Meet Claudia P. Rivas of Claudia’s Touch in Long Beach

Today, we would like to introduce you to Claudia P. Rivas.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Striving for the American dream…

I was born in Guatemala City in 1981.  At an early age, I thought I had everything alongside my parents and older sister.  But my parents wanted more. They had bigger dreams and that came with a cost. We soon found ourselves being looked after by an aunt and grandparents. My parents had packed up and left.  Leaving everything behind including my sister and me. Although I did not understand it at the time, we were left behind so that they may pursue better opportunities. My parents simply wanted a brighter future for our family.

In 1986, after many tears, hard work, and much time apart, the time had come.  Our family was reunited. Now in the United States, I witnessed my parents work hard day in and day out. They sacrificed so much.  Working hard was all they knew. I watched them make something out of nothing for our family. My parents were very ambitious, and they did not allow anything to get in the way of them both becoming business owners. They gave us a good life and taught us so much through their actions. So even though life was great as a kid, I had a hard time finding myself. As a teenager, I thought life as a student-athlete was hard…so I thought. I quickly realized I was mistaken and that my hardships were just beginning. Two months shy of my eighteenth birthday I gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy.  My life changed forever! I graduated from high school with a four-month old baby. These were definitely some of the toughest times of my life and I thank God every day for my family because they were there for me every step of the way. 

At this point, I’m an 18-year-old immigrant, fresh out of high school, and a new mom. It was definitely tough! I knew I had to be responsible. I knew I had to work hard to provide for my baby. For sure something easier said than done. I was a baby raising a baby! It took many ups and downs to realize I had to see life through his eyes, and only then, was I able to see everything in a different light. He was my world. He was my motivation. I was determined to make something out of nothing just like my parents had done for my sisters and me. After much soul searching, I knew my life had to change. That is when I found my passion for makeup. I had always loved art. I had also watched my parents’ artistic side my entire life. But as excited as I was, no one understood it. Many times I was told, “get a real job, you have a baby now.” It was 2003 then, and I feel times were different. People wanted to be nurses and teachers not makeup artists. But I believed in it and most importantly I believed in myself and that is when everything started.

With the support of my family and my son’s father, I found Joe Blasco Makeup Academy. I had arrived, I was home! It all happened so fast. A blink of an eye! Before I knew it, I was out there, I was a makeup artist. It was a huge change. I was my own boss, which I always knew I would be, but the pressure was intense. I was blessed to have my son’s father by my side. That gave me the chance to really go full force. I appreciate him to this day. With everything exploding literally overnight, I didn’t even have time to breathe. I traveled so much, and everything became work. Almost as if I had something to prove. The crazy part is I did, I had something to prove…to myself! I had to make it work. I had no plan B or C. Not only that, but I loved it so much and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. However, I was also still an immigrant and couldn’t get a job just anywhere. I had to beat the odds, I had to fight! I had to continue to work hard. That’s all I knew.

Now, almost 16 years later, I am humbled and I feel truly blessed. I have my 20-year-old son, Camron, who is still the driving force in my life. I have my family and their unwavering support. And I have my career that I love the same as when I started, if not more. As crazy as it sounds, I grew up with my career and my son. It might not be for everyone to understand, but it is my reality. It’s what has made me the woman-daughter-mother and the artist I’ve become. Everything was worth it; I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. It’s all about growth if you ask me.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! It has not been easy. It has required lots of sacrifice, good and bad tears, and many sleepless nights. I’ve fallen asleep behind the wheel from exhaustion. I’m here by the grace of God. One of the hardest things is learning how to say no. There was a point in my career when I would take any job that required my makeup/hair services and I ran myself to the ground. I didn’t have a name for myself, so I felt as if I had no choice. I had to learn my worth as an artist and say “NO.” That was the day when the right jobs started coming my way. I was no longer looking for jobs, people were looking for me. Like I’ve mentioned before, being a makeup artist is being your own boss. That comes with a lot of responsibilities. Also, the not knowing when and where your next job will come from can definitely drive you crazy. Nowadays my faith is bigger than life, so I consider it already mine and done. I’m a full-time makeup artist. I own my own company and I am blessed to have constant work. I am extremely grateful and truly blessed!

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have a couple of good ones. Rushing to eat lunch just to be first in line to play kickball is up there on the list. I was a beast! I also loved to run and play soccer. I did that for many years. But my most memorable ones would have to be family gatherings; the food, the music, us kids learning how to Salsa dance. That was priceless! That is probably where my love for cooking and dance comes from. That’s still my favorite thing to do.  

Please tell us about Claudia’s Touch.
I wanted Claudia’s Touch to be different. I want my touch to be special. I’m not here to change you. I’m here to understand your features and to enhance everyone’s natural beauty. Makeup should be fun not something you depend on.

In my career, I have been blessed to touch so many beauties. I’ve traveled with recording artists, worked on films, commercials, music videos and worked alongside some of the most amazing actors, actresses, models, stylists, designers, and photographers.

I am also grateful for my day to day beauties. I thank you for trusting me and having me be a part of some of your most special moments. Your smiles are priceless!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.claudiastouch.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: MUA_CLAUDIA

Image Credit:
Photographer: Paige S. Wilson

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