Today we’d like to introduce you to Araceli Ruiz.
Hi Araceli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in a small town of Michoacan, known as El Cerrito Colorado. My dad used to live in Los Angeles (El Sereno) and he decided to bring us over to have a better life. So, I moved to the United States when I was 12 years old with my mom and sister. I struggled to make adjustments due to a different language environment and lifestyle. Afterward, I started going to school and met friends who made me feel comfortable and happy. Although I was going to school to join the Army sometimes things are not meant to happen as we planned. In 2007, I was blessed with my son who motivated me to grow in life. When my son was six months old, I joined a beauty school because of my desire to learn makeup. But I had to stop because of hardship. So, I continued to work as a cashier at a retail store. While working, I started to make handmade bracelets. Additionally, crocheting beanies which I learned from my grandmother when I was little. She used to crochet blankets, tablecovers and other things. She was the best at crocheting in the town. Moving on, I started selling bracelets and beanies in the neighborhood. From there I started to think about opening my own small business. But there are always struggles that hold me back from opening one. So, I still continue to make bracelets on top of having the responsibility of being a mother. Generally, I had the desire to sell makeup products and to have my Lash brand. But due to hardship, I couldn’t fulfill my dreams.
Years have passed by, in 2019 I had my daughter LIVANNA. One day when I was cleaning my house, I found my little box where I used to keep all my beads and strings to make bracelets. So, I started making bracelets again and posted them on Facebook. People start to ask and order from me. So, I decided to make more and sell them. Then I realized it’s never too late to work and fulfill your dreams. Therefore, I started my first online business and named it after my daughter’s name, LIVANNA. I started with handmade accessories and added lashes because I was always obsessed with them. Moving on, I went back to a makeup school, and I got my certificate to become a professional makeup artist. After I saw my clients were content with my business, I slowly started adding more products, such as eyeshadow palettes and blushes. Now I’m working to include lipgloss and lipsticks. When I decided to open LIVANNA Accessories, the purpose of my business is to help people who are in need. I adopted this idea because of my dad. He is always helping people. Therefore, part of the sales I make from my business is to help people. Furthermore, I would like to thank all my customers because they are not only helping me achieve my dream but also supporting people to provide for their basic needs. Currently, LIVANNA Accessories is a small business helping a few people but I am working hard to grow my business to help more people.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. It wasn’t a smooth road for me to start the business. I have encountered plenty of obstacles throughout my journey. I had to stop several times because of hardship. But I never gave up. So, I am working harder to achieve my dreams. In the beginning, I struggled to make my website because I had to build it by myself. So I am still working hard to grow my business despite of negative comments I received from others. Sometimes I feel like stopping but I remember the purpose of my business and how hard I worked for it. So, here I am proving to people that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams and work harder to make them happen.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Livanna Accessories?
My business is known for lashes and the compromise of different handmade accessories and makeup products. I also provide makeup services and provide my clients with quality products at affordable.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Coming from a small town, I have seen people struggling to get their basic needs. Additionally, I like to watch documentaries and YouTube channels that help others who are in need. And this makes me think that there are more people in need that I do. Sometimes we complain about small things when there are others who can barely get their basic needs. Of course, I like to watch makeup channels and everything related to the makeup industry.
Pricing:
- Bracelets $10
- Lashes $10
- Eyeshadow palette $13
- Blush $8
- Lipstick $8
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livannazaccesories.com
- Instagram: livanna_lashes
- Facebook: LIVANNAZ
