Meet Vanessa Ruiz

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Ruiz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I lead with intention in everything I do, and that shows not just in my presence when I walk into a room, but in the energy I carry with me. Confidence can sometimes be misunderstood or even trigger discomfort in others, especially when you’re the only one who looks like you—but I’ve learned to immediately soften that space with warmth, genuine conversation, and connection. I pride myself on building relationships everywhere I go and leaving people with a lasting impression. I don’t just want to be seen—I want to be felt and remembered, in the best way.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a makeup artist and educator, but above all, I’m someone who loves to pour into women. My work goes far beyond makeup—it’s about helping women feel seen, confident, and empowered in every area of their lives. I believe in showing up with intention, creating a safe space for women to feel beautiful, understood, and celebrated for who they truly are.

What excites me most is being part of that transformation—not just the glam on the outside, but the glow that starts within. Whether it’s through a makeup session, a one-on-one class, or even a simple conversation, my goal is always the same: to help women step into the best version of themselves.

I’m currently focused on expanding my classes and collaborations that align with that mission, and I’m excited to continue creating spaces where beauty and empowerment go hand in hand.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, authenticity, and a deep commitment to growth. Resilience carried me through the hardest moments—surviving a painful divorce, losing 85 pounds, and raising two kids while building a brand from the ground up. Authenticity has kept me grounded. I’ve always chosen to be real with my audience on social media—whether I’m teaching the everyday woman how to do her makeup without gatekeeping, or sharing the raw behind-the-scenes of my own transformation. And that commitment to growth? It’s what keeps me evolving both personally and professionally.

For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: show up as you. People connect with real stories, not perfection. Don’t be afraid to share your process, your setbacks, and your wins. Keep learning, keep pouring into others, and never underestimate the power of being relatable. Your story might just be the encouragement someone else needs to keep going.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to truly dedicate time to myself. As a mom, businesswoman, and creative, I used to pour into everyone else first—but this past year, I’ve made it a priority to pour into my own cup, too. That’s looked like staying committed to my fitness journey, organizing my time more intentionally, and scheduling regular content creation not just to grow my brand, but to protect my mental peace.

Discipline and structure have been game-changers for me. Having a consistent schedule and surrounding myself with coaches—both in fitness and business—has helped keep me aligned, focused, and accountable. It’s been a year of learning that self-discipline is self-love, and that taking care of me is what allows me to show up even better for others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myvanety.com/
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/myvanety

Image Credits

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