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

Gabrielle , appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

In 2021 I worked in Denver as a full time waxer for a corporate company and part time as a Lash Artist. I had just finished Esthetician school with the goal of eventually starting my own business doing lashes full time and freelance makeup. My best friend of 8 years called me to tell me she was opening up a Permanent Makeup Studio in Austin and she wanted me to work with her as an independent contractor. I worked non stop with few days off for six months so I could save up to move across the country.
Moving to Austin was hands down one of the scariest things i’ve done. Fresh Cosmetic Studio was brand new and there were many challenges i faced from the start. I didn’t have clientele, marketing a business proved to be harder than anticipated, and start up supplies were costly. I listened to podcasts on marketing and navigated my way through google and instagram ads until i finally started seeing my first few clients. On weekends, I would do makeup for weddings to stay afloat. I talked to everyone from the cashier at the grocery store to strangers shopping at Target to promote my business. I was determined and my constant persistence eventually led to more and more clients.
Flash forward to now and I am booked weeks in advance at the studio and I consistently get paid makeup gigs on the side. For only being in Austin for a year now, i can say there are still challenges i face on a daily basis but the reward of being able to make a living off of my creative work is the ultimate freedom.

Gabrielle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always been an artist and I took talented art classes from a young age up until college. I remember collecting Elle and Teen Vogue Magazines in elementary school and developed a love for high fashion with special attention to the makeup. It wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles in 2013 that I started having an interest in learning about makeup. I applied to work at a makeup counter at the Beverly Center called Impulse Beauty that carried brands such Inglot and Urban Decay. Needless to say i was enamored. I then went on to work for MAC Cosmetics for six years, eventually working my way up to 3rd Key Manager at a Pro store. Currently, I’ve been doing makeup for nine years and my love for learning new techniques and getting out of my comfort zone is ever evolving. In 2020 I decided to further my education and improve my skill set by going to school for Esthetics. I specialized in Lash Extensions and took a classic and volume course taught by Borboleta. During the week I work at Fresh Cosmetic Studio, an appointment based permanent makeup and lash studio located near The Domain. There I offer Classic, Hybrid, Volume, and Mega Volume Lashes that are customizable with color and decals. I also offer Brow Laminations, and Lash Lifts which are both perms for the brows and lashes. I continue to have a Freelance career as a makeup artist offering commercial, editorial, beauty, bridal, and production work.
I take a personalized approach to each service I offer by taking face and eye shape into consideration. I think It is imperative that all makeup artists are able to work on every skin tone and have every shade of foundation readily available In their kits. I want to be known for making everyone that sits in my chair feel confident in their skin regardless of gender, skin color, or age. My passion for all things beauty translates through my work.
I have been published in Pump, Malvie, and NWA Magazine featuring my editorial work and music videos for Wellington Bullings, Megafauna, Dzirae Gold, and Middlespoon.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting to see my client’s reaction when i hand them the mirror. I’ve had clients tear up after a makeup application and countless messages from my lash clients about how confident i made them feel. I truly want everyone who sits in my chair to feel like the best versions of themselves and to feel seen. Some of my first lash clients in Austin still continue to come to me and I get to know about their families, what they’ve overcome in life, and the ins and outs of their daily lives. These interactions make my job worthwhile. Sometimes i think to myself how lucky I am to not only make others feel good about themselves but I also get to create art while doing it.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Most of my clientele has been word of mouth. When you make someone feel good about themselves it’s something they want to talk about and share with their friends and family. I maintain relationships with my clients which in turn creates trust, loyalty, and friendship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gabriellejordano.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: @risefromthelashes
• Other: https://gabbyfisherartistry.as.me/schedule.php

Image Credits
Lilly Lilova Raphael Umscheid Isaac Rowry Shel Francis