Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Ruiz.
Hi Melanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My career has taken a unique path, and every step has taught me something valuable.
I originally moved to New York to attend school for beauty and special effects makeup. While I loved the creative side of the industry, I realized that living in New York wasn’t the right fit for me, so I returned to San Diego. There, I worked in special effects makeup for a while before deciding to pursue esthetics. While my husband was preparing for a military deployment, I attended esthetics school and earned my license.
After graduating, I quickly realized it was difficult to find a position that valued the education and skills I had worked so hard to gain. Most opportunities offered only minimum wage, so I decided to take a chance on myself and start my own business. The first year was challenging as I worked to build my clientele, but through persistence, word of mouth, and a commitment to providing excellent service, my business grew into a successful practice.
After the birth of my second child, I temporarily closed my business while my husband deployed overseas. I relocated with our children to California’s Central Coast, where I eventually decided to start over once again. In 2019, I rented a treatment room and began rebuilding my clientele from the ground up.
In March 2020, I signed the lease for my very own space—something I had worked incredibly hard to achieve. Just two weeks later, COVID-19 forced businesses like mine to shut down. Then, after reopening, my business was broken into that June, which was another difficult setback. Despite those challenges, I stayed determined. Once I was able to fully reopen, my business flourished again.
Today, I intentionally work fewer days so I can spend more time with my children, but I still have a genuine passion for skincare and helping people feel confident in themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was building my business more than once. The first time, I had to grow a clientele from nothing. Then, after relocating because of my husband’s military deployment, I had to start all over in a new community. Just as I opened my own location in 2020, COVID forced me to shut down, and a few months later my business was broken into. There were many moments when it would have been easier to give up, but I stayed focused, adapted to each challenge, and continued investing in my business and my clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in makeup artistry, customized facials, advanced treatments like Hydrafacial and Green Peel, and professional body waxing.
What sets me apart from others is the combination of my experience, dedication, and the genuine care I bring to every client. I have built my business through resilience, starting over multiple times and overcoming challenges that have strengthened my ability to adapt and continue growing. My background in special effects makeup, esthetics, and advanced skincare treatments gives me a unique perspective on both beauty and skin health.
I believe what truly makes me different is the personal connection I create with my clients. I take the time to understand their individual concerns, customize treatments to their needs, and make sure they feel comfortable, valued, and confident. I am always continuing my education and investing in advanced services, such as Hydrafacial and Green Peel treatments, to provide my clients with high-quality, results-driven care. For me, skincare is not just about improving someone’s appearance—it’s about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My professionalism and dedication to delivering high-quality, results-driven services help me build trust and long-lasting relationships with my clients. Ultimately, my success comes from combining skill with genuine care and a strong commitment to helping others feel confident and beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glambymel.com
- Instagram: Glambymel
