Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nabil Ruby Gallegos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Nabil Ruby , thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My grandmother and mother will forever be my hero’s. As scary as it was for them, they left everything behind in their home country of Honduras to create a better life for themselves in the United States. They have taught me that anything is possible and to turn all the no’s into yes’s. My mother is a 2 time breast cancer survivor who was recently diagnosed with cancer for the third time. She has faith that she will beat this once again and is the strongest person ever. She is my constant reminder to never give up on my dreams.

Nabil Ruby , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I remember as a little girl I would watch my mother do her makeup every morning. She would apply heavy black eyeliner, layers of mascara, bold pink blush, and a red lip to tie her signature look together. That is when I fell involve with makeup. I remember as a teenager saying “I am going to be a business owner one day”. I was just not sure what the business would be. I started to work at Sephora as a cashier. Weeks after that, I was offered a role a makeup artist as they saw that for every shift I would come in with a makeup look that showed my talent. I would service clients for all types of events but I fell involve with bridal makeovers. Their looks were so clean, bright, and glowy. I was then offered a role to be a class facilitator. I fell involve with educating and helping others with their makeup routines. While working at Sephora was an experience I will never forget, I knew it was a stepping stone into what I was truly destined for. I stared to freelance for other makeup companies and assisted other well known bridal makeup artists to complete bridal party makeup services. I began to create a name for myself in this industry. I was soon one of the most requested artists on the teams I freelanced for and soon began taking my own brides. This led me to create my own bridal company. A lot of my brides and event clients have shared to me that they have not been heard when discussing their makeup vision. My mission is to always hear my brides out. I want to bring their inspiration and my professional expertise together to create a unique look for them so that they feel their best for their wedding or event. I would love people to know that when they book with me, it is a safe place to speak up about any concerns or changes they’d like to their look. I take pride in that. I want everyone to be validated, heard, and special.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source for new clients is word of mouth! I ensure to give my all to each and every single client. I make it a priority to bring positive vibes, get to know my clients, and let them know I am here for whatever they need whether that be a hairstylist recommendation or help with zipping them up their dress. I go the extra mile and my clients are always appreciative of that. I don’t see my clients as dollar signs. Every appointment is an opportunity for me share my love, tips, and most importantly, my talent with them. This is why they recommend me to their friends and family which is how I get majority of my business.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My side hustle turned into my full time career. I was an eyelash extension tech and wax specialist. I would freelance here and there for salons, friends, and companies. I decided to quit my jobs so that I would have no choice but to make it in the bridal makeup industry. I began taking makeup lessons with some of the most talented artists in the industry. I made it a priority to constantly practice on my friends and ask others to be my model. I started to post these looks on my instagram page and started to get more bookings that way. I said yes to every opportunity. I built up my social media portfolio and fast forward to 2021, I was booked for my first destination wedding in Syracuse, New York. That is when I realized I also wanted to become a destination makeup artist so I began to call myself one. I manifested it and I have now travelled to South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and over seas to the Amalfi Coast in Italy for my beautiful brides!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Makeupbynabilruby
• Other: TikTok: @Makeupbynabilruby