Success Story: Vivas Latinas Makeup Academy

Teresa Ramirez Turns a Passion for Makeup into a Growing Beauty Academy

Location: Northern California | Alameda County | San Leandro

Business Type: Beauty Education (Makeup Academy)

Small Business Center: California Mosaic Small Business Center

Assistance Received: E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, Credit Counseling, and Financing/Capital Access

California State Assembly District: 20

California State Senate District: 9

Visit Vivas Latinas Makeup Academy online

Teresa Ramirez’s journey spans from her roots in Mexico to her upbringing in California’s Bay Area. A devoted mother who has always enjoyed the art of makeup, she launched her makeup artistry business from her home garage with a passion for helping women feel confident on their most important days. Clients soon booked her for weddings, quinceañeras, and special events, and she traveled throughout the community to meet them where they were, earning a reputation for her skill, warmth, and professionalism.

Before long, friends and family began asking Teresa to teach them her techniques. Her informal lessons evolved into structured classes, and demand grew so quickly that she began selling professional products alongside her training. As attendance increased, she moved out of the garage and into her first commercial space in San Leandro, then relocated again to a larger, more versatile location where she could offer additional classes and serve a growing clientele.

As her business approached an important stage of expansion, Teresa faced barriers around marketing, sales, and access to capital. She knew she needed stronger digital skills to use social media effectively, increase enrollment in her classes, and grow her customer base beyond what friends and family could spread by word of mouth. Financing posed another hurdle.

Having worked previously with her Equity Advisor at another organization, Teresa continued with their services through the International Rescue Committee’s California Mosaic Small Business Center (Mosaic). Mosaic’s workshops gave her hands-on guidance in creating engaging content, strengthening her online presence, and using social media as a strategic tool for visibility. Her Equity Advisors helped her understand her credit situation, identify the steps needed to clean up and consolidate her reports, and build a clearer path toward financial readiness.

For Teresa, the workshops and her credit education work with her Equity Advisor were the most valuable parts of the support. Hearing real-life examples from other business owners, and seeing how they applied the lessons to grow their own businesses, inspired her to take action and gave her the motivation and confidence to put what she learned to work.

“Social media is changing the way businesses operate, and it is important to stay up to date with technology. Seeking guidance and support can help strengthen both you and your business,” said Teresa.

With new marketing, sales, and financial knowledge, Teresa has increased her revenue and expanded her operations by renting the space next door to accommodate more students and clients.

Vivas Latinas Makeup Academy provides hands-on training and professional development for aspiring makeup artists across the community, and Teresa plans to keep growing by adding stations, expanding her class offerings, and creating a more robust training environment. To fuel that next phase, she is applying for a credit-building loan and an IRC Center for Economic Opportunity Digital Buddy low-interest loan to strengthen her marketing efforts. Her long-term vision includes one day welcoming her daughter into the business as a partner in its growth.

Visit Vivas Latinas Makeup Academy online to learn more.

And, if you are an entrepreneur in California looking to start or grow your business, connect with the California Mosaic Small Business Center to learn about its workshops, one-on-one business counseling, and support.

11/13/2026