Today we’d like to introduce you to Rubi Martinez.
Hi Rubi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Rubi Martinez, a Bridal Hair and Makeup Artist (HMUA) specializing in photoshoot, quinceañera, and social event makeup in St. Louis, MO, and surrounding areas. I bring over 8 years of experience to every look I create. Originally from the Dominican Republic, I’ve turned my lifelong passion for beauty into a fulfilling career.
Makeup has always been a part of my life — I was that friend who loved doing makeup just for fun, for parties, graduations, and birthdays. I never imagined it would become my profession. One day, a dear friend invited me to join a makeup course, and that’s where everything began. I discovered not only a way to earn an income but also a true passion.
I booked my first clients even before completing my third class and quickly realized this was something I was meant to do. For more than three years, I worked part-time as a makeup artist, until life circumstances turned it into my full-time career. Two years ago, I made the exciting decision to move from the Dominican Republic to St. Louis, where I continue to grow and share my love for makeup with every client I meet.
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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many artists, I faced challenges, especially in the beginning. When I first started, I didn’t have professional tools or products — I worked with what I had and learned to make the most of it..I remember my first black friday spending all i had in my account to build my first makeup kit. Balancing clients, practice, and my personal life wasn’t easy, but I was determined to grow.
Moving from the Dominican Republic to St. Louis was another big challenge. I had to start from zero — no clients, no connections, and in a new culture. It took time, consistency, and faith to build my reputation again. But every struggle taught me something valuable: patience, resilience, and the importance of believing in yourself and your art.
Today, looking back, I’m proud of every step. Each obstacle made me stronger and helped me become not only a better artist but also a better person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional makeup artist specializing in bridal, photoshoot, quinceañera, and social event makeup. My goal is always to enhance each client’s natural beauty while making them feel confident, comfortable, and truly themselves.
Before becoming a makeup artist, I worked for several years in customer service — an experience that taught me how to listen, understand people, and make them feel valued. That background shaped the way I approach my work today. When a client sits in my chair, I take the time to connect, understand their vision, and create a look that reflects their personality and the emotion of the moment.
What sets me apart is that I see makeup as more than just a technique — it’s a way to empower others. I’m proud that my clients often tell me they not only love their look, but also how they feel during the process. That connection, trust, and joy are what make my work truly meaningful.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing my clients smile when they look in the mirror — that moment when they truly feel beautiful and confident. It’s more than makeup; it’s about helping someone see themselves in a new light.
I also find happiness in the process itself — connecting with people, hearing their stories, and being part of their special moments. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or someone celebrating a milestone, knowing I can contribute to those memories fills me with gratitude and joy.
Makeup allows me to express my creativity while bringing happiness to others — and that combination is what keeps my passion alive every single day.
Pricing:
- Bridal Makeup: starting at $150 (includes trial, skin prep, and lashes)
- Bridesmaid / Special Event Makeup: starting at $100
- Quinceañera Makeup: starting at $130 (includes lashes and light touch-up kit)
- Photoshoot / Glam Makeup: starting at $120
- Travel fees may apply depending on distance from St. Louis.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubimartinezmakeup?igsh=MXgxdDVpb3E5dnZ6Mw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gyjk4hqjC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
