Name:
Rebecca Robles
Company:
I have my own business as a Makeup Artist. I travel to my clients.
Contact info:
Email: email: rebeccalynene@gmail.com, Instagram: @beautybyrebeccarobles
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Six years in NYC.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I got my start through collaborating with other artists, both in and out of the beauty field. By meeting other creatives who worked for themselves (photographers, hair stylists, painters, designers, actors, musicians, etc.) and working on various projects, I was able to see the possibilities one could have as an artist in the city. I was really inspired to keep pursuing a job that allowed me to do what I love and not compromise how I did that.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I put my client’s feelings and concerns before anything else. If they want to talk about something completely unrelated to makeup, I will listen. Once I know that a good creative space and energy has been established, then we can talk about the makeup. I definitely believe that having a good energy in the room will allow for the best possible artistic outcome. Makeup is always more fun when everyone is feeling relaxed and taken care of.
Also, I try to keep self-promotion to a minimum. Most of my business comes from word-of-mouth. I don’t have a website and I only recently started an Instagram account. This helps me stay in the moment and be available to my clients. I definitely want to remain an artist first and foremost and a business person second. The business aspect is very important, but for me it’s all about finding that healthy balance so that I can stay open to inspiration at all times.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
I think being kind and being a good listener with my clients really helps. There is so much going on at all times in NYC. I think it speaks volumes when you can give people your undivided attention and make them feel heard and comfortable to be themselves.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I love to help my clients feel empowered when it comes to their own desired makeup “look”. I am always happy to offer tips and recommendations for how they can do their own makeup every day. Whatever I can do to make it easy for them to feel less intimidated by the beauty world and more excited and inspired to try new things themselves, I am happy to do. I have clients who contact me pretty regularly asking questions like what eye liner should they buy or how to put on lashes, and I love it! I am always thrilled to see that they are wanting to take risks and experiment with their own beauty regimen. I definitely want to encourage that kind of exploration.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Definitely meeting people from all different backgrounds. This city is wonderfully diverse, and a major reason why NYC is so special. I love that my job allows me to meet new and interesting people every single day. It’s the best, and I feel very lucky!
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
For makeup, the MAC Pro store near the Flatiron district is great. You can avoid the crowds at their regular retail locations AND there’s always a knowledgeable pro artist available to answer your questions. I love it! For speciality beauty products like organic skin care and hard-to-find hair products, I love going to The New London Pharmacy in Chelsea. Again, no crowds and very knowledgable employees. Plus there’s always a cute cat wandering around!
How do you benefit mamas?
I travel to my clients, and especially for moms, having someone come to you can be extremely helpful. I think knowing that someone will offer the convenience of coming to you for a service can encourage you to feel comfortable practicing more self-care and “me-time”. And self-care is important. Especially for busy moms!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
I always love when I finish a makeup application, hold up the mirror, and hear a client say, “I feel like I look like the best version of myself!” For me, the goal is to always bring out whatever makes the person feel like a more confident version of themselves.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Oh my goodness...so many! The first two that come to mind are Christopher Marrero and Ryan Cotton. They are both incredible hair stylists and super nice people. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside both of them many times. Chris and Ryan are some of my favorites because not only are they exceptionally good at what they do, but they keep the energy fun and positive. Very important! Follow them on Instagram: Christopher Marrero: @christophermichaelhair Ryan Cotton: @ryancottonhair
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“Be yourself and don’t hurt others.” That’s something my dad said to me as a kid everyday before school. I still think of his words everyday. It puts me in a positive frame of mind and gets me ready to start the day.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
When it comes to a beauty regimen, the best time-saving trick in my opinion is to maintain great skin. Drink lots of water throughout the day and never go to sleep with your makeup on. That way, when you wake up in the morning and have to run out the door, you’ll feel confident knowing you have that glow, whether or not there was time for makeup. In regards to actual makeup application, my favorite go-to time saving tip is to dab on a little lipstick with your finger, apply the excess lip color from your finger to your cheeks, and finish with a little mascara on curled lashes. I find this immediately “wakes up’ the face and looks very natural and fresh!