Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Camiel Gary. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Camiel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were starting over today what I would do differently is believe in myself. I was heavy into makeup back in 2010 but I stopped once I got to college because I got picked on. That was the first mistake I made instead of pushing through and not caring, I gave up. If I would have stayed consistent like I am now, I wouldn’t feel like I had to catch up before I created my business. I say that because makeup, social media, networking, and services provided evolved so much between 2010 to 2019. Honestly still evolving in 2023. The places I am trying to get to now would have been met way earlier by just believing in myself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Some information about me, my name is Camiel Smith-Gary. I got into the makeup industry out of passion for art. Most of you are probably saying makeup isn’t art, but it is. Each client I have has a different skin texture, skin tone, facial structure, different complimentary colors for their skin tone, etc. Well guess what your basic primary colors make up the color of your foundation. Long story short art can be whatever you make it to be. So, with that being said makeup is my art.

The type of services I offer are natural enhancements, glitter glam, brides, bridal party, 50 shades of glam, specials depending on the occasion, etc. I am currently in the works of adding more services such as natural individual lashes, eyebrow grooming and eyebrow tinting. I also like to sell merchandise from time to time with my brand on it. One day I would like to have a consistent flow of merchandise to sell regularly.

The problems I solve for my clients is I am pretty much always available when needed near and far. I created this business because so many parents were looking for a makeup artist for their daughter for viking ball and prom at a reasonable price. With my business I think that sets me apart from others is my makeup always look natural. I always want my client to leave my chair looking and feeling like themselves just with a touch of 50 Shades of Gary enhancement.

I am most proud of stepping out of my comfort zone and creating my business. I am most proud of that because I’ve been a shy, introverted, in the corner hiding, smile, wave and keeping it moving person all my life. 50 Shades of Gary created a different drive and hunger in me that I never knew I had.

The main things I want potential clients, followers, fans to know about me is I love what I do, and I will do everything I can to provide you with great service. I am still learning how to do this business thing, so be patient with me. You work with me, and I’ll work with you.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story from my journey that illustrates resilience is when I did a wedding party of 12 by myself. When I secured this wedding I was like Cam what did you get yourself into. I had to call my mentor like ummm what am I supposed to do? She gave me a pep talk and basically said girl get it done. So, I had to sit down and come up with a plan, basically a strict time schedule. I started at 630 am and each appointment was 30 minutes each. It had to be that way because the wedding started at 200 pm. One of my rules is my client will NOT be late behind me. I still stick to that saying no matter what. Yeah that day provided a lot of insight for me as a makeup artist and entrepreneur. Thank God for my husband that went with me and made sure I ate and took a break when I could. I was exhausted by the end of the day but worth it.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my audience on social media with my daughter Destinee. Me and her had Friday night glam night every week playing in makeup. I look back at those pictures as a reminder of how far my craft has come. I can say some of those were pretty bad. Thank God for patience with myself and consistency that has gotten me this far. The advice I can give for those starting to build their social media presence is to be consistent in your posts and craft. Engagement is a huge part of social media and acknowledging your followers. Thanking them, commenting, responding to messages, and things of that naure.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_50shadesofgary/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50shadesofGaryy