Meet Rio de Armas Stanley | Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rio de Armas Stanley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rio, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to start my own business. While my past jobs provided valuable learning experiences, working under a boss never truly felt like the right fit for me. I thrive on the freedom of being my own boss and creating my own schedule. However, this independence comes with its challenges. Without a boss to motivate you, it’s essential to have the discipline to push yourself continuously.

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’ve always had a passion for makeup- in middle school & high school I’d even show up with a full face of makeup. i can admit that my skills weren’t great back then, but we all start somewhere, right?! My love for makeup was sparked by my mom, who never left the house without it. Watching her apply makeup was fascinating and caused me to get into it at a young age. I loved the transformation aspect of it.

Growing up I always knew I wanted to do something in the fashion or makeup industry. After graduating, I went straight to cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell in Houston. I loved it there, and after completing my hours, I did hair coloring and cutting at a salon for a while. But just doing hair and occasionally makeup didn’t quite fulfill me. While working on hair coloring and makeup, I also had a 9-5 corporate job in finance and then recruiting. It was a lot of constant work. The corporate jobs had me burnt out & caused me to put my passion on the back burner. Back then I would sometimes tell potential clients I was booked just because I was desperate for a day off. I was putting too much on myself & knew something had to change.
Recently, after having my daughter, I decided to drop hair coloring services and leave all my corporate jobs to focus on my true passion—makeup and hairstyling. The transition has been challenging, but SO worth it!. My job doesn’t feel like a job to me; it never has. I genuinely love what I do and find it so much fun! If you’re not happy with your job, then what’s the point? I’m so grateful God has allowed me to pursue my passion.

Being in such a creative space is incredibly fulfilling, and I find painting faces to be an exhilarating form of art. What I cherish most about my job is the privilege of helping people feel beautiful on their most special days. I’ve been part of countless significant moments and meet the coolest people. This career has even allowed me to reconnect with old friends, people I never thought I would get to see again & I now get to be apart of their wedding day! Crazy!

Contrary to what some might think, being a makeup artist isn’t easy. There’s immense pressure in making someone feel beautiful on some of the most important days of their lives. If they aren’t happy with the result, it can affect their entire day. That’s why having the right training, experience, and confidence in your skills is crucial in this industry. Makeup artistry goes beyond applying products; it’s about creating a safe and supportive space. We are the first ones in and the first ones out, acting as therapists, hype girls, and the ones who can set the tone for the day.

Keeping up with the latest makeup trends is another essential aspect of the job, and platforms like TikTok constantly introduce new trends. The makeup industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, with new products launching every week. Maintaining an up-to-date kit is essential, but it’s also important to be mindful of spending and only purchasing what’s necessary at the moment. Which can be tough because I’m obsessed with makeup and want it all!!!! LOL!

In summary, my journey as a makeup artist has been driven by a deep passion for creativity and transformation. The lessons I’ve learned along the way—about perseverance, continual learning, and the importance of confidence—have shaped me into the professional I am today. My goal is to ensure that every client looks and feels their absolute best, making their special moments even more memorable.
What sets me apart from most makeup artists is that, for me, it’s not just about the money. I’m a girl’s girl, your cheerleader, here to help you feel at ease. I love getting to know you and making the experience fun.
My goal is to enhance your natural beauty and make you feel beautiful in your own skin. I believe it’s important to recognize how beautiful you are without makeup, and that I’m just here to highlight the beauty you already have!
To follow that, something that also sets me apart is I can do a wide range of makeup styles. I love catering to my clients needs/wants and not just doing what I prefer doing. If you want a full glam, I got you. If you want a natural soft glam, I got you. If you want a no makeup makeup look, I GOT YOU! I would definitely say I specialize in bridal, but hey if I can do ‘this’- I can definitely do ‘that’! I think being a versatile makeup artist important. I will always share my professional opinion and give a few other suggestions, but overall I just want you to feel your best & that is my goal.
I have to say being a versatile makeup artist also makes the job more fun! If I was just doing the same full glam looks all the time I think I would get bored. What I love about this job is it’s something different with every client! From the face to the makeup to the conversation, I’m just excited you’re here!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tough one!
I’m a social butterfly who thrives in fun environments. I love to go out to all different types of scenes. While I love staying home & watching a good movie, I can’t really say I’m a homebody. I would definitely choose doing anything out of the house over staying home.
My husband and I love music, literally every genre. But we have always especially loved the EDM music scene, from house to dubstep. We actually met at a music festival. When we are able to get a babysitter and there is a dj in town we like- you can either find us at Stereo Live, Bauhaus or 9PM Music Venue.
If I get to go out for an occasional girls night, which is my favorite- cause like I said I’m a girls girl!
There’s a big variety of places you’ll find me at. However, I have a large friend group whom are all different from each other. Some that like the fancy dinners, club scene, some that like the more casual bars, some that only come out when there is a good DJ, then some that would rather just go bowling or have a movie night.
I’m the type of girl that’s down for ANYTHING. I can have fun in any environment as long as I’m with the people I love!
The friend that comes in town it would honestly depend on who they are. If they like to party. I got all the spots for that.
If they just want to go to museums Im down for that. I can show them any type of scene and we will have a great time!

I truly love living in Houston.
I have to say one of my favorite parts about it is that we are only an hour from the beach.
Galveston has a bad rep. But to me, a beach is a beach. And any beach is my true happy place. I would 100% have to take a friend there.

I have many favorite places to eat. I’m a big time foodie! Sushi is my main go to. But to be more specific any place that has oysters is the place to be!
I also love Mediterranean and Greek food!
My problem is I’m not picky what so ever. There isn’t one food you can name that I don’t like. Which makes it hard to pick a favorite restaurant..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Jesus, my parents, and my daughter.

My faith and prayer are essential to me, especially in the challenging world of business ownership. The mental, physical, and financial demands can be overwhelming, but knowing that Jesus supports me gives me the strength to persevere. He continually reminds me of my passion and purpose, showing me that this is more than just a job. His guidance brings me the business I need at just the right times.

My parents also deserve recognition for their incredible work ethic and dedication. My dad owned several businesses, and both of my parents worked tirelessly (and still do) to provide the best life for their children. They set an example of resilience and generosity, often shielding us from the hardships they faced. Even though they had many downfalls with their business? They always found a way to provide.
I really admired that and aspire to do the same for my kids.

I also have to give a big a shout out to the one who made me a mom. My daughter is my rock. She is about to be 2 now and everything I do is for her. Juggling my own business plus being a new mom isn’t for the weak, but it is so worth it. If it weren’t for my daughter I would probably still be at a 9-5 job. She inspired me to quit the corporate jobs and focus on what I’m most passionate about and also allow me to have more free time to be her mom. Which is also something I always aspired to be. My job is primarily on the weekends. So it can definitely be tough when I have to work on a Saturday while my husband is off. But Im lucky I get to spend my week days with her while her dad gets some quality time on the weekends! So big shout out to my girl, Rocco!

Website: https://rio-beauty.square.site/

Instagram: @riobeauty.mua or @riodearmas

Facebook: @riobeauty.mua

Image Credits
Bankston photography
Amil Visuals
Rissa Reels
Carhart photography
Where the wild things wed
Bleus Studio