On Donald Trump's inauguration day, the world was tuned in to the historic occasion. One of the figures that caught the most attention was Ivanka Trump, who wore a green outfit and a matching makeup palette that quickly became a topic of discussion. The person responsible for Ivanka's styling was Alexa Rodulfo, a Mexican makeup artist.
Rodulfo's name was well-known in the industry, but it reached a new stage on Trump's inauguration day. While people quickly wanted to learn about the history between Rodulfo and Ivanka, first, it's important to discuss where she came from and how hard she's worked over the years to achieve her dreams.
Rodulfo was born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. When she was 16 years old, she began working in a beauty salon and learned most of her skills by trying new things herself and absorbing all of the information that she could. In 2005, she moved to New York, a city that helped her realize her potential. It became her home base, putting her in contact with all manner of personalities that were seeking her skills as a makeup artist and stylist.
"I love experimenting with makeup. I don't have a technique, but I do have a very defined style."
By 2006, Rodulfo was considered one of the best makeup artists in the city, working alongside women like Lauren Santo Domingo, Margherita Missoni, Carolina Herrera, Wendi Deng Murdoch, and more. Rodulfo slowly began to expand on her roster of clients and to collaborate with some of the leading magazines in the US, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
Throughout her career, Alexa has attended some of the most exclusive events in New York. According to Marie Claire, it was at a gala hosted in New York City's Botanical Garden where she met Ivanka Trump. The two clicked right away and began a partnership that continues to this day.
"Ivanka and her friends were organizing the gala that year, and one of them was one of my clients," said Rodulfo to AOL. "She hired me so that I could do her hair and makeup, and that's how we met. Since then, we've been working together."
"For over 20 years, I've had the honor of styling Ivanka's hair and makeup. Ivanka, you always stand out due to your impeccable treatment of me and others."
Rodulfo has styled Ivanka through some of the biggest moments of her life, including at Trump's first inauguration in 2017, at a Met Gala, and at her wedding to Jared Kushner in 2009.
Beyond the world of makeup and styling, Rodulfo maintains other businesses and philanthropic efforts. In 2009, she launched a company that makes scented candles, which she makes herself. In 2011, she collaborated with the Ricky Martin Foundation (RMF), releasing a limited edition candle and designing their packaging. The candles feature the foundation's logo, and part of the proceeds were donated to eradicate human trafficking.
"Let's work together to create a world where everyone's fundamental rights are respected, where our kids can live in a safe and healthy environment," said Martin. "Are our kids our future? No, they're not. They're our present! There's no room for human trafficking in our world."