Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana DiBona.
Ariana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve loved makeup for as long as I can remember. I have memories of going out to run errands with my mom when I was a little girl and I would always run to the makeup aisle in the drugstore and beg her to buy me a lip gloss. Once I started wearing makeup regularly in high school – probably when I was about 14 – I started collecting makeup and really getting into the art behind it. I would sit in my room at midnight and try new techniques that I saw on YouTube, which is really how I learned to do makeup. It was all about teaching myself what works and what doesn’t, and, of course, a lot of trial and error.
Now, at 20 years old, I’m finishing up my Associate’s degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in Advertising and Marketing Communications. I originally came to FIT with the intention of studying Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing here for my Bachelor’s degree (at FIT, you typically complete a 2-year Associate’s program and then move on to another 2-year Bachelor’s program). While I did get accepted into the Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing program, I took a leap of faith and gave up my spot. I knew that I would be unhappy working in corporate cosmetics because I just love the actual art behind makeup. I would rather face the uncertainty of starting from scratch if it means I get to do what I love – which is actually doing makeup on people.
I’m so excited to move back to Boston and start working as a makeup artist. I plan on getting my certification in makeup artistry as soon as possible, because although I’ve been doing makeup for events like proms and weddings, I know there’s so much more for me to learn and so many more ways for me to grow.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I really don’t think it’s a smooth road for anyone. One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is honestly just taking the time to do what I love. Being a college student takes up so much time – especially at FIT where the professors really push you to excel. I also put in as many hours as possible at work, which leaves little time to actually do makeup. That’s why I’m so excited to be taking a break from school – I really want to focus on building a career doing what I love.
It was also a huge struggle trying to decide if I wanted to leave FIT. I knew in my heart what I wanted to do, but there were so many different opinions coming at me from my friends and family, and so many things to take into consideration. The Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing program at FIT is so incredible and so exclusive that I felt like I was crazy for giving it up, and while I was so proud of myself for getting in, I knew I wasn’t going to be happy studying marketing for 2 more years.
If you’re starting out in the beauty industry like me, or really any industry, take any opportunity you can. You never know what can happen. You never know who you could meet. You could potentially fall into something incredible. Even if you don’t, you’ll at least gain some experience along the way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your business – what should we know?
I’m known for doing glam makeup. I absolutely love doing the makeup, of course, and I’m such a perfectionist that when I’m doing someone’s makeup, I give it my undivided attention because I get so lost in the process. I will spend as much time as I have to blend someone’s eyeshadow or doing someone’s eyeliner until both myself and the client are 100% happy with the results. What I want is for the client to look in the mirror and feel beautiful and I love that I can make that happen.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone is actually something my cousin told me when I was trying to figure out my next step. It’s to do what will make you happy, not what others tell you to. I’m so happy I made the decision to do what would make me truly happy, regardless of what anyone has to say about it. I know it’s not anything groundbreaking, but it’s true. If you truly love and are truly happy with what you’re doing, success will come.
Pricing:
- Full face – $40
- Full face w/false lashes – $45
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arianadmua.com
- Phone: 857-636-8787
- Email: amd1598@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/arianadmua
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arianadibonamua/
Image Credit:
Greg Brett Photography
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