Meet Ale Jaramillo

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ale Jaramillo.

Hi Ale, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed with your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hey there! I’m Ale Jaramillo, and I will soon be 32 on May 14th. When I’m not busy, you can catch me binge-watching FRIENDS or indulging in all things sweet—I’ve got a major weakness for desserts! 

Life’s a blast with my amazing husband and our lively 2-year-old, Amelia. Oh, and we can’t forget our two furry pals, Max and Oliver. Max is our 4-year-old Golden Retriever who’s got a thing for fetching shoes, but he will only retrieve one of them, and Oliver, well, he’s an extra-caring Aussie who’s totally unaware of his size and might just bowl you over with affection. 

Originally from Mexico, my hubby’s career brought us to Rochester Hills, Michigan. It was a wild ride, but it’s given me a chance to hit pause and soak up precious family time. We’re no strangers to shaking things up; we thrive on embracing new adventures, whether it’s exploring our neighborhood, discovering cozy brunch spots, or making new friends. 

But let’s get real – as someone who thrives on creativity and hustle, adjusting to a slower pace wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Suddenly, finding myself without a job and having to rely on others for financial freedom was a curveball I wasn’t quite prepared for. I’ve always been the independent type, used to splurging from my own pocket, so asking for money was definitely uncharted territory. 

Yet, every challenge is an opportunity, right? This bump in the road nudged me toward a new path – one that would reignite my passion and purpose. Crafting has always been my jam, but the thought of turning my hobbies into a business felt daunting. I mean, would it still feel like fun if it became all about the bottom line? 

Amidst this soul-searching journey, I decided to focus on rediscovering myself. Balancing mom’s life with self-care became a priority. From hitting the gym to experimenting with personal style and makeup, I found solace in the beauty industry. It was more than just a makeover; it was about embracing the “new” me and all the possibilities that came with it. 

A chance encounter with a makeup artistry masterclass opened my eyes to endless possibilities. With my hubby cheering me on, I took the plunge into the world of makeup artistry armed with brushes, palettes, and a lot of determination. 

Since earning my certification in November 2023, I’ve been on a whirlwind of learning and networking. From attending industry events to devouring makeup artist podcasts and soaking up all the knowledge I can, every opportunity has been a step toward building my dream career. My focus this first year isn’t just on perfecting my craft, but also on building meaningful connections and staying open to learning from others’ experiences. I would love to be mentored by any of the talented local artists and assist them while learning from them. 

I’m beyond grateful for this chance to blend creativity with purpose, all while keeping my family front and center. I have made it my mission to empower women to feel fierce, fabulous, and unapologetically themselves. This journey isn’t just about building a business; it’s about crafting a life that aligns with my passions and values and, most importantly, allows me to provide for my loved ones while cherishing every moment with them. And for that, I’m endlessly thankful. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been smooth sailing, that’s for sure. You know, starting over in a new place is tough enough, but throw in the fact that I’m a bit of an introvert trying to start a new career from scratch and to attract customers, and you’ve got yourself a real challenge. I’ve had to really push myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to networking and putting myself out there on social media. 

And let’s talk about patience – or lack of it! Waiting for things to happen can feel like trying to watch paint dry. Plus, dealing with that sneaky imposter syndrome and resisting the urge to compare myself to other artists? Let’s just say it’s been a real test of mental fortitude! 

But I’ve come to realize that these challenges are all just part of the journey. They’re the bumps in the road that make the destination all the more rewarding. So, yeah, it’s been tough, but I’m learning to roll with the punches and keep pushing forward. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I’m all about creating makeup looks that not only make you look fabulous but also feel like the best version of yourself. 

I specialize in what some may call “Soft Glam”. I like to think of it as a comfortable glam that is all about enhancing your natural beauty without feeling like you’ve slathered on a mask to fit a beauty standard of to please anyone else but you. Think of it as a soft, subtle glam that brings out your unique features in the most flattering way possible. I’m still in the process of defining my signature look and giving it a catchy name, feel free to take a look at my work and share ideas! All suggestions are very welcome. 

I have to say, I’m pretty proud of the results I’ve been able to achieve so far. I mean, I always knew I had some skills, but when I put all the techniques I’ve learned into practice, I surprised even myself! 

But the personal growth that comes with this journey is something I did not see coming. Becoming a makeup artist has really brought me out of my shell and made me more sociable and empathetic. It’s also taught me to trust myself and my instincts, no matter what. 

As for what sets me apart from others, I’d say it’s my approach to makeup. I’m all about embracing and celebrating all types of beauty, and I think that mindset really shines through in my work. Plus, being freshly certified means I’m up to date with all the latest trends and techniques. 

I have noticed that most of the makeup artist in Michigan are based closer to Detroit or high up north… Well, I am the perfect option for all of those women looking for a makeup artist in between those areas! 

I’m your go-to makeup artist if you’re in the Rochester Hills area! Forget about driving back and forth to a salon – I’ll come to you, so you can get glam in the comfort of your own home. Plus, I offer a killer skin prep routine to ensure your makeup stays flawless all day or night. 

What are your plans for the future?
Well, personally, I’m all about continuing on my journey of wellness. I really want to focus on nurturing my mind, body, and energy, making sure I’m in the best shape possible. And on the family front, I’m just looking forward to soaking up every moment with my loved ones. Who knows, maybe there’ll even be a new addition to the family in the next year… 

Now, when it comes to makeup artistry, I’m absolutely loving the learning process. My plan is to soak up as much knowledge as I possibly can and put it into practice to really hone my skills and craft. I’m on the lookout for a mentor or the opportunity to assist some of the artists who inspire me and whose style or mindset resonates with mine. It’s all about surrounding myself with people who can help me grow and develop into the best makeup artist I can be. 

Pricing:

• Special event Makeup Application – “Glam Session” – $70
• 1:1 lesson for Everyday Women – “Self Glam Session” – $100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/alejaramilloartistry/home?authuser=1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alejaramillo.artistry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554107125882

Image Credits
Megan Buchanan @meganbuchananphoto