Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Velázquez.
“The Art of Makeup and Hair is both emotional and powerful! If you look good, then you feel good—you can really transform someone’s self-esteem with the magic of makeup and hair styling,” explains Hair Makeup Artist, Andrew Velazquez. Andrew is a licensed Cosmetologist and his a background ranges from High Fashion work to Educator.
This born and bred Angeleno always knew he was meant for a career in beauty; “I knew from early on that I wanted to be a part of an industry that makes people feel and look their very best.”
“Growing up in Boyle Heights on the East-side of Los Angeles it was very difficult for me to fit in. Especially being gay, in the closet and raised in a macho environment. Thank God for the Arts and my Mother encouraging me to attend the Los Angeles Music and Art School. That’s where I discovered my passion for the language of color, textures, brushes and mixing mediums. I experimented with my fashion and self-expression in High School and as a consequence was bullied and jumped. Fortunately with my art credits, I was able to take my GED and began to attend LA Trade Tech at the age of 16. At LATT, I studied Fashion Merchandising. Shortly after, I moved out of my parents home leaving behind my three younger brothers who I helped raise because I realized for the first time that I needed to take care of Andrew. I moved to the San Fernando Valley and attended West Valley Occupational Center to attend Cosmetology School. Throughout my studies, I participated in and won hair and makeup shows. Finally, I completed 1600 hours of work and received my License and graduated with honors.”
Making people look and feel beautiful is truly what Andrew does best. He began his career as the Lead Makeup Artist at Aveda Spa and then a year later moved to Gauthier Total Image Spa. His artistry evolution took off at M·A·C Cosmetics, where he spent eleven years carefully honing his technique and artistry. Andrew developed an unerring eye for understanding and translating beauty. While at M·A·C Cosmetics, he quickly moved up the ranks and became a part of the management team, where he spearheaded M·A·C’s globally recognized education programs to overseeing department store accounts including the Los Angeles flagship store. He coordinated events, and developed trend-based looks—all further positioning him to be an industry leader.
Andrew has created signature looks for some of Hollywood’s brightest stars including Lady Gaga, Michelle Williams, RuPaul, Demi Levato, Neil Patrick Harris & Carmen Electra. As a makeup artist on ”Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Andrew regularly created the sisters red carpet ready looks and at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, he was the key makeup artist for Florence and the Machine, including applying avatar-like body makeup for her radiant dancers.
As the National Makeup Artist for Anastasia Beverly Hills for four years, Andrew brought his unique passion and talent to a new platform. After 15 years of Retail Cosmetics while freelancing and growing his portfolio he decided to go independent and open his first salon suite. Andrew also appeared on the hit Lifetime Reality competition show “American Beauty Star” and made it as a finalist to the Top Three. Now Andrew has a 1600 square foot full functioning salon and spa in Glendale, California where he still takes clients while traveling for editorials, TV, and Film projects. Subscribe to Andrew’s theory of balanced eyebrows and natural beauty. Andrew is guiding seasonal trends, while educating women and men across the globe on how to bring about the perfect marriage of beauty proportion and balance through their makeup, eyebrows, and hairstyle to look—and feel—their best.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road especially in my adolescent years. I suffered through a lot of mental health issues and really had to discover on my own what it would take to care for myself resulting in moving out at the age of 16. Attending Art school, Fashion school and Cosmetology school saved my life. I discovered my tribe and other creative misunderstood creatures as myself. I felt accepted and then learned to accept myself. It was then, that I began to thrive. I have to say my family, my husband and my dogs have been an integral part in my growth both personally and professionally. Collectively they are my therapy. They are my biggest fans and support who continue to push me to be a better artist and human being. Because of them, I am currently working on a book that will showcase my art and express my mental health journey.
Andrew Velázquez Salon – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We Pledge to Glam and to Groom, Build Confidence and Style, to Enhance In and Out – Across, All Genders. All Cultures. All Entrepreneurs.
OUR SALON.
Andrew Velázquez is a seasoned artist with over 20 years of experience. His natural talent in artistry combined with professional training has led Velázquez to work in a wide array of projects in both the Cosmetic and Fashion industries.
His specialty is educating his clients and helping them create a sense of self-awareness that allows them to always look their individual best.
Located in the mecca of Retail across the street from the Americana and Glendale Galleria, downtown Glendale. Our salon and full functioning spa, offer services from Hair Color, Cuts, Style, Makeup, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, and Massage Therapy. Come in and leave as your true new self!
OUR PHILOSOPHY.
We believe that everyone has the magic inside of them to unlock the power of self-confidence. We want to help every individual overcome any obstacles that keep them from unleashing full self-awareness. Our hope is for every individual to eliminate any confusion about what makes them unique and instead accept their one of a kind beauty with the power of hair and makeup artistry in an all is love type of environment.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
One of my proudest moments is having the opportunity to share my story on television on Lifetime’s show “American Beauty Star” while showcasing what I adore – my craft and talents. Having had experience working behind the scenes of Reality TV Shows such as America’s Next Top Model and Ru Pauls Drag Race as a hair and makeup stylist did give me a leg up in the competition. Having to keep professional demeanor and composure under the most pressure in a high-stress environment came natural to me because of that very experience. Throughout the series, I made it a point to put my focus on executing editorial inspired work since we were challenged to be Beauty Directors in charge of designing the entire shoot based on the given theme for each episode challenge. The overall experience forced me to become vulnerable and emphasized for me how important it was to remain true to myself, allowing my work to speak for itself. Then I made it to the finals. Although I did not get the winning title, the way I see it – I won in so many other ways. I highly recommend every artist to experience something like this. Something that will push your limits, challenge your comfort zones, bring upon growth and provide an opportunity to gain more confidence and experience as an artist.
Pricing:
- HAIR • BEARD TRIM – $20, BRIDAL HAIR -$150-$200, BRIDES MAIDS HAIR – $85-$100, DRY CUT – $50, NECK CLEAN UP – $20, SHAMPOO AND BLOW OUT – $60, SHAMPOO AND HAIRCUT – $75, MEN’S DRY CUT – $28, MEN’S SHAMPOO BLOW OUT – $30, MEN’S HAIRCUT SHAMPOO STYLE – $38, COLOR STARTS -$50, MEN’S FULL GROOMING – $75
- FACE • AIRBRUSH MAKEUP – $300, BRIDAL MAKEUP – $250, BRIDES MAIDS MAKEUP – $100 (WHEN BOOKING 4+ CLIENTS), BROW SHAPING FRIST TIME $48 – RETURN $38, BROW/LASH TINTING $25, FULL FACE WAX (NOT INCLUDING BROWS) – $50, LIP/CHIN/SIDEBURN WAX – $20, MAKEUP APPLICATION – $165, MAKEUP LESSON – $300
- BODY • BODY BRONZE TAN EFFECT – $300, BODY CONTOUR – $300, BODY MAKEUP DESIGN – $400+
Contact Info:
- Address: 107 S. Artsakh Ave
Glendale, CA 91205 - Website: andrewvelazquez.com
- Phone: 3235067334
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/andrewvelazquez_
- Facebook: facebook.com/andrewvelazquezcom
- Twitter: twitter.com/andrewvelazcom
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/andrew-velázquez-glendale-2
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/andrewvelazquez
Image Credit:
Photographers: Gregg Lawson, Johnathan Sutton, Liana Grigoryan, Karen Rosalie, Emily Soto, Mark Hill
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
