Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Bello.
Hi Gabriela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Makeup Artist based in the Bay Area as well as LA. I had always been a makeup enthusiast at such a young age. Always did makeup for my little sister’s events, their friend’s proms, etc. Never actually considered pursuing my career full-time! I worked for eight years at Costco wholesale. Devoted all my time into being such a great employee but always felt like complacent like I had more to offer to the world. I knew I wanted to pursue more but taking that leap of faith is terrifying. Finally after eight years, I had to decide for myself if working that 9-5 would be my forever or if I should really pursue a career I enjoy. Finally, after meeting my boyfriend who is an entrepreneur himself, well established in his barbering career I knew I had to make changes in my life. Seeing him make his own schedule and really motivating me to find a new outlet that I enjoyed really helped in making that decision for me.
Finally, I set myself up to pursue what I wanted to do, I signed myself up for makeup school and quit my 9-5 job. Well-assured off of savings and much-needed prayers, I took that leap of faith. Let me just say that was the best decision I ever made in my life. My life has flourished in ways I couldn’t imagine! I’m fully booked and a full-time pro makeup artist. I’ve built up my clientele, best so many wonderful people in this industry and have continued to further my business in every aspect. I’m so grateful to be able to say I actually pursued my dream career and it’s been such a success for me. Though it wasn’t easy, with persistence, drive & never losing side of my end goal. I’ve continued to thrive! I’m so grateful and happy to be where I am at. I can’t wait to see what more I can achieve in this life! All happens when you take that leap of faith and really follow your dreams.
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?
It has not, the first two years of starting any business are the hardest. Any business-oriented person can tell you that! It’s challenging, some days you question if you’ve made the right decision. For instance, building your clientele or promoting yourself. All those things take time, but if you stay consistent, it’ll happen. You have to believe in yourself.
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 absolutely love what I do, being a makeup artist. I’ve always been creative since I was younger. I initially wanted to go to school for animation since I enjoyed drawing ever since I was younger. But life has other plans and now still being able to use my creative tools in a different way is amazing! Makeup is art, and being able to blend colors and make art is fun. I specialize in Bridal, Special Events makeup. This year I’ve really focused on taking higher-end bridal clients. I enjoy and take pride in being there for my client’s most special moments on their biggest days on their lives and making them feel beautiful. The love that radiates after they’ve seen themselves all done up makes my job feel accomplished. I feel like what sets me apart is I am very outgoing yet easy to talk to. I treat it as every single person in my chair has a therapy session. Pour into me, tell me about your life. As I’d like them to leave a piece of them with me and as I do them. I care, I truly do. About my work, about each of my clients. It’s more to me than just beauty, I want to change lives. Make people feel loved, beautiful and happy. To know that I do that, and I’ve had clients tell me how they’ve felt so welcomed in my chair, or I’ve made them feel so comfortable or I’m so easy to talk makes it all worth it.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I think I’ve learned is to never give up. Even when you’ve considered quitting or reevaluating if this is the right decision. Make that decision and stand behind it and pursue it wholeheartedly. Working hard, staying consistent, staying humble and true to your word and work will help you succeed. But always remember to stay humble, you’re never to good enough to continue learning or helping others succeed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/_msgabrielaa
