Life & Work with Crystal Gonzales of North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Gonzales.

Hi Crystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Back in 2016, I was living in Bakersfield and had the opportunity to change careers. I decided I wanted to work for myself and start my own business. After thinking it over for a few months, I enrolled in a Beauty Makeup certification at Ruby Makeup Academy in North Hollywood and completed a 12 week course. As soon as I graduated, I started my business as a freelance makeup artist! At first, I was driving from Bakersfield to LA for gigs and to build my portfolio and I’m happy to say that I’ve been living in LA for the past 8 years!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely NOT a smooth road. My hometown of Bakersfield didn’t have many events where people get their makeup done professionally. And if people there did get their makeup done, they usually booked the better known artists. Financially, it was hard. I was lucky enough to have my mom’s support when I first started because without her, there’s no way I would have been able to continue during those first few years. There simply wasn’t enough work there. LA was where the consistent work was at but it was exhausting driving 99 miles to LA to work and then the 99 miles back home. So I’d definitely say the biggest struggle was the financial aspect of starting a business and investing in yourself. That and the few car troubles I had here and there. To be a mobile makeup artist, you rely on your car!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a mobile makeup artist specializing in natural beauty and soft glam. Mobile means I meet my client wherever they are- their home, their hotel or some other venue. That’s what I’m known for! I’m most proud of sticking with this career, especially during the tough financial times, and getting to see my 10 year anniversary (which was this past August) and seeing myself fully support my lifestyle off of makeup artistry! I did it! I made it!!
And what sets me apart from others, I think, is the fact that I didn’t just jump into the beauty world. I had years of experience as a professional so I definitely bring that professional quality to my bookings. Some artists are more relaxed than others, from the way they dress to what they conversate about during appointments. I know better and always keep it professional. After the appointment is complete- I can let my hair down!
And it doesn’t stop at makeup. I expanded my business to mobile ear-piercing and I can even go after my wildest dreams on my bucket list of careers like modeling and acting!

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I LOVE that there’s always an event happening in LA! People want to get their makeup done for everything! Even for something as simple as a dinner out with friends! I have a consistent client every Sunday for church. But in regards to just the city alone- I’ve always wanted to live in LA! It’s a much bigger city than my hometown? Hollywood excites me and I always knew I wanted LA to be my home.
The thing I like least is our public transportation system. As a mobile beauty professional, it’s hard to trust taking the train because I carry a lot of things and I don’t feel completely safe. I relied on the mini Metro for a week I went without a car and that’s essentially LA’s version of Uber & Lyft for $2.50 a ride. That was OK to use but you still need to walk to your destination from bus stops.

Pricing:

• $150 makeup application (includes lashes)
• $100+ mobile ear-piercing

Contact Info:

• Instagram: HTTPS://www.instagram.com/crystalrgonzales