Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Victoria.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a little town In New Jersey called Roselle, then slowly migrated to NYC after fail attempts at college. I decided I wanted to be a hairstylist from that point on and I went to cosmetology school. During my last few months of school there was a contest to do hair backstage during NYFW. I won and shortly found myself fascinated by the makeup station there. I graduated cosmetology school and started my journey as a hairstylist. I wasn’t content so I looked up schools all over NYC & abroad. I found one in London that caught my eye and had a great aftercare program. It was a five week intensive course from Monday – Saturday. Learning just about makeup – all things, from lighting to special fx. After my five weeks were done, I graduated and went back to NYC. I worked at Sephora for a bit and realized I don’t belong in that space and I wanted to see my work in those places. So, I started freelancing and finding like minded creatives to work with. I started building my portfolio to represent my fresh take on the beauty industry. Thankfully my school offered after care so I was able to attend shows and do makeup for Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and many others One of my first paying gigs was with an indie brand & then it’s kind of sky rocketed from there. I’ve worked with many brands like Ulta, Adidas, Herbivore, Tia Adeola and many more. I came into the beauty industry to provide more access for black women. To make sure they are properly taken care of onset regarding their beauty. I’m glad I can show that through my work. There wasn’t enough representation and I wanted to advocate and help be that change.
Has it been a smooth road?
No road worth traveling is ever smooth. Some challenges I’ve faced is knowing and believing in myself. In the beginning you feel small because there are so many other talented artists out there, but I had a different perspective of beauty to offer. I had to realize that within myself, that is one of my biggest challenges and I still struggle with it sometimes today. Also understanding art is subjective. In order to really be in positions to create art for brands you have to be able to take criticism and understand how to implement change without getting offended. It’s never easy but team work makes the dream work!
Please tell us about your work.
I am a freelance makeup artist. I’ve worked with several brands to create images for social media or campaigns. I specialize in all things Beauty, Editorial, Lifestyle, TV & Film, Red carpet. I’m currently working on a show for quibi called “THE NOD”. My makeup style is fun and fresh but can also be sultry and dark. It can be easily manipulated to be multiple things. I think what’s sets me apart is I don’t put myself in a box I believe I can do and create any form of art. Also, everyone compliments my speed but that’s just from practice!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m only there when I travel for work. There’s nothing for me to really dislike. I go there and feel at peace. To me it’s a slow version of New York. I enjoy my time there in the sun and working hard. It’s a great “work-cation” location.
Contact Info:
- Website: Ashleyvictoriamua.com
- Email: ashleyvictoriamua@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/ashleyvictoriamua
Image Credit:
Photographer- Melissa Isabel (@melissa_isabelphoto)
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