Dr. RITCHIE ALVES — A TRUE HARMONY

‘BEAUTY’ COVER EDITION - APRIL 2025 ISSUE

Photos: Thiago Henrique Holzmann - @thsdio

In the special edition of Hooks Magazine dedicated to the names redefining beauty medicine and aesthetic entrepreneurship, the spotlight could shine on no one else: Dr. Ritchie Alves, one of Brazil’s leading figures in facial harmonization, graces our cover with purpose, faith, and impeccable technique.

His journey is defined by a rare essence — the balance between technical excellence and a profoundly human perspective. From volunteering at NGOs to founding the renowned Transforming Faces clinic alongside his siblings, Ritchie has always seen beyond procedures — he sees stories. To him, every face is a journey, and his mission is to light the way back to self-esteem and personal identity for those who seek his care.

But his work goes far beyond needles and fillers. Dr. Ritchie is a mentor to new professionals, guiding them not only through technique but through values, ethics, spirituality, and purpose. His mentorship embraces holistic care and the understanding that transforming a face often means touching a soul.

Dr. Ritchie and his wife Victoria Marcelle

Alongside his wife, Victoria Marcelle — who plays an active role behind the scenes of his projects — Ritchie remains steadfast in his principles: never trading his essence for external validation. For him, excellence begins with identity — and solidifies with faith and courage.

Family has always been a cornerstone. The son of a dentist and influenced by his sister Daisy Costa, Ritchie grew up in an environment where health and aesthetics were already part of everyday conversation. Today, he shares the mission of transforming lives with his siblings in a project born from family and expanded with professionalism and passion.

Outside the clinics and mentorship programs, Dr. Ritchie finds peace in the countryside. A breeder of quarter horses, he participates in equestrian competitions across Brazil with his family, traveling in his trailer and reconnecting with what truly matters: nature, his children, his horses, and the silence between the trees.

Exclusive Interview

1. Throughout your journey — from volunteering at NGOs to becoming a national reference in facial harmonization — what has most shaped your purpose as a professional?

What shaped my purpose the most was understanding that every face I treat carries a story — and that my role goes far beyond aesthetics. During the volunteer work with NGOs, I realized that touch, eye contact, and listening… they all communicate care. Facial harmonization, to me, is a tool for transformation. But what truly drives me is witnessing someone’s identity being restored, their self-esteem returning, the light in their eyes rekindling. That’s what shaped my purpose: to deliver beauty, yes — but with truth, integrity, and love.

2. Your mentorship goes beyond technique — it addresses values, purpose, and even spirituality. How important is it to align your professional life with a relationship with God?

For me, there’s no separation between the professional and the spiritual. Everything I do is an extension of my relationship with God. When you understand who you are in Him, you also understand where you need to be, who you should connect with, and how to serve with excellence. Technique refines, but purpose sustains. Mentorship isn’t just about how to apply a filler — it’s about aligning technique with identity, values, and calling. That’s what transforms careers and lives.

3. In such a competitive market, how do you cultivate a kind of care that values the human being as a whole — not just the aesthetic result?

The answer is simple: by looking people in the eyes. By understanding that every face holds feelings, pain, and dreams. Active listening, attention to detail, respect for what the patient wants — and even for what they don’t yet know how to express — all of that matters. My method is centered on natural results and beauty with purpose, but above all, it’s centered on the human being. When you truly understand who is in front of you, the aesthetic result comes as a consequence — and it comes better.

4. Do you believe there’s a calling — almost a mission — behind your work in the health and aesthetics field? How does that influence your decisions?

Absolutely. I’ve never seen my profession as just a career — I’ve always seen it as a mission. And mission involves sacrifice, dedication, listening, and guidance. It influences every decision I make — from the patients I choose to treat to the mentees I walk alongside. If something doesn’t align with my purpose, it doesn’t make sense to pursue it. I’m not here to do more of the same — I’m here to elevate this field to a new level, with excellence, truth, and purpose.

5. What is the impact of a training approach that values both technical excellence and ethics, care, and self-awareness in the journey of a mentee?

It’s a complete shift. When a professional understands that technique without awareness is dangerous — and that purpose without action is empty — they begin to operate from a different place. I teach my mentees to achieve results, yes — but also to think, to feel, to take a stand. Excellence must walk hand in hand with ethics and a heart in the right place. That doesn’t just create better professionals — it creates more complete human beings.

6. If you could leave a message for those seeking to live from aesthetics with purpose, faith, and dedication, what would it be?

Don’t trade your calling for acceptance. Don’t sacrifice your essence for likes or applause. If God called you to this, He Himself will sustain you, empower you, and make you flourish. Work with excellence, honor your journey, and remember: you’re not just working on faces — you’re touching souls. Live through aesthetics, but don’t live only for aesthetics. Live with purpose, with faith, and with courage. The rest will follow.

7. In the midst of such a demanding routine, what are the hobbies or moments of leisure that help you recharge and keep your heart light?

These days, my main hobby is my horses. I breed quarter horses and compete in Ranch Sorting and Team Penning events on the weekends. I travel in my trailer with my wife and kids to equestrian competitions, and I also love going to the ranch to see the foals, breathe in the fresh country air... That’s what truly lightens my heart.

8. How has your family influenced the professional you’ve become — and how do they take part in your purpose today?

My family had a direct influence. First, because my father is a dentist — he inspired all of us. And after I graduated, it was my sister Daisy Costa who played a key role in leading me toward facial harmonization. Soon after, the four of us — siblings, founders, and partners of Transformando Faces clinic — grew together, each one encouraging the other along the way.

Today, a key part of my purpose is shared with my wife, Victoria Marcelle, who not only supports me but is actively involved in my mentorship projects and helps me immensely with my professional positioning.

My parents have always believed deeply in our future — and that trust made all the difference.