Meet Ruth B Medrano | Los Angeles Mobile Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth B Medrano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruth, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Illinois. I was born in Chicago proper. When my family outgrew our little house in the city, my parents moved us to Hainesville, a decent sized town 45 or so mins north of the city. Being an entrepreneur over the past almost 10 years, I feel I can more clearly see how my background and upbringing have impacted who I am today. When I was young, my mom worked for two main employers, her dad and a family friend. Both started their businesses from the ground up. My Grandpa’s (we’ll refer to as Poppa S) business was a wood finishing business and the other a locksmith (we’ll refer to as OT), who expanded into apartment ownership and management. My mom would run a lot of the behind the scenes doing paperwork, payroll, and many other business tasks. My Dad, an engineer, worked for a semi-conductor company for a good many years. Though I’m not sure if it was his passion, his dedication to solid output and his family has stuck with me to this day. A pro he enjoyed for his work was being able to travel all over the world and bring back many a present for us kids to enjoy as well as stories and open-ideas from across the world. His Dad and Mom, my other Grandfather and Grandmother, were born during the Great depression. My Grandfather (we’ll refer to as Grandpa G) grew on to work for McDonnell Douglas on the Space program. Helping put the first monkey into space, as well as Alan Shepard Jr. and John Glenn respectively. …So as you can see, that’s not a small list of greatness. I also am the oldest daughter of 6 kids (not very common these days I know), and take my “position” very seriously. When we were growing up, my parents instilled in us to treat others with respect, see and appreciate the differences in each person, to leave things better than we found them, and to live with a Christian set of morals and Biblical-based faith. I would say as a young person, I could be considered rather lazy. Especially by my standards today. (Insert laugh here.) But I had a good childhood and a number of friends, almost always a group of mixed races and culture when able. While we were young, around my 7-10 yrs of age, Poppa S would have us sweep up the shop. It would get so dusty there. At the end of the pay period we would get our little checks to save or spend as we liked. We did the same at OT’s shop. Helping our mom, who would often times bring us early set of kids along, with shredding papers and little tasks here and there. I do believe this instilled in me, at a young age, the value of working hard. As I’m older now, and see these friends and family in their respective positions, I’m challenged in my own to be the best that I can be. Not only is there an inward passion and fire to succeed and be the best at my own game, but I want those before me to be as proud of me as I am of them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work as a hairstylist and makeup artist here in Los Angeles. I think my love for beauty started at a young age. When I was around 7, I convinced my sister to let me play hairstylist and cut off her hair! My parents were less than pleased, but that may have been the moment to set the path for my career! As I grew up, I loved sitting close to the TV and pouring over magazine and newspaper cutouts staring at the hair, make up and character looks of my favorite movies and actresses. I would check out books from the library (before YouTube!) and read through the books, studying the words and pictures inside. It was about middle/high school that I decided I wanted to move to LA and pursue hair and make up as a career. My dad was a bit skeptical (as all good dad’s are when their children choose artistic careers), but my mom encouraged me to go for it! I went to school at a small school in Greenville, South Carolina, received my Business Degree and Cosmetology License, and moved to LA a month after graduation in June of 2012. I had the intention, when I moved out here, of attending makeup school. (Something that didn’t happen because honestly, I just couldn’t afford it.) I’ve hustled and worked hard. 10 years ago Craigslist was the way to look for work. I met some good artists through this avenue, met others through some friends “back home”; but essentially, I started pretty much from the ground up. I was super friendly and put myself out there. It’s not been easy. It’s still a lot of work. There’s hardly a month that goes by where I feel I’m not doing the right things or I’m behind others in my same career. But you can’t think or work like that. You’ve got to believe you have something to offer. I’ve written this down on my mirror I get ready in every day. “I am skilled, I am consistent, and I am one of the best artists available”, and I work hard and practice my craft to make that statement be true. There’s one thing that my client’s can be confident of, they will have the best me in their appointment. I want them to feel their absolute best and most beautiful every time, and from my past client inquiries, I believe I do just that.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family (and honorary family members).

Website: https://www.ruthbmedrano.com/

Instagram: @ruthbmedrano

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthBMedranoBeauty

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ruth-b-medrano-beauty-los-angeles