Life & Work with Chris Gees of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Gees.

Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story starts in Tallahassee, Florida, where I graduated from Florida A&M University with a double major in Music and Theatre. In addition to performing, I worked heavily in costumes, hair, and makeup—often serving as the Costume Designer for productions at the Essential Theatre and helping my fellow FAMU Concert and Gospel Choir members get performance-ready.

My dream in college was to move to Hollywood and become a star—specifically, “Chris Gees, International Recording Artist.” And while I respected every kind of job, I knew I didn’t want to survive as a struggling artist working random retail or restaurant positions. So as graduation approached, I decided that becoming a celebrity hairstylist, makeup artist, and barber would put me in the rooms with the very people—artists, executives, casting agents—who could open doors for me.

After graduating from FAMU and earning my cosmetology license from Lively Technical College, I stayed in Tallahassee a few more years for spiritual reasons. I served in my church’s praise and worship team, directed the mass choir, and sharpened my skills professionally. I worked across a variety of salons—predominantly Caucasian spaces like Bernice at Betton and Supercuts, and predominantly Black barbershops and salons like Debonair and Faded. Each environment strengthened a different part of my craft and prepared me to work on any hair type, texture, or style.

When I finally moved to Los Angeles on January 8, 2008, I hit the ground running. I joined MECCA Hair Studio, owned by Arnold “Suga” Glasker, who became the catalyst for my celebrity career. Within weeks, he put me on his team for the 39th NAACP Image Awards, and he introduced me to some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, and Angela Bassett.

Through Suga, I also met Omarosa, who booked an appointment with me—and from that first session, my celebrity career officially began, just one month after moving to LA. I soon added Doug E. Fresh and Brandon T. Washington to my roster, and my name started spreading quickly.

What really elevated my visibility was the viral moment between Omarosa and Wendy Williams on Wendy’s talk show. I was seated in the front row as her hairstylist, and the look we created had everyone talking. That moment went viral, and as they say, the rest is history.

Years later, after serving as Doug E. Fresh’s groomer, he offered me the opportunity to sing on his newest album. He chose “Age,” a personal song I had recorded years earlier, and included it on the project. From there, the music opportunities I’d dreamed about back in Tallahassee started unfolding. I began singing background for some of my clients, was cast as a singer on television shows, and even performed concerts around the Los Angeles area. One door led to another, and slowly but surely, the career I envisioned for myself began taking shape.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely not been smooth. I’ve had my share of hills and valleys while climbing the ladder of success. I’ve faced financial roadblocks, and twice I experienced the theft of my entire work kit—my hair and makeup supplies—which set me back in a major way. I also went through long stretches with little to no work or bookings coming in. And on top of that, I’ve had to constantly juggle the desire to be in front of the camera with the reality that my day-to-day work often puts me behind the scenes helping others achieve their artistic goals.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My day-to-day work is as a Celebrity Hairstylist, Makeup Artist, and Master Barber. I’m also an entrepreneur, a professional vocalist, and an all-around entertainer. I’ve been blessed to use every part of my education and training in my career.

As a glam artist, I’ve worked on some of the most iconic projects of the last two decades—Beyoncé’s Lemonade and Homecoming, Michelle Williams’ legendary “Say Yes” performance with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, Disney’s feature film A Wrinkle in Time, and global musical tours with artists like Nelly, TLC, and New Kids on the Block. Just to name a few. I’ve also served as Hair & Makeup Department Head for several films, including Merry Liddle Christmas, Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding, Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, and Wendy Williams: The Movie. In both Mahalia and Wendy, I even had the chance to step in front of the camera as an actor.

As I continued climbing the ladder as a celebrity stylist, opportunities as on-screen talent began to open up as well. I created, executive produced, and co-hosted The Bar Radio Show, a talk show that aired twice a week on DASH Radio, a global streaming platform. With over 100 episodes, the show was a major success.

On the entrepreneurial side, I developed and launched my own haircare system, CANNACRE by Chris Gees, one of the first CBD-infused haircare product lines of its kind. I also created OCG (Original Chris Gees), a collection of styling products, tools, and accessories. In addition, I launched Chris Gees Apparel, a clothing line inspired by my logo and personal likeness. What started as me simply wearing my own merch grew into a popular streetwear brand featuring sweatsuits, caps, scullys, and T-shirts. All of these ventures were made possible and popular through my career as a Celebrity Stylist.

As my brand continues to grow and I carve out new spaces in the entertainment industry, I’m always finding new ways to share my gifts with the world. I’m currently writing my first book, There Is No Plan B!, a motivational guide aimed at helping creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals reach their highest potential.

What sets me apart from other creatives in my field is the use of all of my gifts and talents to give back to the entertainment community. I consider myself “The Celebrity Boss.”

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is to always put myself first. Saying “no” when it’s necessary, maintaining a strong work ethic, and staying true to my goals and desires—all of these are ways I prioritize myself. Ultimately, putting myself first has allowed me to grow, create, and succeed on my own terms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chrisgees.com
• Instagram: @chrisgees
• Facebook: @chrisgees
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgees
• Twitter: @chrisgees
• Youtube: @cgees

Image Credits
Johnny Pena