enough for your supervisors. When you have experience and a great work ethic, it doesn’t feel good when your work never gets noticed.

Well, when I realized that I was TIRED I knew that something that to change. In that moment I had to sit down and really think about how tired I was of working for someone, making them hundred’s and sometimes thousands of dollars a day and I’m still not feeling appreciated. So I decided to finally trust myself and focus on creating and really building my brand, Classy Trends. I’m in the beauty and fashion industry so being able to provide services and products that instill confidence in women, really made it easy for me to fall even more in love with the hustle. I quickly realized that with being your own boss, the sky is the limit. It can be intimidating at first because once you see that you’re able to monetize WHATEVER makes you happy, it just seems like it’s too good to be true.

I can definitely say it’s not easy! There’s a lot that goes into being your own boss but, it’s definitely so rewarding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a makeup artist has allowed me to touch many people through my art. The reason why I fell in love with artistry is because of the reactions I’d get from my friends when I’d do their makeup. I knew the feeling because as a little girl who dealt with a lot of acne, when I started playing with makeup to hide my pimples – it really made me feel more comfortable. Though makeup should not be used to hide, at that age it made my insecurities go away. So being able to provide that feeling of empowerment to others, really makes my job easy.

When I first became a professional makeup artist, the trends were completely different from what they are now. Halfway throughout my career, trends began to change and it was drastic!! In that moment I realized that it was either sink or swim. Makeup looks became more detailed and more bold , which is a great thing, but for a makeup artist who is now 4 years in (at the time) you had to relearn everything! I chose to take some time to practice new techniques, looks and products to gain as much knowledge as possible. I wanted to be great and I wanted my clients to see the progress I’ve made as their makeup artist. In 2023, looks at are still very detailed and trends continue to come and go, but at least now I have my own style and know when to try something new.

I do want to say something to all of my aspiring makeup artists out there, I want you to remember that this is supposed to be fun. Often times we can get wrapped up in work, but it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the process – it’s part of the reason we’re artists. Classy Trends did not get to where it’s at overnight, it took patience and passion. If you love what you do… and I mean truly love what you do – you will be happy doing it all the time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my bestie is in town, she already knows I’m taking her to the best places in the city! Being a foodie in Miami has allowed me to find some of the best hidden gems😍 When I was young, adults would always say how much they appreciate their peace and I always thought – NOOO, that’ll never me. Just kidding, that’s what I now LOVE TO DO so you’ll definitely catch us at the beach, walking the park with the pups or like I said go somewhere to stuff my face with delicious food .

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Being an entrepreneur is great & I highly recommend everyone start a business, BUT it does come with a lot of stress & long days. Having a support system is so important because everyday is not the same for us, so being able to have someone at home to talk to after a long day feels great, being able to go out for brunch with your besties is so much fun and having clients that you get to know and create relationships with is definitely the cherry on top.

I’m grateful for everyone and all the support I have received throughout the years. Building my brand has not been easy, but it’s been a beautiful journey thus far and I can’t wait to continue to build it with everyone around me ✨

Website: www.officialclassytrends.com

Instagram: itsmichelleruiz

Youtube: itsmichelleruiz

Image Credits
Taken By – Michelle Ruiz