We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Ellie Vale-Saquieres a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Ellie , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
As the CEO of The Beauty Bar, 2023 has been an intense year of firsts! We’ve had our minds set on growing our name and services and have invested in a plethora of new services. This past November, we decided to take a risk by applying to work at the Orlando International Fashion Week as a makeup artist and were thrilled when we were accepted!
The Orlando International Fashion Week featured the best of the fashion industry’s new and upcoming fashions culminating with the Jovani 2023 Signature collection. As a makeup artist in the production team, I along with my peers at Aveda Orlando’s esthiology and cosmetology groups had the opportunity to showcase our mastery and techniques in both makeup artistry and hairstyling.
It was an absolute honor working alongside designers like MarkohsPM, Heritage India Fashions, Ashley Victorian Haute Couture, Inna’s Designs, Bernardino Gomez, Elsa Fairy Dresses, Bella Ragazza, Ashrock Art, Carma by Deniaa Carmona, Inon Designs by Noni Tate, Kenneth Brown, Lotus Linen by Tam Tran, Lularoe, Postiche by Katia Baker, Sixset, Urban Native by Erik Wise, Yama by His Grace, and Teens go green by Charisma Tran. As part of the makeup artistry production team overseen by Director Eric Williams, M.A- I had the opportunity to capture the designer’s visions for each design and bring them to life.
This event was an absolute dream come true and I was humbled by the grit, determination, and consistency needed to showcase my talents as a makeup artist and business owner. It was an incredible step for me as the CEO of The Beauty Bar and it allowed me to network in this incredible field thus leading me to land a coveted place in the upcoming New York Fashion Week events in 2024.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
The Beauty Bar by Ellie Belle is a full-service Med and Beauty Spa in Orlando, FL. We currently provide mobile services and specialize in professional and luxe makeup and hair artistry with a focus on bridal, fashion, and couture techniques. We strive for excellence in the field of aesthetics and are currently seeking our esthetician licensure through Aveda Institute Orlando to further advance our services. We have a passion for beauty and design and specialize in additional med-spa services like Botox, filler, and facial/body contouring. We strive for excellence and consistency in all of our services always- with an eye for the highest safety and quality standards in the field.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Perhaps the most recent story I could share that has been a defining moment of resilience is the process of creating The Beauty Bar from a mere dream to a true reality. Our vision for The Beauty Bar is far from realized but we continue to pour into our brand and our company from the depths of our soul with the time, commitment, and love we have for the Beauty industry and medicine. Our ultimate goal is to finish our brick-and-mortar location. Ultimately, our vision grows closer with each sacrifice and step forward and we are excited for this upcoming year to finally come full circle with our concept!
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Absolutely not! Although my primary degree lies in the medical field with a specialty in Cardiology, my passion for beauty has always been the powerhouse that fires my soul! I enjoy my career as a nurse practitioner and am grateful for the incredible opportunities I have had as a nurse. I am incredibly thankful that I can bridge the gap between nursing and beauty through the world of aesthetics and I am fulfilled in this position!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebeautybarbyelliebelle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautybarbyelliebelle?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: Special Thanks to: Orlando International Fashion Week and their Advisory Board; Nayrouz Olarte, Rob and Jessica Henlon, Star Dolton, Liz Sheppard, Omayra La Bella, Rosanna Tran, Camila Neira, Eric Williams, and Chris Morales. Special Thanks to Aveda Institute Orlando and the incredible makeup artistry and Hair team that formed part of the Orlando International Fashion Week. Special Thanks to the City of Orlando; Commissioner Regina I. Hill, Luis M. Martinez-Alice’s, Terry Olson, and Ted Bogert. Special Thanks to the incredible photography team and all of the support staff.
Image Credits
Willie Reese Photography, Brion Price Photography, Christopher Banbury Photography, RCNY Studio Photography, Sergii Lakhno Photography.