Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Keyly Ramirez.
Hi Ana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello, my name is Ana Ramírez; I am a self-taught Makeup-Artist in Houston Tx
I am 26 years old & I have been able to create my own business by doing what I love most.
Growing up in my Hispanic household, we were not taught to overlook our future past high school. I never had a career in mind that I would have loved to pursue. My story began the year of 2014; a friend of mines always had her makeup so flawless & bomb. I originally did not know anything about makeup, but the basic necessities like mascara & eyeliner. She inspired me to learn a makeup routine for myself. I became a Stay-at-home Teen mom & with all the time in the world. YouTube became my best friend, any question about what product to use, how to use it & what its purpose, YouTube was always there.
Learning how to do my own makeup gave me so much confidence & it makes me happy that I am able pass that confidence on thru a client 💖
My original Goal was to become a Beauty influencer. I began posting makeup looks I created on myself & anything related to Beauty. All my girls would always compliment the looks I created on myself.
The year of 2017, a close friend was getting married & she would always mention that she wanted me to glam her up for this special day. I had 0 experience doing anyone else but myself, so I did not want to take in that responsibility. I was so nervous but finally gave in; the day finally came & I did her makeup & ever since that day, my goals changed. I had finally found a talent that I knew I loved! To think back that the younger me never seen herself being good at anything.
The year of 2018, I took my first PRO Beauty course with a fellow Makeup-Artist _glambyjackie_; her work is always flawless! She was one of my biggest inspirations in the industry.
After taking my first Beauty course, it took me a whole year for me to actually start promoting my services. I had a part-time job at a gas station & a clothing boutique. I also had 2 babies at home who required full attention, so I had no time to put into my dreams.
Eventually, the boutique I was working for closed down so that left me jobless with more time at home.
2019 came & I officially started promoting myself as a makeup artist 🧑🎨 I was gifted a Vanity table & had it set up in the corner of my living room. There was weeks & months where I had 0 bookings, but I still kept pushing
I have always been the type of person to find a way to bring income home, So I started doing raffles, gatherings to play ‘Mexican Lotería’ & win makeup products & even Chocolate covered strawberries.
We outgrew the living room & went over to a small room in the house where I was able to accommodate a better experience for my clients.
The official beginning for ‘ANAKEYLYBEAUTY’ began 2021 where I was offered to rent out a booth at ‘Makeup and Hair by Kira and Jess’
At the time, it was such a scary move to do I was not sure if I was ready to commit to month-to-month rent.
I talked to my family & with the push they gave me, I decided to go for it; this opportunity is one of my biggest accomplishments.
Because of this opportunity, I was able to see that being a full-time makeup Artist was possible. I am grateful for all my ex-colleagues ✨ so many talented girls!
After a year being at the studio, with so many plans & dreams, I got a studio of my own the year of 2022
I used up my savings to furnish & style what we call today ‘Anakeyly Beauty.’
I knew all my hard work was paying off!
Wow, so many emotions reminiscing those moments.
I want to thank everyone who has sat in my chair & played a big part in who I am today. Thank you for believing in me & my work 🫶
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I do want to start off by saying I have loved the journey for sure! Thankful for the women I have become. It has definitely not been easy; dealing with the real-life & an actual business takes a lot. Having to manage being a mom, a full-time Makeup-Artist, A wife & an employee for my business.
I am thankful for it all & blessed tho.
I actually get lost in the way of always having to be the best at what I do.
Being a teen mom at 18 with 2 baby boys was definitely a struggle! But my boys is what I live for, my motivation to keep going. ❤️
I will continue to make them proud & show them anything is possible.
The Beauty industry takes time & It’s discouraging. I had weeks where I would post a lot of work on Instagram & no bookings. I wanted to just quit sometimes.
It takes time for people to put trust in your work & it’s understandable. You have to be patient with your journey. All we need to do is believe in our selfs! Never stop
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Professional Makeup Application for Quinceañeras, Brides & all types of special event. I have always loved the fuller glams, but always down for a soft glam
At my studio, we offer Makeup & Hair services, from soft curls to Big updos
Keeping up with the most trendy looks.
I love what I do, I enjoy being part of such a special day for every single client 🫶 I’m honored to be trusted
Proud that I am able to inspire other girls 💕
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family is what matters the most to me 🫶 I want to become the best version of myself for them.
I try every day to become the best mother I would have wished for.
Growing up along the way with my boys has taught me so much & I still keep learning.
My mother-in-law & Husband have played such a big role for me to follow my dreams. Always uplifting my spirit & being there for my babies at all times needed.
‘Gracias Paty, le agradezco por ser una segunda madre para mi’
I thank my mother-in-law for taking me under her wing & always treating me like a daughter 💖
Happy to see what life has stored 🪄
Contact Info:
- Website: Anakeylybeauty.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/anakeylybeauty?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Image Credits
@Anakeylybeauty
