Today we’d like to introduce you to Ophel Ramirez.
Hi Ophel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was the type of girl who always loved beauty. I was always doing my makeup, changing up my style, just overall being unique with my hairstyle and makeup looks. I remember telling a former teacher I decided to go to beauty school and she immediately said “Hm, that makes so much sense!”. I graduated beauty school in 2014 and remained as an employee for a few salons before I settled in a long-term job at a local blow dry bar salon in Viera. After Covid, the salon shut down and I was at a loss. Salons slowly started opening back up but business was slow and being hired to not be busy was not what I wanted. As a hairstylist who did special event hairstyling, blowouts and makeup, it was hard to see where I fit into the beauty. There was no salon that specifically specialized in what I loved and excelled at. I had no idea what I would do, as I was always used to having someone else call the shots for my career. I knew I could never abandon the career I loved so much to do anything else. So instead of thinking about it too much, I just dove headfirst into starting over.
I got a business name, business bank account and mobile shampoo bowl. I printed the most business cards I could afford and I took the clients that I had and freelanced for a while. I did every job I could get hired for and sometimes traveling up and down my city. I traveled to my client’s homes and provided services. I did style shoots at wedding venues in my area. I connected and networked with other bridal businesses and bridal vendors. I got referred by friends and friends or friends and I got bridal bookings. My first wedding as my own entity was like riding a bike for the first time after you’ve already learned. Nerve wrecking but EASY. I wouldn’t trade what I do for the world.
The happiness is every time you turn the chair around and they feel so beautiful by how their hair looks. The smile from someone looks into the mirror and their makeup is as flawless as they feel. I love my job and it feels like I’m with an old friend every time I have a client in my chair. – Ophel Ramirez.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t always glitter and glam; I did have a small and loyal following, all my clients who did come to me always referred me and recommended me to their friends. I got a lot of work purely off good reviews and my recommendations. When I started all the money, I made went back into my business. Sometimes I didn’t even make a profit. I used to have to take the money I made and put it into buying products or tools I needed. My former boss helped me out a lot and provided me with many things. I remember my family gave me my first “big” check in my business name and I was so excited depositing it. I did a lot of photoshoots for free just to get the professional photos back so I could market myself and create my own website. A lot of the things I thought I would NEVER learn to do I did myself because I knew it would all help me build my brand and get my name even more out there. When you freelance for yourself you’re the only one responsible for your own marketing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a hairstylist and makeup artist. I specialize in bridal and photography beauty. I am proud of every happy client and good review I have. I think besides my bubbly and positive personality, my professionalism is what brings my clients too me.
What’s next?
As of right now, I am enjoying my goals and focusing on enjoying more time freedom. I have more plans for the future but I like to think in the present for now.
Contact Info:
- Email: beautybyor21@gmail.com
- Website: beautybyor.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/beautybyeor
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/beautybyorlld
Image Credits:
Winship Photography
Grace Oliver Photography
