Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Ruby.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been in the beauty industry for a little over 5 years now. I’ve always been intrigued by beauty and fashion. I believe we were born naked so we can decorate and express ourselves the way we see fit! When I was younger, I was bullied a lot and had multiple suicide attempts. I’ve always dressed differently. Even though learning to love me has been a journey, freedom of expression has been no issue for me.
I started off being self-taught in makeup and eventually worked my way up. I was sent to Advanced Artistry School by Lancome after being in the top 100 of my company in 2016. From there I worked in a Vietnamese nail salon where I learned everything I know about nails, and the amazing Vietnamese culture. I started doing lash extensions at the end of 2016 and quickly fell in love with permanent makeup. I started learning permanent makeup in 2017, and finished up my first round of education in 2018- & I haven’t looked back since!
It’s taken quite a long time, but the main reason I entered the beauty industry is to help aid other women in the journey of loving and expressing themselves as well. I think it’s the most rewarding to have life come full circle. I have been invited into these women’s (& some men’s too!) homes. I’ve been invited to their cookouts, children’s birthday parties, and even family reunions!
I truly believe we were put here to help each other, and the beauty industry has been the best way for me to do that. I love this industry from the bottom of my heart. It’s helped me heal & find myself, and helped me to do the same for others. I look forward to servicing the public for many years to come
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s absolutely not been a smooth road, but I think it makes it that much more rewarding. If it were easy, everyone would do it, so I kind of like that it’s been difficult to pave my own path. I’ve started over and over more times than I can count, and it’s only failure if you give up. Some struggles along the way were truly finding my purpose in how I served others. A REALLY good example of a struggle for me is how I switched from cosmetology to tattooing.
In 2016, I was asked to work for a hair company in the area. They had knowingly asked me to join their team even though I told them multiple times I didn’t have a license, stating how much they love the work I did with makeup. They told me that it would be okay they want to “apprentice me.” So basically, I didn’t need to go to cosmetology school, I was going to work off my education- AND get it for free. What a deal! Right? I interviewed for a position 6 different over the course of almost 6 months. With the owner, the manager, as well as the educational director, and the stylist who was going to “Apprentice Me.”
I was eventually hired and worked there for the better part of FIVE months before they FINALLY told me that I would have to spend 8,000 on school. This was a place I trusted. People I trusted. On top of getting paid minimum wage (about $300 BIWEEKLY.)
I FINALLY found my worth and decided to move on. It was a difficult decision. This experience taught me a lot about trusting myself, & trusting others. I think the biggest thing it taught me was the way I DON’T want to run a business and how truly important it is to keep your promises and how important it is to be kind in return.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am definitely known for my crazy sense of fashion. I am mostly a makeup/ permanent makeup artist. I love to do special effects makeup, gore makeup, or anything that’s fun and different!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is to continue to be kind to others. I’ve never had things easy, so I know how hard that can be for others. I believe that we need to help others in order to get to where we need to go. Everyone has trauma, it’s just all different. We’re all here in this life together to help each other and make the world a better place.
Pricing:
- Microblading- $400 total
- Makeup- $75-$125
- Eyelash Extensions- $125
- PMU- Contact for Consultation
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@tiffanyruby.com
- Website: www.tiffanyruby.com
- Instagram: @tbrmua
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kickoffyerstilettos
Image Credits
@boudoir_by_tracy_lynn
