We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Barbara Gillespie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Barbara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

Scaling up my business happened gradually and very organically. When I first started doing makeup in Peru at 15, it was mostly for friends and local clients, but as I refined my full-glam style, word of mouth really helped me grow. Over time, I invested in better products, practiced different techniques, and started building a strong online presence to showcase my work. Consistency and client trust were key — every look became a reflection of my passion and professionalism. As my clientele grew, I focused on offering a personalized experience, which helped turn one-time appointments into loyal clients. Eventually, that foundation allowed me to expand my services, work on larger events, and elevate my brand into a professional beauty business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Barbara Gillespie, and I’m a professional makeup artist specializing in full-glam transformations. I’ve been working in the beauty industry for six years, but my journey began much earlier — and under very personal circumstances. When I was 15 and living in Peru, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a condition that left me temporarily paralyzed. During my recovery, I used makeup as a way to regain strength and coordination in my hands. What started as physical therapy quickly became a form of self-expression and empowerment. Makeup helped me heal, both physically and emotionally, and I soon realized I wanted to help others feel that same confidence and joy.

Today, I focus on creating flawless, high-impact glam looks that make my clients feel radiant, confident, and unstoppable. My services range from special-event makeup to full bridal glam and photoshoot looks. What sets my work apart is the level of detail, care, and connection I bring to every session — I don’t just apply makeup, I create an experience that celebrates each person’s individuality and beauty.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come — turning a moment of hardship into a thriving business and a creative outlet that empowers others. My goal with every client is to make them feel seen, beautiful, and ready to take on the world. My brand is about transformation, resilience, and self-love, and I want people to know that makeup isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling your best and embracing your power.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I first started my makeup journey, I didn’t have a large budget or any investors — just a deep passion and determination to create something meaningful. In the beginning, I used what little savings I had as a teenager in Peru to buy a few essential products and brushes. Every time I booked a client, I reinvested a portion of what I earned into expanding my kit and improving the quality of my tools and products. It was a slow and steady process, built on consistency and a lot of hard work.

As my skills and reputation grew, I was able to invest in professional-grade products, better lighting, and eventually, a dedicated space for my work. My “funding” really came from dedication — every step of growth was fueled by reinvesting in myself and my craft. I think that’s what makes my business so personal: it was built from the ground up with passion, persistence, and faith in my vision rather than financial backing.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation was built on a mix of consistency, genuine connection, and the quality of my work. From the very beginning, I focused on giving every client a personalized experience — listening to what they wanted and making sure they felt comfortable and confident throughout the process. Word of mouth became my strongest form of marketing because people could see and feel the care I put into each look. Over time, my full-glam style became recognizable for its precision, flawless finishes, and the way it enhances natural beauty while still delivering that bold, glamorous touch.

Beyond the artistry, I think what really set me apart was my story and my attitude. Clients saw the passion and resilience that fuel my work, and that authenticity built trust. I treat every client like they’re my most important one, and I always aim to make them feel celebrated and beautiful. That dedication to quality and care has helped me grow a loyal client base and a strong reputation in the beauty community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupwithbarbie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupwithbarbie_/