Today we’d like to introduce you to Helena Minor.
Helena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had a son w/ADD that required a lot of my attention and I couldn’t work a 9-5 job without the school calling me out like every day. I had grown up in the fashion industry and learned a lot because my aunt was a former model that became a talent scout in Seattle. From the age of six, I was immersed into the fashion and beauty industry. We spoke about my dilemma and she told me to make a business off my background, passion, and talents.
I started a personal shopping business in St.Louis where I was living at the time. Gossip Imaging. Clients would pay for wardrobe assistance, personal shopping, and classes in personal grooming and clothing coordination. After we’d complete that process over several appointments they wanted makeup and hair services.
Although I had a background in those areas I legally needed a license. So, from there I went to beauty school to attain my certifications while being a personal shopper. Upon graduation, I opened a salon and specialized in hair, nail, skin, and makeup.
My passion lied in makeup so I started freelancing and doing local fashion shows in the area, makeup and styling for up n coming singers for television debuts. From there I got an opportunity to relocate to LA w/my husband for his job. Once I arrived in LA I began working on set for trailers, web tv series and talk shows, fashion shows,grooming high profile clients and celebrities and in Beverly Hills, and just networking and getting involved in projects around Southern California as much as I could. I also freelance for salons and do a lot of weddings and glam looks on location and in homes in California, Washington, and Missouri.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say the struggle was adapting to the new environment and competing in a flooded market. You have to really give your all and take the good with the bad. I didn’t get paid a lot or sometimes at all in the beginning, and it’s hard to be a freelancer new to LA with limited contacts. You’re just on your own. You still have your basic needs you have to meet while on this wild journey.
Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
YES. Lol – I feel like quitting almost every day, but I have to be my own cheerleader. I have to believe in myself and my own dreams. I never take no for an answer. I read the book THINK AND GROW RICH by Napoleon Hill often.
I remind myself of how so many people quit not knowing they are right at the brink of success. So I keep pushing forward, and then another gig comes.
What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
I would say do the research of what the industry is like in THIS city. If you’re living on your own, don’t feel bad at all if you have to work a job to just cover your basic needs and still work your craft to achieve your dreams. And most importantly always educate yourself and never allow anything to stop you from living your dreams. Even if you have to alter it in ways to accommodate your life at that present moment.
What are you most excited about these days?
Personally, I’m excited about my independence. I’m at a stage in my life where I don’t have children or any responsibilities that I have to put before my passions. I can just get up and go and be free to be me.
Professionally, I look forward to more exciting gigs, meeting inspirational clients, and working on more independent projects for myself. I’m in the midst of finishing up a book I’m writing as well as starting the beginning processes of creating some of my own makeup and showcasing my creativeness in a Gossip Imaging fashion show. So, as much as I advance I continue to keep creating new goals for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.gossipimaging.com
- Phone: 3234532209
- Email: hknbdiva@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Gossipimaging
