Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabi Pray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gabi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I am very thankful to be one of the few people that can say I love my job! Having an unusual work schedule can be challenging, but this schedule has been my normal for my entire adult life. How fulfilling my job is makes sacrificing my weekends so much easier! A structured Monday – Friday job sounds enticing at times, but I wouldn’t trade the joy I find through my work for anything. Getting to be a part of big moments for my clients will never get old. Nothing compares to those 45 minutes I get to spend with them hearing about their life and being a voice of encouragement!
Gabi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began dabbling in makeup around the age of 12. I spent the following years through high school consumed by all things beauty. From homecoming makeovers to content creation, it quickly became a core part of my identity. Growing up in a small town, being a full time makeup artist felt like an unrealistic path. I decided to follow a more traditional route for college until I began working at MAC Cosmetics part-time. MAC helped to reignite my passion for makeup and give me the courage to chase after the career I wanted. I moved to Austin, TX at the beginning of 2020 to pursue makeup professionally. I have been a full time professional makeup artist since then and now have a team of artists that work alongside me with On Location Artistry. It has been a privilege to learn from so many established artists in Austin and fulfill the dreams that 12 year old me thought were not possible.
It’s incredibly important to me that both clients and fellow artists feel taken care of and heard. My goal is for my artists at On Location Artistry to feel supported in their journeys of growth as artists and individuals. I know that I would not have had the courage to move and chase my dreams if it weren’t for the support I received within this industry, and I hope to pay it forward.
Receiving a beauty service, whether it be hairstyling or a makeup application, is a very intimate experience. Most of our clients are booking for milestone moments, whether that be their first school dance, their wedding day, or a self care day after a tough few weeks. My goal is to provide every client with a safe space to talk through nerves, share in their excitement, and feel taken care of. From the first inquiry to the goodbye at the end of the appointment, I aim to provide a seamless process and uplifting space!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my job is the personal connection with my clients. It’s very important to me to not lose sight of what an honor it is to be chosen to be a part of these milestone moments!
How did you build your audience on social media?
I started my professional Instagram account when I was just getting into makeup as a high schooler! My content has always reflected my life and personality outside of work as well. I primarily use social media to connect with local industry professionals as well as keep up with my clients! I encourage anyone looking to build their social media presence to throw everything not true to themself out of the window. I frequently show my personal life, whether that be my cats, my travels, or my newest plants, on my feed. Being your authentic self online is the best way to find likeminded followers and clients!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onlocationartistry.com
- Instagram: @glambygabipray, @onlocationartistry