Meet Tahjanique Ruffins | Makeup Artist

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

Hi Tahjanique, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe taking risks in life is necessary. It is how we grow and evolve as people. It challenges us to step outside our comfort and rather we succeed or fail taking those risks it changes us individually and that is what life is ultimately about. As a young entrepreneur, I have had to take a lot of scary risks. I quit my job at the hospital to pursue my career as a makeup artist. I was scared of the unknown. I wasn’t sure how things were going to be paid or even if my plan would work. I must admit the road was not easy and sometimes cloudy but I knew what God plan was for in my life and that was to be my own boss, to inspire people to do the same , but most importantly with every stroke in my brush i am bringing out the inner beauty within thus changing lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Glam Artist. I specialize in bold, creative looks. What sets me apart from others is my creativity, and my passion for makeup , its not just an income for me but its something I really love doing. Growing up I always watched my mom wear makeup and look pretty so it kind of was just natural to me. Going through dark depression times help me run to makeup as an escape goat. Locking myself in the bathroom for hours and creating different looks allowed me to escape my problems at the moment & create these creative looks which soon allowed to be noticed on social media . Becoming a makeup artist was not and still not easy. Dealing with so many different types of skin, personalities and personal preferences are the most challenging . How I overcame these challenges was trial and error . Once I learned how to prep and products to use on certain people I was able to master makeup. I want the world to know that I put blood sweat and tears behind my work. Behind every face comes a story I’m just not finish writing mine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend was to visit my city, for nice soul food i would take them to Jene sais quoi on Hertel ave. For pizza and the best wings i would take them to Franco’s pizzeria. I would visit Niagra Falls to the casino, and Maid of mist tour or even to a Buffalo Bills game . night life i would take them to downtown buffalo On Chippewa . In the Winter time my most favorite thing is the Ice Rink at fountain plaza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like first to shout out God for giving me the talent and the strength to become a young entrepreneur. I want to thank my family for being my biggest supporters to my business and a special shout out to my sister who is currently on life support for always being my practice dummy anytime I wanted to try a new look. I want to thank my followers for taking this journey with me and always supporting all the content I release.

Instagram: Tahj Pretty

Other: TikTok: Tahj_pretty0218