Meet Diane Ayala of Ayala Maquillage in Gold Coast

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Ayala.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The seed was planted backstage at a high school production of the Man Who Came to Dinner where I single handedly created looks armed with only a brown eyeliner and bottle of baby powder. I went on to study art and design at the Center for Creative Studies and scrambled to pay rent by selling makeup door-to-door. The struggle was real. One day, while getting a haircut, my stylist asked what I did and I blurted “Artist, I’m a makeup artist?” I got hired that day and my career in Makeup Artistry and Brow Shaping took flight.

I soon became the Director of Cosmetics for another renowned Chicago Salon and, in 2000, launched my line of custom blend mineral makeup, Ayala Maquillage. Today, I work with a team of expert stylists on Oak Street, Chicago’s Avenue of High Fashion.

Over the years I have been featured as a “Top Beauty Expert” by Chicago Magazine, listed as Today’s Chicago “Woman to Watch”, cited as a Bridal Beauty Resource in Chicago Social Magazine, and awarded a “Style Maker Rule Breaker Award” by Fashion Group International. I’m best known as Chicago’s own “BROW MASTER” and have gained recognition as one of “Chicago’s Best” by Chicago Magazine. My reputation extends far beyond the borders of Chicago to The List for The New York Time’s Style Magazine’s Beauty 911.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge is remembering this is my job! I have such wonderful clients whom I call friends, I get to paint all day, have fun, help women feel good, and I get paid for it. It is a dream come true. As the sole proprietor, I get to wear a lot of hats, but some look better than others! My greatest talent is in the art of my business which is way more fun than inventory and paying bills.

Please tell us about Ayala Maquillage.
Specializing in Brow Shaping and Makeup Application, I strive for perfection in personal services – ensuring every woman’s makeup reflects the style that is uniquely hers. My typical client has a lot on her plate and more places to go wearing a variety of looks. My One-on-one Makeup Session demonstrates how to apply your own makeup at home with a few simple strokes of the brush. With my background in color theory, and experience with women of many ethnicities, I am able to custom blend a foundation color that perfectly matches skin. With a palette created specifically for her, makeup application becomes effortless. When it’s time for a wedding or special event, ladies come to me for the “wow” factor.

When I first started shaping eyebrows, I just wanted the makeup to look better, so I cleared away under eye debris. The results were stunning and clients continue to return for what we now cherish as Brow Shaping. I use only the precision of tweezers, never wax.

My proudest moment was in 2000 when I created my line of pure mineral makeup, Ayala Maquillage.

Today’s consumer is always searching for natural, healthy alternatives and I meet the demands when it comes to quality makeup. Ayala Maquillage is 100% mineral based, free of chemicals, oils and other additives that can cause irritation and breakouts. Pure minerals give makeup a natural water resistance providing a long-lasting smooth finish that won’t creep into fine lines. Used in conjunction with daily SPF, mineral makeup can help defend against the sun’s damaging rays. Suitable for all skin types, Rosacea-friendly, and good for sensitive skin – Ayala Maquillage gives you a naturally flawless complexion with a barely-there feel.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My Aunt Mary was an Avon Lady. I will always remember the hot, Kentucky summer day when she told me to go on and get a cold “Coke” … everything liquid was called coke … out of her office. I went in and it was as if the light from all the stars above lit up that room full of MAKEUP! She let me go through every drawer and even gave me a sample of lipstick, a little tiny Barbie doll size pink lipstick that I still have to this very day.

Pricing:

• Eyebrow Shaping $50, Tint $10
• Makeup Application or Lesson $100
• On location starts at $150
• Custom Blend Foundation $60/1oz.
• Custom Blend Lipgloss $20

Contact Info:

• Address: Ricardo Santiago Salon
  34 East Oak Street
  Chicago, IL 60610
• Website: dianeayala.com
• Phone: 303-803-0078
• Email: diane@dianeayala.com