Today we’d like to introduce you to Raya J
Hi Raya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well…I’ve always been quite the makeup lover. I grew up watching my mom and aunts shopping at M.A.C almost every other weekend. As I got older, M.A.C became a playground for me. I even entertained the idea of working there some day. Makeup was always something I was good at but because of my family’s traditional beliefs I didn’t think I could make a career out of it. Don’t get me wrong, I practiced makeup every chance I got. Whether it was testing out looks on myself or doing my sister’s or cousin’s makeup for their high school events, I did my best to keep a brush in my hand. In 2018 I needed to pick up a second job to help support my family, so I thought to myself, why not go and get a fun job, something I enjoyed doing. After attending YouTube University, studying product after product and even a previous failed attempt at getting into M.A.C, I went after them again. Only this time, I walked out with an offer letter from the brand I always wanted to work for. After working for the company for 2 years I was let go due to the pandemic. I’m not going to lie, it was a bit discouraging but all I knew is that I still wanted to do makeup. So I started working through the platform Thumbtack to market myself. I uploaded some of the photos I took while working for M.A.C and the rest became history. Some of my most memorable makeup experiences came from working on that platform. Since then I’ve worked on Draymond Green’s wedding, done makeup for the NAACP Awards and Grammys which later appeared as a clip on the Jennifer Hudson Show and many other opportunities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road??? What’s that? All jokes aside, it hasn’t been the easiest but it has been worth it. The things you experience in life are made to sculpt you whether you believe it or not. You may often question, why is this happening to me but always keep in mind it’s apart of your story. I always say my biggest struggle, was the day my oldest daughter was diagnosed with diabetes. It was unexpected and my life was flipped upside down. But since then, I’ve experienced life more. 6 months after my daughter’s diagnosis, I lost my best friend to diabetes complications which hands down traumatized me so much because he encouraged me to go after the things I wanted and be legendary while doing it. He passed away 1 week after we had that conversation, and since then, it lives rent free in my head. But in recent events I think about losing my home and having to uproot everything I knew in California to move to Houston with nothing but my kids, 9 suit cases, one of them being my makeup. Then shortly after planting my roots here, my youngest son being diagnosed with Autism. Fast forward and here I am a year into living in Houston and telling my story to your readers.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Raya J. Beauty?
My business is about all things beauty. Finding the true beauty in transformation while embracing the organic beauty within. We specialize in premier bridal artistry and special events for all skin types, textures and tones. No face goes unbeat!!! We have the knowledge of all things skin and wellness based. We’re able to provide you with the tools, products and treatment plans to maintain great skin because as we know the key to great makeup is great skin. We have expanded to offering additional services such as personalized facials, lash extensions with brow lamination and tinting. What sets us apart is the love we have for what we do. It’s not always about the money, even though it is an added plus. Its the joy of seeing the beauties we serve see themselves during the big reveal and the confidence that is instantly unlocked. I think what I’m most proud of brand wise is being able to push through all of the ups and downs. As entrepreneurs part of our job description is being able to operate during adversity and change. If moving to a new state and establishing new clientele has taught me, its that.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Its so much I like about Houston from the food, to its brunch culture, the art and there’s so much to do for all ages. As a big foodie there’s nothing I love more that going to a bar or lounge and being able to eat some delicious food. I think Chapman & Kirby has to be one of my favorites. With Houston being a melting pot there’s a wide of variety of food you can taste from Korean, African, soul food and American cuisine; The list goes on. Another thing I can appreciate about the city is the fact you can party for 20 hrs. straight starting at 10am, that’s fun. Now the least enjoyable features of the city has to be the weather and Centerpointe Energy. That’s it and that’s all. Hurricane Beryl had me second guessing Cali’s cost of living, like may be I can go back and make it work with 3 jobs and doing Uber on the side. The humidity has taught me a whole new way of applying makeup. Either powder it up or don’t wear any at all. Overall the city is great and I’ve enjoyed living here. Every time I go back to California, I’m always rushing to get back home. I can say the good definitely outweighs the bad.
Pricing:
- Brides: $165 (starting)
- Special Event Makeup: $125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rayajbeauty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayajbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RayaJBeauty/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Rayajbeauty
