Meet Iris Resendiz | Choreographer & MUA

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

Hi Iris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business, was actually the thought and excitement of other young ladies getting to experience the same joy, happiness, and make memories that will last and to be able to bring out a side of them no one has seen by the power of dance! With my experience, from the planning, the dance practices, rehearsals, outfits, all may seem pretty stressful, but let me tell you, it is definitely one of the things I miss the most, and I try to make my upcoming Quinceaneras know throughout their whole planning process it will definitely be something they will miss.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I absolutely love choreographing and makeup & to me I do not see it as a job. I see something much more meaningful that goes into this. I definitely thought differently when I started planning my Quinceañera. There wasn’t many choreographers or MUA around and with my quince around the corner, I decided to try & choreograph my own dances. Now the day of my quince I actually had to redo my own makeup because the makeup artist was late. But it turned out great because from there my love for makeup grew. Little did I know it would lead me to what I am doing today. After my quince my family members who were next to have one asked me to choreograph theirs & then their friends after that & so on. I have met so many amazing people along the way & even my quince girls who I taught 10 years ago still talk to me today & ask me to continue choreographing or doing their makeup for their family members. And I feel for them to keep asking me back is so heartwarming . And I do feel that is something that makes me different as other choreographers. Every time I work with a new quince & her court, I see them as family, & I want them to see me as an older sister who they can talk to and look up to. It hasn’t all been easy at times, with rehearsals and sometimes dancers do drop out last minute, but we end up making it work! Yes I may have some that feel more pressure than others. But they know I am here to encourage them to do their best always. Because even after the practices & the party I want them to still know I am still here for them & each person has a special day in my heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re visiting Atlanta we have to make it a trip unforgettable! Now even if you are not a morning person, but are active and love nature, let me tell you walking up the trail in the morning to the top of Stone Mountain is a must! Once you make it to the top and see that sunrise, it is all worth waking up super early! Now after that amazing hike I recommend a lovely brunch at Oaxaca taqueria which serves amazing tex mex food and have an amazing brunch menu with breakfast burritos, pancakes, French toast & mimosas! This place will keep you full all day, but make sure you leave energy for a fun time at Puttshack Atlanta! This is an amazing mini golf course that the whole family will enjoy! You may even stay for dinner in their restaurant area with so many delicious options. And to end a perfect day make sure to purchase your tickets for the Atlanta Botanical Garden! Which is breathtaking and just put your trip to Atlanta over the top!

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?
Of course I could not have done all this without the help of some very important people in my life. I have many people I am forever grateful for who have been with me since the beginning. My parents, family, close friends, Quinceañeras & dance group have given me endless love & support which makes me feel extremely blessed & honored to have them in my life. And I would like to especially give a shout out to my mom & my high school dance teacher. Ms. Ellen from Brookwood High School. Ms. Ellen always believed in me and gave me the opportunity to choreograph for her classes when I was just a freshman and let me introduce the latin style to not just our school, but all of Gwinnett county schools. She gave me the encouragement to start my business & start choreographing in school and outside of school for my Quinceañeras. And for that I am forever grateful she put that trust in me because even now almost 10 years later she still invites me back to teach the new generation of young dancers. And of course I have my number 1 supporter always reminding me how proud she is of me, which is my mama. I remember my mom always being there for me as a mini ballerina in dance classes & was always there cheering me on in my recitals and never missed one dance show even when I was dancing in high school. When I told her I wanted to continue choreographing she would drive me wherever I needed to go, since I was not able to drive yet. Wherever I was teaching she would take me & afterwards ask me how it went & would tell me how proud she was that I am pursuing a dream that makes me happy. Even to this day after any rehearsal I have or an event, we always love to talk about our day & she never misses to tell me how proud she is of me. I will forever have love for these amazing people in my life & will always be thankful for everyone I have met along the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choreobyiris?igsh=MThjemR0cWZjeWZpNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choreobyiris?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@irisesme3928

Image Credits
@JC Photagraphy