Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Villanueva.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a 27-year-old, makeup artist and small business owner on a mission to keep evolving. I originally started making cosmetics back in 2016 because I wanted a good highlighter that didn’t cost $40. When I realized cosmetics were expensive due to the cost of unnecessary (sometimes harmful) ingredients & packaging it became really important for me to keep my products natural and affordable. I love to approach makeup as art & creating has always been one of my many passions. Fortunately, I found a way to do both while also inspiring those around me with All Eyez On Me Makeup.
All of my products are handmade in small batches with vegan ingredients to ensure quality. I leave out the extra, unnecessary ingredients found in bigger makeup brands. Plus, I never test my products on animals nor will I ever use ingredients that have been tested on animals. This has proven to be beneficial for many people with sensitive or condition-prone skin. Non-vegan ingredients can be harsh and clog pores so my products are a soothing alternative.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
In no way has it been a smooth road. More like a long, bumpy road with no map & no gas stations along the way so you gotta get out and PUSH. Lol, but seriously it’s been hard. When I started it was super important to me that I had complete control over the products I was putting out. From the ingredients and how they are made to the design and details of the packaging every little detail matters to me. Unfortunately, my ideas and my starting point were at two different levels so it took a little while to get my products to what they are today. My struggles have consisted of throwing all my profits down the drain during trial & error of absolutely everything. From failed recipes to unusable labels, broken/missing packages, and countless other unfortunate learning experiences it has been one hell of a ride. Still, I’m extremely grateful for the struggles because I’ve learned just how much I’m actually capable of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist. I enjoy doing anything where I get to be creative. I specialize in handmade personalized cosmetics. I think I’m most known for (with @alleyezonmemakeup) my blinding highlighters & pressed glitters, (with my makeup looks) I’m pretty sure my crazy SFX looks. But honestly, I’m curious to hear what other people would say? All of my products are handmade in small batches with vegan ingredients to ensure quality. I leave out the extra, unnecessary ingredients found in bigger makeup brands. Plus, I never test my products on animals nor will I ever use ingredients that have been tested on animals. This has proven to be beneficial for many people with sensitive or condition-prone skin. Non-vegan ingredients can be harsh and clog pores so my products are a soothing alternative. One of my intentions with my brand is to keep 2Pac’s inspiring messages that keep me going alive and finding new ways to share them. At this point in my journey, I’m most proud of my growth. From my personal growth and many business upgrades to the improvement in my makeup skills & techniques. Everything I do is to get better.
“I want to grow. I want to be better. You Grow. We all grow. We’re made to grow. You either evolve or you disappear.” – Tupac Amaru Shakur
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I was born here in San Antonio, TX, and have been here my whole life. San Antonio people are built differently most of us come from huge families. That’s what I love about my city, the community. I only wish as a community we pushed our youth to be more than adults who never left San Antonio.
Pricing:
- Pressed Highlighters $9
- Pressed Glitters $9
- Highlighter palette (full set) $42
- Custom Palettes starting at $20
- Makeup appointments starting at $75
Contact Info:
- Email: victoria@alleyezonmemakeup.com
- Website: alleyezonmemakeup.com
- Instagram: @alleyezonmemakeup
- Facebook: Facebook.com/alleyezonmemakeup
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ALLEYEZONMEMAKEUP
