Advertise on podcast: The Unfiltered Artist with Julie Ruby

If you’re a beginner makeup artist feeling overwhelmed, second-guessing everything, and wondering if you’re doing this “right”… this episode is for you! In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest mistakes I made as a beginner makeup artist. From relying too heavily on products instead of technique, to undercharging, overworking, and trying to be everything to everyone… I’m sharing what I got wrong, what I learned, and what I would do differently if I had to start over today.

If you’ve ever had someone try to negotiate your price, ask for a discount, or make you feel like you need to justify what you charge... this one is for you! Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz never have to explain their price and it's all because of this one simple strategy! Mercedes understands pricing, positioning, and confidence. This isn’t about charging more just to charge more, or copying luxury brands just for the sake of it. It’s about how value is communicated before a number is ever mentioned — and what pricing actually signals to the people you want to attract. If you’ve ever felt stuck explaining your rates, justifying your prices, or wondering why some brands never seem to have to, this conversation will help put words to what’s really happening.

Lately, a lot of people are noticing the same thing: they’re putting in the effort, but it’s not paying off the way it used to. What once felt straightforward now feels inconsistent and the same work doesn’t get the same response. It's easy to assume that means something about the work — or about you. In this episode, I’m talking about why that disconnect exists. We’ll talk through how the rules have changed, why effort doesn’t translate the same way anymore, and what actually matters now if you want your work to land. This isn’t about doing more or reinventing yourself — it’s about understanding the environment you’re operating in so you can adapt with clarity instead of frustration.

In this episode, I sit down with fellow makeup artist and mom of two, Abby. We talk about what balance really looks like when your life is full — juggling family life, marriage, creativity, and multiple income streams — and why balance often comes down to intentional choices rather than trying to do everything at once. Abby shares her experience managing a makeup business, working at her family’s dance studio, running Airbnbs with her husband, hosting a monthly book club, and growing an online presence on TikTok — all while raising a family. This episode offers a realistic perspective for moms who are trying to build a life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and aligned — without the pressure to “do it all.”

After working 200+ weddings as a bridal makeup artist, you start to realize the biggest lessons have nothing to do with product, technique, or trends — and everything to do with people, boundaries, mindset, and protecting your energy. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the real, unfiltered lessons I’ve learned from years of working in the wedding industry — the good, the hard, the emotional, and the things I wish someone would’ve told me when I started. Whether you’re a new artist or a seasoned pro, my hope is that this episode helps you feel less alone, more grounded, and more prepared to build a career that actually supports your life — not drains it. Let’s talk aligned clients, expectations, wedding-day chaos, communication, and what truly matters in the long run.

In this episode, Abby and I chat about what it really looks like to change career paths when the “safe” option just isn’t it anymore. She opens up about going into teaching, realizing it wasn’t for her, and how doing a friend’s wedding basically pulled her straight into bridal makeup. We also talk about that pressure to have your whole life figured out at 18, and how personality (introvert vs. extrovert) actually plays a big role in this industry. It’s a really honest, down-to-earth conversation about choosing what feels right for you — even if it’s not the traditional path.

What does “success” really mean? For so long, many of us tie it to numbers — followers, income, productivity, or constant growth. But what if success isn’t about doing more, but about creating a life that actually feels good to live? In this episode, I’m breaking down my own perspective on success, how I’ve shifted away from traditional definitions, and why slowing down can actually move you closer to the life you want. If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing a version of success that doesn’t align with you, this conversation is for you!

In this solo episode, I'm opening up about what burnout really looks like for me as a makeup artist and business owner. I'm talking about the kind of burnout that creeps in quietly, steals your energy, and makes the things you love feel exhausting. I talk about how I recognize the signs, what I've been doing to reset my nervous system, and why slowing down doesn't mean giving up. If you've been feeling drained, stuck, or just not yourself... this one is for you!

Have you ever been curious as to how much you can really make in this industry? In this episode, I am deep diving into my business finances and revealing what I've made as a makeup artist and Esthetician for the months of August -October 2024. I am talking actual number figures guys! You don't want to miss this one :)

Social media is one of THE MOST requested topics when developing a business. It's also the #1 most daunting thing as well because where the hell do you start and what do you post? Hannah Kern is not only an extremely talented bridal hairstylist, but she has also mastered the art of social media and Instagram marketing. She is out here to not just build her business, but build her brand! You don't want to miss this episode as she shares her biggest tips for Instagram and curating a brand that will make the client's come to you!

In this episode, I am living up to the podcast's name... I am revealing my ENTIRE financial history and life struggles along the way. Everyone has a rock bottom and this was mine. I am fully aware that some people have it way worse than I ever did, but I mainly wanted to share this with those that got themselves into a situation that seems impossible to get out out of. I am here to say that you CAN do it!

In this episode, I got to sit down with an extremely talented bridal hairstylist, Hannah Kern! She specializes in boho braid hairstyles and absolutely loves being apart of the wedding industry (which is very rare in my experience for a cosmetologist). We discuss her journey into the hair world, discovering her passion, and finding her niche in the wedding industry.

In this episode, Haley and I deep dive into finding a professional skincare line as an Esthetician. She shares what her favorite line is and what her services include. We then talk about something that not many people have done which is launch a cosmetic line! Yes... Haley really does it all :)

Get prepared to be inspired for this episode! Haley Allen is a fellow makeup artist and Esthetician that has truly manifested her dream job through pure passion and motivation. We discuss how she got started as well as the transition from her parent's basement to her very own she-shed studio! At the end we talk about the hard hitting topic of how to stay motivated and ways to decompress.

You ARE NOT prepared for this episode.... this is probably the most wild, unhinged, full spectrum of emotion episode! Hannah Dorion joins me again to chat about our crazy experiences working weddings, photoshoots, and MORE! Stay tuned till the end because we both share our experiences working on film and TV sets. You don't want to miss this one!