Meet Alma Rosa Rios | Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alma Rosa Rios and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alma Rosa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is the ability to connect with other amazing artists. I believe I’ve been able to get as far as I have so far by meeting incredible artists that have inspired me and shown me what’s possible. Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in one style or idea, but being able to work around other artists can show you what other ideas are possible; whether it has to do with new products, trends, ways to kitdense a kit, and many more.

I’ve had the pleasure to meet many incredible people along the way that have contributed a huge helping hand just for the simple fact that they want to see me grow. I think this industry will continue to go farther by helping each other grow. After all, everyone’s art is different no matter how similar it is. Art is meant to be remixed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I was younger, I was heavily inspired by MTV and VH1’s music videos. I would pretend I was JLO in Jenny from the Block, Ciara, Gwen Stefani, and so many more, My mom and sisters would get ready for church, do their hair and makeup, and I would see all of these strong and beautiful women transform. I couldn’t wait to grow up and be them. Then, somehow someway I grew up as a Tomboy. I did not like makeup or dressing up, hated dresses (still do, but they’re growing on me lol). Needless to say, my talents for makeup and dressing up didn’t really develop.

This question is a bit difficult for me because I don’t consider myself an artist or creative by any means artistically. Everything I have done so far is because I’ve learned to do it. I don’t usually like to bring that up because it’s a bit of an insecurity of mine that art to me comes through learning it rather than from within. However, it’s my reality and I think that’s what sets me apart and motivates me. It might take me more effort or time than most to accomplish a goal or a look, but I pay attention and analyze it until I get it. At the end of the day, if the result is beautiful, it doesn’t matter whether it was talent or learning that got someone there. My passion is the same for bringing out that beauty, poise or alter ego in someone when they feel themselves with their look.

I feel most proud when I learn something new and execute it how I envisioned it while I’m creating it, it’s the best feeling. I think it’s the same thing with anyone who has a passion to create with their mind and body. That feeling of satisfaction seeing your work come to life as you envisioned it is addicting and I want to experience that as much as possible!

I think I’m still very new into my professional career, but I would say I am where I’m at today because I’ve been able to meet incredible people along the way who have helped open doors for me that I didn’t know existed. It feels easy meeting them because they were all just about instant connections. However, working to get here wasn’t easy. I’ve wanted to quit so many times along the way through frustrations of not feeling like I’m doing good enough or learning fast enough.

I’ve stumbled many times throughout these past couple of years, but each time I kept pushing. I don’t give up. Even on days when I’m very unmotivated, I find a way to get back on it and somehow I get re-inspired and get back on it. I think that’s what’s helped me overcome challenges is just not giving up. Giving myself time to re-adjust and come back fresh.

I think the most important lessons I’ve learned so far is: everyone has their own timeline in life, and you CAN do anything you set your mind to, even if it’s not a natural born talent.

I think that in this country, we have the ability to create an American dream. I see it first-hand from my parents who built themselves up coming from nothing. I see it through close friends that have immigrated to the U.S. and create amazing things in such a short period of time. Sometimes it’s hard to see that or believe that, but my brand represents being/creating who YOU want to be. You can transform yourself and teach yourself to be whoever you want to be in this life, it just takes practice and intention.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my gosh this is so hard, I would want to go everywhere haha! In Oxnard, there isn’t a ton to do for a whole week, so maybe I would suggest we head out of town.

If traveling is possible, I would take them to Mexico with me and my cousins. We would go to Guadalajara with my cousin Monica. We would definitely start the day with some chilaquiles con huevo y frijoles. Then, we would go get ready and head out to eat some tacos de barbacoa doraditos with some consume and an ice cold Coca-Cola.

Shortly after, we might head out to Cantaritos El Guero and spend the rest of the evening there. On the way back, eat some Mexican Hot Cheetos and some more tacos. The next days we would go to Chapala, the antros at night, El Bariachi, and we definitely can’t miss going to El Mirador in Tlaquepaque and El Parian. We also can’t leave without eating some birote con mantequilla y azucar or with some cajeta, and straight vibe throughout Mexico. Mexico is my go to, and maybe heading down to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca for a couple nights to wind down and enjoy the magic of Oaxaca, their amazing food and beautiful beaches.

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?
Wow, so many people deserve a shoutout who have helped me throughout my young career. I would start with my family, my boyfriend and my best friends for supporting me and always cheering me on. No matter what venture I take on next, they’re there to hear my excitement and believe in me.

A major shoutout to my boyfriend, Daniel, who has always been with me through every step of the way, sometimes even paying for my classes when the artist’s funds aren’t there. He’s always listening, encouraging me, taking care of me, giving me different ideas, has my back, talks about me with his friends and family with what I’m doing, and so much more. He’s my biggest support system, and I wouldn’t want to ever do this without him.

Another crucial person came into my life, unexpectedly, last year. I don’t think I would even be writing this interview if it weren’t for one of my best friends, Nikole Vega. She’s younger than me, but she is so much wiser. She pushes the limits with what’s possible and strives for more. She’s the only artist that I know of locally that does both bridal and editorial makeup, rents her owns studios (yes, 2) and hires her own photographers to do her own creative shoots. She runs a successful business completely by herself, has grown through the pandemic and continues to do so. She’s insanely talented and continuously pushes herself to keep going. She’s selfless and has helped me get to where I am today. She’s the first person who gave me a chance, believed in me, and has helped me grow tremendously. She’s a true friend, a gem. I’m lucky to have met her and call her my friend, and I can’t wait to see what next goal she crushes. She continuously inspires me.

My friend, Vanessa. Truly and angel sent from above. Not only has she literally given me tools to start a new venture in makeup, she takes the time to teach and send links and connect me with whoever I would need to be connected with to continue to grow. She has the most calming, kind, and attentive energy. She is a hustler. She does not sit still or is complacent. She’s always learning a new talent, and she’ll check up on me often to see how I’m doing and genuinely offer any help she can out of the kindness of her own heart. Without even asking, sometimes! She’s incredibly talented and humble, and I’m just lucky to have met her and also call her my friend.

I have to give a shoutout to my first instructor, Freddy. He’s been the most kind, talented, and humble person to learn from. He always has great energy and always encourages me to keep going. He’s one of the first people that showed me what’s possible in makeup, and he talks to me in a way where he believes I will get where I want to get. He also gives me feedback on what I can improve on and how I can improve it. I’m happy to have been able to learn from him and to have got to know him more over the years.

Lastly, I would like to thank my cousin, Daniela. When I first wanted to start with makeup, I reached out to her asking for advice on how to get started. She responded with the most kind and detailed advice on what would help me get started. She recommended schools and she told me the best thing I could do was just start practicing on faces for free. I immediately took her advice, and thanks to her motivating words and advice, I got started and haven’t left it since. She’s always supported and shown love to my work even when it was a major work in progress.

There are countless other people I could name. I’m thankful to be surrounded by people who have genuine hearts, are talented, hard workers, humble, compassionate, relentless, giving, kind, and are helpful in any way I or anyone may need. They give me feedback when I need it, but they also cheer me on when I’m doing it. Thank you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulrosebeauty/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWEIz1QiyAC_7VwKUg1WQWg

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vibralmarosabeauty

Image Credits
First four photos (photographer M. Daniels, Instagram: @mdanielsphoto ; hair by @makeupartistlucy ; makeup by second model @nikolevega_pro)