Our Success Stories
Erica Medina
Ms. Medina was hired to work on the set of The Car Show with Adam Corolla immediately after graduation. This is a TV show on the Speed Channel. Erica contributes her success to hard work and determination. After spending her life in customer service jobs, Erica was immediately picked up by the Car Show because of the hustle, compassion, and genuine interest she has in helping others. She was originally sent to The Car Show as part of a rotating team of Interns on the set. After meeting Erica, the producers called us and said they wanted to hire Erica to shoot the entire season with them!
As we know, hard work and persistence does pay off. Erica shows up to all the networking and social events hosted by the Ruby Academy. She makes sure that she is always at the right place at the right time! She was picked to represent the Academy as part of a team that was sent to the 63rd Annual Emmy Awards!
Most recently she had the great pleasure of doing a photo shoot with Timon Kyle Durrett from VH1s Single Ladies. She spent the day shooting with him for the launch of the new online magazine: My Other Man. After she finished her Character class, she had a job offer waiting on the filming of a new horror flick!
Deborah Sanchez Smith
Mrs. Smith is a graduate of both the Pro Beauty Makeup and the Character Class. Additionally she does hair. In this business it's all about cross-selling your services and being able to provide 1-stop-shop to you clients. When it comes down to it, people want to hire a professional that is able to do a little bit of everything.
Deb's greatest hits list plays like this:
- Key Makeup Artist for the 63rd Emmy Awards
- FHM Magazine
- Maxim Magazine
Irving Flores
Irving graduated in 2009. He immediately jumped into all the internships available to start developing his network and list of contacts. As a result of his hard work and talent, Irving ended up being hired on the set of popular Latino Television show, 12 Corazones. His most recent credits include having his work published in Skinnie Magazine and Maxim Mexico. Irving is living proof that hard work, dedication and persistence pays off!
Estella Ornelas
After taking first place in the fantasy competition for her graduating class, Estella set out to become a Hollywood makeup artist and knew that the internships would be key to her success. After just one internship with photographer Jesse DeLeon, she became his first pick whenever he needs a makeup artist on set. Most recently she had the great fortune to have her work published on the cover of Beer Magazine.
Estella at the 2011 Emmys
Estella with Ruby at the International Beauty Expo
Brenda Orduno
Brenda's recent credits include:
- Stev-O from the Jack Ass movie. Brenda spent a day with Stev-0 and photographer Michael Vincent to produce the cover photo for Skinnie Magazine and the jacket photo for Stev-O's upcoming book tour.
- Playboy Playmate, Jenna Bentley. Brenda's work with Jenna was featured on a billboard ad campaign that ran throughout Los Angeles for the Ruby Makeup Academy.
- Swim suit photo shoot with Super Model, Pam Rodriguez. We are proud to say that Brenda ultimately became an Instructor at the Ruby Makeup Academy. Now she spends her nights and weekends sharing her passion, knowledge and insights with the future makeup artists of America!
Brenda Orduno
