We chatted with Alyssa Ruiz from Face by Aly:
Tell us about Face by Aly?
Face by Aly is all-around home beauty studio in Ferny Hills. My services include makeup applications, hair styling, eyelash extensions/services, waxing, tinting and acrylic/gel nail applications.
It’s a place where you can get everything done at once, a place where you’re greeted like an old friend and not just walking dollar signs. I take pride in being ‘that place’ where people can come in and get away from their issues for a couple of hours. I feel more of a therapist at times but it’s great knowing people walk out not only feeling good, but looking good too.
How and why did you get started in the beauty industry?
I always laugh when I get this question because I honestly don’t remember how I got into it all. My love for it is so far in my history search. All I remember was doing Facebook lives of makeup tutorials for a group of 8 thousand and then next minute I was creating my own vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics under my old brand Casa De Real Cosmetics. I closed that down after a little while of living the high life and realised that I wanted to go back to my roots and apply the makeup, not make it. It was a hard decision but I made it work. After a few months, I started to get clients in and every service followed one after the other, I got addicted to learning more and adding services onto my list, so much so I’m still learning every day.
What’s your most popular service?
This would be eyelash extensions. As much as I want to say makeup as it is my favourite service, makeup is very seasonal and nobody pays me to do their makeup for a regular Monday morning. I’ve been lashing for 11 months and I’m so proud at how far I’ve come in that alone. My most popular set would be the 6D set I offer, which is bold version of a cat eye. My speciality!
What happens in a lash extension session?
A lot of work goes into a single lash appointment. There are so many mental notes to take. The length and strength of a client’s eyelashes, what they can hold, what length of extension they can handle, the style, any time limits, any medical issues the client may have.
There’s more to it than fake lashes and glue. One of my clients suffers from her ADHD only during our appointments as her eyelids flutter even when closed, to the point I had to spend 3 days googling how to help her… a coin on the eyelid was the answer!
Cleaning is the most important part of the appointment, a clean setting, clean tool, clean lashes. Removing old extensions and glue, along with sweat and excess makeup before applying is essential.
What’s the best way to clean your eyelash extensions?
A lash cleanser is your best bet. Shampooing your extensions once a day is your best bet to keeping them clean, the ideal time to clean your lashes is at the same time you brush your teeth! Staying completely clear from mascara, excess makeup and oils around your lashes will keep them in amazing condition.
Your beauty studio looks amazing, what’s your secret to keeping everything organised?
I’m actually in the process of being tested and diagnosed for OCD so I believe everything in my studio has a place. Glitters together, colour co-ordinated etc. Lash trays are in order of style and diameter and I have an amazing assistant who helps me keep the studio clean and in place to keep me sane. Let’s just say I always find things without searching for hours!
What are some of the products you like to use?
One of my favourite suppliers is Lash Paradeyes for my eyelash extension stock, I’ve never met such an easy-going company who’ve helped me so much in my career. Her stock is premium and it makes my work look premium a swell.
Another brand I cannot work without would be Luvo, my Luvo light is the biggest asset to my studio as I use it in EVERY appointment. Lighting is essential in the beauty industry and a light that you can change to every setting is a must-have. I find myself playing with it during clean-up sessions pretending to make discos while procrastinating.
You have collaborated with Andrew Clarkson from Boudoir by Clarkson. How did you get involved in preparing someone for boudoir photography?
This is a hard one. The best way I found to do this was to have a shoot with Andrew myself. Andrew is an amazing photographer with an insane talent that I cannot put into words. My work with him and his work alone makes me smile as I know how much hard work went into every shoot.
The best way to get a client prepared for a booking like that is to tell them about your own shoot, how you felt, how easy it was, how much fun Andrew makes every shoot and how this shoot is different to most. Hair and makeup is the slowest part of the booking, the nerves hit here until the very first shutter.
What’s one beauty trend you wish would disappear?
Block eyelash Extensions. Eyelash extension sets with the same length from start to finish. Your eyes have shapes and we should be starting short in your inner corners and ending either short or long to create an ideal shape. Your inner corners should not be stabbing you in the eye.
What do you think will be the next trend in the beauty industry?
Coloured eyelash extensions have become quite large in the industry over the past couple of years. I see bright pink hair and matching lashes in the near future… I’m not mad at that either!
What are your predictions for the beauty industry?
Unfortunately, my prediction isn’t great. There are a lot of brilliant beauty spots in Australia but with that there are just as many dangerous and messy places too where damage can be done. I see in the future (hopefully) people doing their research on a higher level and minimising their chances of infections and hatred for the industry before visiting salons.
I see and hope people ask more questions without feeling like they are a problem client.
What are you up to right now?
I’m currently watching tv in bed while waiting for my next client to arrive who I fit into my day off, she’s been a loyal client for months and her event happened to fall on my day off but knowing how much she wants to book with me I couldn’t resist!
Do you have any plans for the future?
We’re currently in the process of looking to buy a new house. I’m looking for a bigger studio which has a full retail wall with all local products in the beauty industry. Currently we carry Alex and Andria and Create by Day beauty and hair products. Expanding my studio means expanding for other businesses around me too.
Where can people find out more about the Face by Aly?
My Instagram is @facebyaly – this is my main form of social media.
We also have Facebook: Face by Aly
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