Meet Riley Ortiz | Lash Extension Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Riley Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has always been my biggest fear. Thinking to myself the possibility of failing would just end me. I came from a place where I felt like I needed to work for someone to feel a sense of security. I was unhappy and over worked and would find myself dreading another work day. I had an end goal planned out in my head but the universe had another plan in mind. I was somewhat forced to abruptly leave my job (on great terms) and pursue my dream of starting my own business early. This was scary at first but has become easier and more natural as time goes on. Which is the case with most things in life. I was comfortable where I was at. I would find excuses to stay there and keep pushing off giving my all in starting my own business. I know many people do this. We will find reasons to stay somewhere that makes us unhappy because the money, or the comfort etc. It came to a point where I had to pick myself. I encourage everyone to do the same. Always pick yourself, always bet on yourself and most of all, always believe in yourself. There is no reward without risk. If I could go back and do it differently, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m happy that things came to an end in my previous endeavors. I learned a lot from them and they helped me develop the business mindset that now fuels my own venture. I have a wonderful support system that pushes me to become the absolute best version of myself and for that I am forever grateful. Being a business owner at 27 is truly a dream come true. It is something most people are scared to do because it really is one of the hardest things to accomplish. It is also one of the most rewarding things in the world. It isn’t a 9 to 5, it is a “when you open your eyes to when you close your eyes.” The hustle never sleeps and the grind never stops but I love every second of it. They say “when you love what you do you never work a day in your life” and this could not be more true. I have that excitement back and I look forward to my day.

Aesthetics was something that I enjoyed very much but my true passion comes from doing lash extensions. I love to give people confidence and make women feel beautiful. Strong and confident women make the world a better place. Do what makes you feel sexy. The moment they open their eyes and see the work that I have created with my own two hands gives me the utmost satisfaction and serendipity. Steve Jobs once said, “your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Taking this risk in my life was worth every obstacle that I have had to overcome. Do what makes you happy!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a lash artist is so much more than applying lashes. I am a friend, hype woman, and a therapist. A superhuman that creates art and beauty bringing confidence to someone. I have always wanted to do lashes but didn’t know where to start.

Years ago I had met a women who had taught me all I know about lashes and learning as I went along as well. I was thrown into the position where I needed a lot more practice but along the way I got better and better everyday. The biggest challenge isn’t the lashing alone, it’s working on people with all different types of lashes and sizes. It takes time and patience that I didn’t even know I had until it was put to the test.

Some thing that I have learned would be if you fail pick your head up and try again and keep trying and don’t give up. Don’t get discouraged. If you don’t fail you don’t get better. We all need to start someplace. If you went to a lash artist before who was in his/her beginning stages of lashing and it wasn’t the best work I’m telling you now at some point they’ve gotten better and better and you need to give them another chance.

If you want some thing fight for it. Take that risk and Never give up on your dreams.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is nothing like a pool day at one of our many resorts in Arizona! My personal favorites would be the Scott or royal palms! Relaxing by the pool getting drinks and some lunch there is the best way to spend a extremely hot but beautiful day! Oh, and you get a nice tan!

A day shopping at fashion square to pick out a cute outfit for dinner at Toca Madera or maple and ash to get oysters (I’m a sucker for them) and dessert at unbaked in old town.

There are so many hidden treasures in Arizona, and my 27 years here I still have A LOT to experience!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shout out to my boyfriend and my family. My boyfriend helped push me to better myself and helped me realize what I am truly capable of. My family as well. They have been such a great support system and motivators through this whole process.

Website: https://effinlashlounge.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: Effinlashlounge

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/effinlashlounge/