Bellus Alumni: Top Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist in San Diego

Lizbeth Ruvalcaba is a Bellus alumnus, and since graduation, she has been growing in her career tremendously! She is a celebrity stylist that specializes in bridal hair and makeup. She left her administrative job to pursue a career in the beauty industry almost 10 years ago! Now she is one of the top bridal hair and makeup artists in San Diego. We had the pleasure to chat with her and ask her few questions about her experience here at Bellus Academy, as well as her experience as a beauty professional.

Did you always know you wanted to work in the beauty and wellness industry?

Lizbeth: I was always very interested when it came to hair, makeup, and anything else beauty related. I have pictures from when I was a little girl wearing my mom’s heels, putting on her lipstick, and cutting my dolls hair. I would pretend to be Edward Scissorhands, and that never turned out too well. Growing up as the only girl with an older and younger brother with very strict parents, I never really got to wear makeup and wasn’t allowed to color my hair. Being in the beauty and wellness industry had never crossed my mind, even though it had always been a passion of mine. I never realized this could actually be a career, let alone a very rewarding and lucrative one at that!

What made you choose Bellus?

Lizbeth: I had checked out two other beauty schools in San Diego, one was pretty popular in downtown, and the other was a community beauty school. Neither of them really stood out to me. My mom suggested I check out Bellus Academy. The moment I walked in I was like a kid in a candy store. I still remember that moment to this day. I had a tour around the campus and had fallen in love. Everyone was wearing black and had fun hair and makeup. People were talking “hair talk” and it sounded like a foreign language to me. I just remember thinking in my head, I cannot wait to talk like these girls and guys. I cannot wait to learn everything! I signed up that very day. I remember pulling over to cry. I was so happy I was finally doing something that I knew I loved. I was a broke 18-year-old working a full-time administrative job in Carlsbad. I had no idea how I was going to manage a full-time job and full-time school Monday through Friday, but I didn’t care. I knew I would make it happen. I knew this was my calling.

What’s your most memorable experience at Bellus Academy?

Lizbeth: Everyday was such a memorable experience. However, Advanced Academy definitely was my favorite time at Bellus Academy. At the end of the course, there was a creative color and cut competition. I ended up winning the color and cut competition, and I remember after the class I was pulled aside by a couple of the educators and the Bellus artistic director and I was told that I was very talented, and once I graduated and got some salon experience under my belt that they would love to have me back as an educator. I was so extremely honored!

Did you always want to do bridal hair and makeup? How did you get your foot into that door?

Lizbeth: I didn’t even know that doing bridal hair and makeup was a career. Social media wasn’t huge 10 years ago, and I never realized that so many people got married every day and that the wedding Industry was so huge in San Diego. Once I was enrolled at Bellus, friends would ask me to do hair and makeup for small events and things like weddings, quinceaneras and sweet sixteens. Then, after taking the MUD makeup course at Bellus, the school would refer me out to people that would call in to inquire about bridal hair and makeup. I would never turn down a job. I took every opportunity that came my way, even if it meant not making any money or not getting any sleep because I would have to drive far after work or school. I gained experience and knowledge, and best of all, I started to get my name out there.

We saw that you won “Best of The Knot” four times! Could you tell us a little more about that?

Lizbeth: Being named The Knot’s “Best Of ” four years in a row has been so amazing! I received their “Hall of Fame” award this year, and I am so blessed and fortunate for that. It has shown me that all of my perseverance and dedication has paid off. It makes me feel so rewarded to know that these brides choose my team and me to be a part of one of the most important days of their lives. Most brides would say that the way they look on their wedding day is super important. From the way the hair is curled and pinned to the color lipstick the bride chooses. The look has been planned out tediously, maybe even since they were little girls. I do a trial on most of my brides at my studio salon. The moment they look in the mirror is one of the most rewarding feelings ever. The way they swoon over their look is priceless. Then comes the wedding day, and I get to be a part of that happiness. The Knot awards are just a validation that I am in the right industry. It shows me that the brides loved me enough to choose me to call “The Best” in the industry in San Diego.

What’s is your favorite thing about your job?

Lizbeth: My favorite part of being a hairstylist and makeup artist is that we get to be so much more than just that. It really is a health and wellness job. We are helping people not only feel better about themselves externally, but internally as well. The moment someone looks at their new hair or the makeup look is again, priceless. Throughout the process of me doing their hair and or makeup, we build a relationship. They talk about so many intimate things and I feel like I can help them by just listening. Being empowered by another woman is such a strong feeling. Most, if not all of my clients will tell you that they always refer me or come back to me not just because of the way I make them look, but more so about the way I make them feel. That is strong, empowering, beautiful, fierce, and invincible.

Do you have any tips for Bellus students who want to do celebrity hair and makeup?

Yes, wake up every morning with the intention to do your job to your fullest. Take every opportunity you get and work your buttoff. Put yourself out there and tell yourself “No matter how hard things may get, I was born to do this and I will be the best.” Take every experience as a lesson. Find the good in the bad and never give up, because everyone was a beginner at one point. Your mentor or the person you most look up to was in your shoes once.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Lizbeth: Five years from now I see myself traveling more for bridal hair and makeup. I love to travel and I love doing bridal hair and makeup, so why not combine both of my passions? Also, becoming an educator has been a huge goal of mine. I want to educate and teach others. I would love to teach aspiring makeup artists and hair stylists. Whether by teaching on social media or teaching in schools, I would love to share any of my knowledge with others so they can go out and live their dreams. This will also give me the opportunity to learn from others too because I never stop being a student myself.

Chase Your Dreams With Bellus

Lizbeth is an outstanding alumnus who makes us proud of what we do at Bellus Academy! She found her passion and chased opportunities until she was able to make an outstanding career doing what she loves. If you have a passion for hair, skin, barbering, makeup, or nails, Bellus could be the place for you to learn the essentials. Contact us to learn more about our programs and get started on your future today!