Meet Ariel Herrera | Licensed Esthetician and Professional Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Herrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
It’s in my nature to be grounded, orderly and have balance with work and personal life. During the Pandemic, I turned my focus on remote learning with my oldest and adjusting to having a newborn in the house, and at the end of the day I had no time or energy to put into my business. Recently, I’ve found myself finding that well grounding balance between work and life again

When I think about Balance, I think about having a handle of various elements in our life and doing so in a calm manner. I believe that we must fill our own cups before we pour into others, into our work, and our business etc. It allows me to fully invest myself before I can distribute any amount of energy to anyone or anything else in my life and being able to do so at full throttle! Its important and keeps life a little less stressfull with things in my life are balanced out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is not my craft and artistry but that I am deeply able to connect with everyone who sits in my chair whether that be through arts, motherhood, sports, successes, failures and just life struggles. I love to create conversation with my clients and get to know their story and who they are and what interests them, or sometimes I’m just there to apply be their makeup artist and therapist. Either way, I love what I do! Honestly, I’m just excited about all of my weddings and events for 2021 and what this year will bring as a whole.

I’ve always had some sort of an interest in skincare and Makeup artistry, ever since I was a kid running the streets with the boys and throughout my teenage years. After graduating High School, I went to a Community College to pursue a Business degree, but I hated the “school” aspect of it. I was never the “sit down, take notes and listen to what I’m saying”, type of learner. I was a visual and kinesthetic learner. So I quit school and bounced around taking on a few different professional roles such as a Personal Banker and Admin Assistant at a Real Estate firm but I always maintained a side hustle as a makeup artist. I started out doing makeup for my younger cousins and their school events. The more I posted and shared my work on social media, I slowly started to book close friends, clients and smaller weddings, and gradually by word of mouth my craft was becoming more known to other people. In 2017, I quit my job as an admin assistant, and went to school for Esthetics and by 2018, Faced by Ariel was turned into an LLC and has been growing ever since. It has not been an easy road, to say the least. There are still days where I question myself and my business, but after a little self-pep talk and I think about why I started in the first place and who I’m doing this for. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is, not everything you lose is a loss. I’ve hit my fair share of road blocks, and taken a lot of losses, so I thought. Once I realized that if its meant for me then it will remain and if not then it isn’t for me, it’s been easier to not sweat the things I cannot control. One thing I hope people see and understand is that If you can dream it then you can achieve it! Since I could remember, I’ve dreamed of having my own business, and I always had a strong passion for makeup artistry and Esthetics, it’s just an amazing feeling to get to do what I love everyday.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are endless amount of things to do in Denver, I feel you can get the best of both worlds from the scenic views in the Mountains and all of the outdoor activities, to the fun and energetic spirit of Downtown. We would enjoy a day or two hiking and sightseeing, enjoy some good food and drinks on Dairy Block. RiNo Art District isn’t too far so we would definitely check out all of the cool art as well as on Art District on Santa Fe. Since COVID, a lot of things are totally different now but Meow Wolf would be an awesome place to check out then followed by some delicious food and drinks at the Peaks Lounge which offers the most beautiful view of Denver and the Rocky Mountains.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where do I even begin? I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at without my family. My Parents, Rudy and Vanessa have been my biggest support system since day 1. They taught me that with hard work, dedication, and good work ethic I can achieve anything in life. Til this day, they have behind me cheering me on and providing me with as much knowledge and wisdom as they can. As well as my siblings, Marina, Rudy, Joe, Shari and Julie. They have been some awesome cheerleaders along the way, always reminding me of who I am and to never give up. Also, Enrique, my boyfriend. He’s been in my corner rooting for me, pushing me and challenging me in ways I would have never imagined. He’s been my rock and my second brain to my career. He was the one who purchased, “Rising Strong” By Brene Brown and I read this book in 2017 when I was in school for Esthetics and it changed my whole perspective on life, how to be a better leader, better parent and over all accept love and vulnerability. Last but not least, my boys Zai and Carlos. They are a daily reminder that, they are who I’m doing this for. Love you boys!

Website: www.facedbyariel.com

Instagram: @facedbyariel

Facebook: @Facedbyariel22

Image Credits
@Elevatephotography @keeley.hays @jillhouserphotography @thescobeys