We recently had the chance to connect with Claribel Tovar and have shared our conversation below.
Claribel , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, just slowing down and focusing on the things that really matter — like spending a lot of quality time with my son, taking care of my home, having financial freedom and getting closer to God. I’ve been diving deeper into understanding His purpose for me, and it’s been grounding in the best way. I understood that is not about big, flashy moments — it’s the quiet mornings, the peace of mind, and being present in every second. That’s been bringing me the most joy lately.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course ! I’m Claribel Tovar — a Creative Makeup Artist, based in Las Vegas and founder of The Beauty Department (known before as Claribel Tovar Agency) My work lives at the intersection of beauty, artistry, and purpose. I’ve built a business that not only brings high-level beauty services — but also mentors up artists to build their own successful paths in this industry.
What makes my brand unique is the heart behind it. I come from humble beginnings, and I’ve turned my passion for beauty into a platform that empowers others — especially women — to reclaim their time, express themselves creatively, and find financial freedom. I teach not just makeup skills, but business, branding, and confidence.
Right now, I’m developing educational programs, publishing The Beauty Book magazine, and growing our artist agency to include more voices and styles — from traditional glam to edgy, editorial, and cultural expression. Everything I do is rooted in the belief that beauty is a tool for transformation, not just on the outside, but in our lives.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to create looks — it’s to create freedom. The freedom to live, create, and show up for what matters most.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Honestly, my mom. From the time I was 7 or 8, she saw something in me I couldn’t yet see in myself. I remember impersonating singers and performing at school without shame — and she recognized that spark. She enrolled me in art and music academies and, along with my dad, always supported my creativity. She would tell me I had a gift, but she’d also remind me to use it with purpose. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. Now, looking back, I realize she was planting the seeds for everything I’m doing today. Even she’s not here anymore , im sure she would be so proud of me .
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something success never could: what real happiness means
When I was younger, I thought freedom meant doing whatever I wanted. And once I had the chance I said “yes” to every opportunity, every project, every experience — even the dangerous ones — because ¨You Only Live Once ¨! I wanted to give myself and everyone what they wanted and not only in a profesional way, i was living two life’s. On the outside I was free and successful, but inside I was lost,. With too many distractions, I hit a breaking point. In a deep whole , feeling so lonely because nobody is there to save you, but yourself. My mind became my worst enemy. I realized I had sacrificed everything that truly mattered, and if I stayed on that path, It would be even worse.
In that dark moment, I made a different choice. I decided not to end my life, but to end the version of myself I had created — the one chasing money, pleasure, and validation. I was tired of therapy ( not saying that this doesn’t work, it truly does ) but I needed to believe im something stronger than me, just like my brain trainer technician told me many times, the biggest on financial like Brian Tracy and Codie Sanchez also talk about the importance of believing in God. So I took the courage to prayed to him for strength and guidance. I began setting boundaries, and focusing on my spirituality, my son, and myself, I reached a point where I no longer fear loosing people, clients and opportunities that doesn’t align with my new lifestyle, because I fully trusted that God would provide exactly what I needed .
It was hard at first, but slowly everything began to bloom. My business stabilized, my finances , my physical and mental health improved and my relationship with my children transformed specially my sons behavior who has Autism. I was understanding everything…
The fact of doing things with real love and not for convenience . Set priorities, be disciplined and set bonduries. Distractions, will be always distractions , don’t let this fool you, stay focus, Doing the same thing every day. This is not about how fast your run , is about to not stop walking. One time a king wrote : “But when I reflected on all the works that my own hands had done and on all the hard work that I had toiled to accomplish, I saw that everything was futile, a chasing after the wind; there was nothing of real value under the sun”
Ec 2:11
I was living exactly those words, Today, I don’t live in survival mode , there’s no more stress, depression and anxiety, that pain in my chest , because I trust God everything. I’ve stopped chasing and started feeling gratitude for what I already have every single day. Suffering taught me that real success isn’t about having more — it’s about being whole, being present, and living with purpose. And my purpose is not about how much I accomplish is about how inspire others to live.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“Chase your dreams “ ¨ How many times we hear this quote . I know it might sounds controversial, because we hear it everywhere when we wake up , when we are eating , when we go to sleep, even myself i said it many times. We are living with the idea that staying so busy working equals success. That if you’re not constantly booked, running to the next event, you’re not doing enough and you will never get anywhere (of course that’s what big brands want from you to keep monetizing ) . I lived in that mindset for years, and it left me completely drained. True success isn’t about being constantly working — it’s about being aligned. I’ve come to believe that chasing is exhausting. It keeps you in a mindset where nothing is ever enough. You’re always running after the next thing, and rarely enjoying what you’ve already built, who you really are.
I heard one time Angelina Jolie said ¨ I don’t chase, I Attract ¨ I couldn’t understand in that moment what it really mean but when it finally hit me I’ve learned that when you live in alignment with your values and purpose, you don’t have to chase . Opportunities, clients, money… it all starts to come to you as a consequence of the lifestyle you already enjoy living. And it comes directly to you, you dont have to compete or fight for this, because is already yours. Right now I only dedicate a few hrs a day to work (except for sundays, and most of the time just managing. I do my house chores, take care of my plants, I cook, go to Bible meetings. Things that I never thought I would enjoy doing, and i still have so much free time! So Stop worrying about how many followers you have, how many views or the expensive brands you need in your kit. In my experience, the more I mentored others, built community, and stayed authentic to my style, the more I attract the right people and projects.
And to be clear I’m not saying being wealthy is wrong — not at all. If we’re blessed with abundance, that’s beautiful! But that should be a consequence, not the reason to be happy. The real win is being happy with what you already have and all the extra keep using It with the right purpose
At the end of the day, the biggest truth I’ve learned is this: peace is louder than pressure. If you’re constantly chasing, maybe it’s time to slow down and ask if you’re building something real or just running because everyone told you to.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If immortality were real, what would you build?
What if immortality already is real — and this life is just our training ground for something greater? I truly believe we’re here to learn what’s important before we move on. Even the wealthiest and most famous people often realize this on their deathbeds: it was never about the things they collected, it was about the person they became.
I don’t think God created us to die. Even science is beginning to uncover how the body regenerates itself. Yet fear, avoidance, and living in survival mode make us age and break down faster counting myself im not gonna lie. But when something “dies” — whether it’s in nature, a mental breakdown, an illness, or even the story of the Phoenix or of Jesus — it often comes back stronger and transformed.
Knowing this changed me. Whether I live forever or my life ends tomorrow, this is the only way I want to live: present, conscious, learning how to use what I already have, learning how to love and collaborate with others. Economies, politics, religions — all these systems will pass. What will last is the consciousness we build and how we prepare ourselves and others for a better life.
If immortality were real, I wouldn’t build a monument or an empire. I would build people — consciousness, community, and a legacy of purpose — because that’s what I believe we’re really here to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claribeltovar.com www.claribeltovar.agency
- Instagram: @claribeltovar @thebeauty.department
- Linkedin: claribeltovar
- Twitter: claribeltovar
- Facebook: claribeltovarofficial
- Yelp: claribeltovar
- Youtube: claribeltovar
Image Credits
Photographers
Jack – Peter Guior
Chris Hutch
Ryan Doherty
Jim Louvau
Talent
Sandra Taylor
Orianthy
Rhonda Smith
Cindy Blackman Santana
Herculyse
Michael Robinson
Brandie de la Torre
Justice
Ana Valeriae
Designers & stylists
Altered Bride
Richard Cándelo
Christie Moeller
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
