Meet A Mom, Featuring Rachel Bettis, Artistic Educator & Design Team at Ulta Beauty
Today we want to introduce you to a mama who KNOWS hair & make-up and is super stinkin’ talented! Rachel Bettis is new to the area, but fitting right in sharing her talents and working behind the chair at Ulta Beauty in Richmond, Texas, doing everything when it comes to hair and makeup at the salon for clients.
In addition to that, she travels the country for Ulta, being 1 of only 12 super talented people selected to be on their Design, getting to share the brand with others across the U.S. With this role, she’s what they call a platform artist, teaching techniques on stage at major salon and spa expos. Rachel’s also involved with all the Ulta marketing photo shoots and teaches small scale classes in some of Ulta’s 1200 stores across the country, helping to elevate and educate the brand and their 8,000 hairstylists. Wow! Right?
One look at Rachel’s Instagram page and you can tell she’s a gifted artist and one who loves sharing her knowledge about beauty with others. We got to chat with this new-to-Katy mama about her favorite things so far about our community, more about her role with Ulta and where she’s headed next, and of course all things motherhood.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Katy?
I was born and raised in Logan, Utah. I moved to Katy in July of 2018.
You’re new to the community, what’s been your favorite thing about Katy so far?
My favorite thing about Katy so far is that I get to live in a close subdivision surrounded by so much diversity. I love meeting new people and learning about them. I want my children to learn about everyone and their different cultures. Something that isn’t really an option in my small town in Utah. And of course that there is more options for things to do.
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have 2 boys. One is 12, in 6th grade. The other is 6, in Kindergarten.
Greatest gift about about being a mom?
Showing me that I could love like I never knew existed. That they also teach me things. How to prioritize my life. To see the world from their point of view. The fact that nothing in this world would come before them.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
My least favorite mom job in general would be when they’re babies and you have to pack that carseat and diaper bag and every single thing you own just to go out of the house for 5 minutes. That struggle was so real! And heaven forbid they have a blowout right in the middle of the grocery store!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
As girly-girl as I am, I sure love taking my boys to Monster Truck shows! Also, learning about guns and going to the shooting range. Gotta prepare for that zombie apocalypse! A mom’s gotta know how to protect them babies! lol
Favorite local things to do in Katy for fun with the kids?
Well, I’m still trying to discover things myself about what to do with the kids here. But for now, we go to Urban Air becuae they love trampoline. They’re really involved with Westwood Gymnastics and Dance.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?
For home-cooked food, we’ve liked Black Bear Diner. But we all love sushi! Sushi 9 and Atami Steak and Sushi is super good.
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
I’m still trying to meet people so I can have some girls nights once and a while. But I do always try to get manicures and pedicures regularly.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Sometimes when I just need that extra hour to myself, I may or may not have changed my clocks to show them it’s time for bed! They refuse to go to bed before their actual bed time! lol
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
I don’t necessarily think it’s a hack, but man, I’m so thankful that I can delegate some tasks to my kiddos. They may not always love doing their chores, but I know they love being rewarded for them. If I didn’t have their help, Id be more than a chicken with my head cut off!
Tell us about your business- explain your work with Ulta Beauty Design Team and Artistic Educator!
I work for Ulta Beauty. I work behind the chair in Richmond, Texas. I do everything when it comes to hair and makeup at the salon for clients. But on top of that, I travel a lot for Ulta. I’m on their Design Team. There are 12 of us throughout the country on this team. With that, I’m a platform artist. Teaching techniques on stage at major salon and spa expos. I’m involved with our marketing photo shoots. I also teach small scale classes in some of our 1200 stores across the country. We help to elevate and educate the brand and our 8,000 hairstylists. Basically a lot of Public Relations events.
You are so talented in both makeup and hair- where did you get all your training?
Thank you! I started off in beauty school in 2003. I’ve continued to elevate my education through so many different avenues. Constantly working toward that higher goal. I try to certify myself in different techniques and brands. The most important thing when focusing on elevating your craft, is to surround yourself with people that are smarter and more experienced than you are. To work with people just as passionate as you are. #ArtistsSupportingArtists We are a family. The network is smaller than we think. When you support each other, you both grow!
I find training in all different things, not just hair classes. It is very helpful to take some kind of training involved with psychology. Personalities, Social Media Training, types of people, improv classes, etc. To do what I do, it’s more than just hair!
Did you always know you wanted to go into the beauty industry?
I’ve always enjoyed the beauty industry. It was natural for me to style hair when I was younger. I didn’t know that’s what I was going to be when I grew up though. I thought it was a good idea to go to beauty school so I had extra support while I went to college. That way I knew I could do hair anywhere I ended up. I wanted to study Criminology. I’m passionate about people. But once I went to beauty school, I never looked back!
Best beauty advice for mamas who don’t have a lot of time to get ready in the morning?
Oh girl! I am that momma for sure! It’s so hard to find the time to make hair and makeup and all the things look good. It’s a constant battle for me.
I always make sure I have at least 4 things: a Moisturizer, a brow pencil, mascara and a lip color. Then just throw that hair into a messy bun and call it your Mom Crown!
One thing that makes me feel good is have pretty nails. If your hands and toes look good, they also make your sweat pants look good! Haha
Oh! And for those tired eyes…because we all get them! What is beauty rest? If you soak green tea bags in cold water and put them on your eyes while you take a 10-15 minute nap, it’ll help with inflammation. It’s very soothing and the cold just feels good!
Best advice for working moms who experience the inevitable and dreaded MOM GUILT?
Oh! I battle this daily. I always feel so bad when I have to work a lot. However, I’ve had to come to terms that I would never want my kids to compromise their goals and dreams. I want to show them that hard work does pay off. And when I’m home, that my attention to them is just as focused. For me, I’m a better mom because I work. When I’m not traveling, I make sure that the days that I do work are long days. That way I have an extra day off at home. 4 tens is what works best for us!
Having a nanny helps me too! That way my kids have someone consistent. Someone that cares for and loves them. They can continue with their daily routines just fine.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
I don’t think that I can narrow down just one person. I believe it takes a village of people and a lifetime of experiences to discover the things you want to give your children.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
That you’re never truly alone. Even if you feel that way sometimes. I have to remind myself that it’s ok to ask for help when you need it.
Name one thing you hope your kids look back and remember about their childhood and you as their mama?
That I helped them discover new things. That we experienced life’s adventures. I hope they always know I was supportive to follow their goals and dreams.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Make sure you experience all that you can. Learn as much as you can. Discover new things all the time. Create experiences everywhere! All of these life experiences and lessons will only give you more to teach and pass on to your children.
What does having a mom tribe mean to you?
I realize that there’s more people like me and have the same feelings and thoughts like I do. Life is crazy. And life can be hard. I need to surround myself with people in this aspect of my life. I don’t always do that. I make excuses that I’m too busy. But honestly, we need the support. Especially living in this new area where I don’t have any family, it’s so good to have a group of mom friends!
For more information on Rachel and to follow along with her talents and cross-country travels, make sure to give her a follow on Instagram!
