We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Padilla. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.

Gabrielle, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the biggest risks I took in my business was deciding to go full-time as a hair and makeup artist. At the time, I had a stable job working in a hair salon, but I wasn’t creatively fulfilled. I had built a small client base on the side, but it wasn’t guaranteed income. Still, I trusted my skills, my passion, and the relationships I was building. It was during Covid that I decided to take the leap and left my salon job to pour everything into my business. It was scary, but that leap allowed me to grow, expand my brand, and eventually work with dream clients and on creative projects I never would’ve had time for otherwise! That risk taught me that betting on myself is always worth it and also having the right people around you and supporting you is everything !

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?

My name is Gabrielle, and I’m a professional hair and makeup artist with a passion for helping people feel confident, radiant, and fully themselves! My journey into this industry started with a deep love for creativity and transformation. I was always the friend doing everyone’s hair and makeup for school dances, dance competitions, photoshoots, and special events, and eventually realized I could turn that passion into a purpose-driven career.

I specialize in providing beauty services for weddings, photoshoots, events, and branding campaigns. Whether it’s soft glam, bold editorial, or natural, effortless looks, I tailor every service to fit the client’s unique features, vision, and vibe.

What sets me apart is the intuitive, personal approach I bring to every appointment. I believe beauty is deeply personal, and my goal is to enhance what already exists—never mask it! I lean into empathy, artistry, and emotion in my work. I listen closely, read energy, and create looks that align with who someone is, not just what’s trending!

I’m most proud of building a business rooted in authenticity, trust, and connection. Every time someone trusts me with their face, their vision, or their big day—it’s an honor. I’m also proud of the risks I’ve taken to grow, from going full-time in my business to working on creative projects that scared and excited me in equal measure.

My work is more than just glam—it’s about celebrating who you are. I want potential clients and followers to know that when you work with me, you’re not just getting a service, you’re getting a safe space to show up as yourself. Beauty doesn’t have to feel performative. It can be empowering, intentional, and soul-affirming!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A Lesson I Had to Unlearn in the Beauty Industry:
That perfection is the goal.

When I first stepped into the beauty world, I thought my job was to erase every flaw—blend every line, snatch every contour, fix what didn’t “fit” the standard. I believed beauty meant symmetry, smoothness, and silence—no texture, no realness, just filtered results in real life.

But behind every face was a story, and I started realizing: perfection isn’t connection. The more I tried to “fix,” the more I disconnected from what made each person uniquely themselves. I wasn’t here to mask people—I was here to reveal them.

Unlearning that idea of flawlessness was a huge eye opener and mindset shift. Now, I approach my work as a celebration, not a correction. Beauty isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about amplifying your essence. And that shift? It changed everything.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes—and honestly, I didn’t expect it to.

When I first started doing hair and makeup, it was just something I loved. I’d glam friends for events, do quick looks on family members, and stay up late watching tutorials, learning techniques, and dreaming quietly. I never called it a “business” back then—it was more like a creative escape from my 9–5.

But word started spreading. One friend turned into five. One shoot turned into a booked weekend. And somewhere along the way, I realized: this thing I was doing for fun? It was building a name, a reputation, and a life of its own.

Some of the key milestones:
• My first paid client—it was a small rate, but the confidence boost was massive.
• My first wedding—I was nervous but left feeling like I was made for this.
• When I invested in a real kit, not just pieces here and there. That was my “I’m taking this seriously” moment.
• Getting featured or reposted—those little spotlights made a big impact.
• The moment I left my day job—equal parts terrifying and freeing.

Scaling up wasn’t about overnight success. It was small steps, staying visible, showing up for myself and my clients, and learning how to treat my artistry like a business, not just a passion.

If you’re in the side-hustle phase right now, here’s what I’ll say:
Keep nurturing it. Don’t wait for it to be “big enough” to believe in it. Show up like it’s already your full-time energy, and eventually, it will be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gfpbeautyartistry
• Facebook: Hair & Makeup Artistry by Gabrielle

Image Credits

Nicole Hagan
Brandi Grooms Photography
Liza Barrick Photo
Alyssa Mancini Photo
Alex Schon