Meet Ashley Garraway | Makeup Artist & Business Owner

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

Hi Ashley, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was always someone who was into arts and creative projects/processes! In high school I always wore eyeshadow colors that matched my clothes and had a passion for creating unique makeup looks. Art class was one of my favorite subjects. I started doing makeup for some friends for prom and decided it was something I was passionate about but wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue a career in it at the time. I initially wanted to go to college for early childhood education. After having my first daughter shortly after graduating high school, I decided to look into makeup schools and pursue my passion in a bigger way. Born and raised in New Jersey, the nearest makeup school I found from me was in Soho New York City called Makeup Designory. I decided to book a tour with my aunt and we headed up there! a 4 hour commute later, we were in NYC standing in the school and I just knew from there it was my calling and something I needed to do. I enrolled and started that fall! I commuted everyday Monday through Friday 4 hours there, and 4 hours back with my young daughter at home and it was the best decision and step in my career I could have taken! The art & passion was always inside me but the leap I took to pursue a career and learn the nuances in makeup from top talent and education was an experience like no other.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My business name is Allured Artistry which is a makeup business based out of Virginia Beach, VA! We specialize in makeup services for bridal clients as well as any special occasions! Why mission is creating luxe makeup beyond imagination for any and all who need it. I have always had a passion for servicing others, while shining a light on making them feel amazing. I started my journey in 2009 after graduating from Makeup School, I started my journey working for various cosmetics counters. It was there I learned the skills of retail and client services. I have worked for various brands throughout my career but MAC cosmetics was the brand I was with the longest. I was even certified to do NYFW with them and am happy to say I’ve done makeup for over 10 prestige shows backstage.

My husband and I picked up our things and moved from my hometown of New Jersey to Virginia Beach in pursue of my career. After working for that company for 7 years, I decided to take an opportunity to be an Artistry Educator based in Virginia Beach. I also traveled to North Carolina for that job. I did educational training and workshops for all the artists locally. After I had that job for a year, I was laid off due to downsizing of the company. I was 5 months pregnant at the time of the layoff so decided to stay home with my baby for a year. I was distraught, it was one of my most favorite jobs I had ever had and I worked SO hard to get that level of achievement. I was home for a year before I decided to start my own business. Here I am in a state where no one knows me, literally feeling like I am starting all over and my years of expertise and experience mean nothing in a state of people who have no clue who I am. I worked diligently to ensure they did! Mixers, get togethers, meet and greets you name it! I had the opportunity to connect with so many awesome and creative people that appreciated my talent and recommended me to even more! I am forever grateful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OMG! When I first moved to Virginia Beach, I absolutely loved all the different shows and festivals they had. I remember finding out they had movies in the parks where it was a whole thing! They would have bounce houses, music, food trucks and it just felt so much like home. Especially a mom to now 4, it meant so much to me. Here I am 6 years later and I would definitely call this home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give love and recognition to everyone in my life and career that has encouraged me, believed in me and pushed me to see my greatest potential. Thank you to the leadership at MAC cosmetics that helped pave the way for me. My mother Michelle for always showing me what hard work looks like. My aunt Celeste for taking that first trip with my to NYC to pursue my dreams. My family for believing in my enough to help pay for my school out of pocket so I wouldn’t have to worry about loans.My husband KJ for always believing in every single thing that I do and pushing me to go for it! And for all the artists I’ve had the opportunity to learn from grow from and teach in my time through makeup and education over the years! Every single person and step has gotten me to be the business owner, mentor, mother and wife I am today and I am forever thankful for every yes, and for every no.

Website: www.alluredartistry.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alluredbyashley

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alluredbyashley

Image Credits
Joshua Boone- Photographer MojoFotoCo-Photographer Jessie Walker- Photographer