Who Am I ?

I’m Ryli Ray — a 22-year-old college student at NCAT, CEO, beauty expert, content creator, and community leader based in Greensboro, NC.

I specialize in lash extensions with a focus on retention and quality that keeps clients coming back. With over four years of experience in the beauty industry, I’ve built a reputation for offering a seamless, confidence boosting glam experience. But beauty is just one part of what I do.

I’m also the founder of Pretty With Motion, an all-girls empowerment community designed to help young women step into their purpose, build their brands, and walk boldly in their identity. Whether it's hosting networking events, leading mentorship sessions, or creating digital tools for girl bosses, my mission is clear: to help women show up, make money, and stay true to who they are.

Through my personal brand, @bigceoryli, I create content that motivates, educates, and inspires other creatives and entrepreneurs — especially those ready to turn their passion into profit and their purpose into impact.

At my core, I’m a visionary dedicated to showing young women what’s possible when they choose themselves and lead with confidence by the grace of God.

How Did I Get Here?

When I was 16, what started as a passion for makeup quickly evolved into a deeper love for beauty, creativity, and service. I chose to explore my entrepreneurial journey by hand-making wigs, producing YouTube content, and exploring new ways to express myself through my talents. The turning point came when my father believed in my potential and invested $1,000 into a lash certification course. That single act of faith ignited a transformation in my life, it allowed me to build a one-stop glam business, combining all my skills into something meaningful and powerful.

While growing my business, I experienced discrimination at a fast food job simply for showing up as my authentic self. I was fired, and at 17, I made a promise to myself: I would never again work for someone who couldn’t accept me for who I am.

Authenticity matters to me deeply. I spent my teenage years building confidence, learning who I was, and choosing to honor that person...even when it wasn’t easy. Instead of shrinking myself, I poured that energy back into my vision, took entrepreneurship seriously, and never looked back.

Now, I wake up every day proud to be walking in my God given purpose and helping others do the same.