#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

From working a makeup counter to founding her own cosmetics line & becoming Rihanna's go-to MUA, Lora Arrelano's story is an amazing one.

Hard work pays off, and if there's one person that can vouch for that- it's Lora Arrellano.

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

Arrellano is a Mexican-American woman who grew up in Los Angeles, California. From a very young age, she began to show interest in makeup- from drawing women's faces to using her sisters' as models for her makeup experimentation. Needless to say, years later when it was time to pick a path, it was a no-brainer.

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

After high school, she attended the Mud Makeup School in Burbank, and shortly after landed a job at a Nordstrom makeup counter. It wasn't the dream job, but it was an opportunity to continue learning and fine-tuning her skills while getting a steady paycheck. This is where she met Dana Bomar- who, she didn't know yet, would end up being her future business partner.

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics
Arellano & Bomar

Amidst daydreaming about creating their own unique, super-pigmented products with Bomar, Arellano took to social media to get her name- and work- out there into the universe. I guess you could say it paid off, because guess who came across one of Arellano's videos and decided to bring her on as her Makeup Artist? FUCKING RIHANNA.

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

Not a horrible person to have on your side, huh? However, Arellano didn't let it get to her head. Both she and Bomar maintained their Nordstrom counter jobs- they wanted to make their business happen with their own money. Which- side note- is really cool, and really admirable, and makes me like them even more. Anyway.

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

Arellano looks at her experience with Rihanna as a super valuable lesson. "She taught me 
not to be afraid to try new things that people don't agree with. I took that back to my company. We make colors no one else makes." Thanks, RiRi.

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

The ladies started small, creating just 5 shades of lipstick- and were able to turn a profit within just two years. Which, to anyone who owns a business, is pretty incredible. The brand now provides for all of your beauty needs- from electric blue lipstick to bright orange eyeshadow to the sparkliest glitter you've ever seen- they've got you covered.

So, basically- in less than 10 years after her official makeup journey began, Arrellano is not only a social media sensation- but she also owns her own brand, and to say the company is flourishing would be the understatement of the century.

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics

With over a million followers on Instagram and an ever-growing list of celebrity clients, Arellano's (and Bomar's) is truly a success story- and an inspiration to anybody who's passionate about something that may seem too big or out of reach. "If this is your dream and you feel it in your gut, then just do it!"

#GirlBoss: Lora Arellano of Melt Cosmetics
Melt Cosmetics Makeup via @meltcosmetics

You can check out Lora's Instagram @lora_arellano for daily makeup looks, and if you want to watch her videos- check out the Melt Cosmetics YouTube channel