
The Beginning
My journey began in 2013, a significant year for me, as it marked my graduation from cosmetology school. At that juncture, I was brimming with passion and creativity, and I eagerly shared my burgeoning talent on Facebook under the moniker “Colleens Makeup Designs.” Initially, my dream was to establish myself as a full-time makeup artist. However, destiny had a different path laid out for me.
The Yearning
One day, circumstances led me to yearn for a nail treatment, yet my finances couldn’t accommodate such an indulgence. Fueled by my curiosity and the knowledge I had gained in cosmetology school, I decided to roll up my sleeves and experiment with nail techniques. Hours passed as I painstakingly worked on my own nails, and in that time, a profound new love was awakened within me.
It was clear; I wanted to pursue a career as a nail artist. This newfound revelation was not what I had originally envisioned when I graduated from cosmetology school, where I had assumed my focus would solely be on hair and makeup. It was as if a higher power had orchestrated a different course for me.
The Tranformation
From that transformative day forward, my workspace evolved. I transitioned from my humble gallery table to my dining room table, then to a practical fold-up table from Price Smart, and finally, my mom generously allocated me a space at the back of our apartment. As my skills and reputation grew, so did the demand for my services.

It was as if a higher power had orchestrated a different course for me.
– Colleen Paige Ruiz

The Business
It was then that my stepdad recognized the need for expansion. He provided me with the necessary support and resources to take my career to the next level, setting the stage for the next chapter in my journey. In 2015, we proudly opened our salon doors, and it was time to christen our newfound venture with a fitting name. My initial workspace was situated in a basement, so my mom ingeniously dubbed it “The Beauty Basement by Colleen”.
The Growth
The Beauty Basement experienced meteoric growth. Bookings poured in, and most days, my schedule was packed to the brim. Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with countless amazing individuals and collaborating with a host of exceptionally talented women. As my team expanded, so did my knowledge and my entrepreneurial acumen.
The Journey
Today, I am thrilled to welcome you to The Beauty Basement, a place that has been meticulously curated with a blend of love and beauty at its core. Our journey from a modest gallery table to a thriving salon represents a story of growth and a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the unexpected turns life may take. We look forward to sharing our expertise, creativity, and commitment with you as we continue this beautiful journey together.
