We were lucky to catch up with Gigi Davison recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gigi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I went from earning my bachelor of science and child development and psychology to working in my field for about four years. I learned that this wasn’t for me and it was highly recommended from friends and family that I pursue the art that I had been doing since I was 18 years old. At 26 I finally took the plunge and went from a 9 to 5 to going to cosmetology school. While I started in Albuquerque New Mexico I ended up getting my education from Paul Mitchell in Los Angeles California. While I was in Los Angeles I was performing as a side gig which later became my bread and butter, and that’s where I became and Aerialist. For about 10 years I was doing hair and make up as well as performing. When my performance days were looking smaller and smaller I still wanted to be an aerialist and learned to teach. My (now) husband and I decided to leave California and pursue a life in Texas. We welcomed a little girl in 2018 and shortly after that I branched out on my own with a fire lit and started Beauty by Gigi. I was always teaching aerial classes on the side ever since we moved and was able to make my two passions my full time creative work. I have been able to build my beauty business as well as creating a name for myself in the aerial community both teaching and performing. This definitely wasn’t an easy journey, it took several years to get where I’m at and I’ve jumped over many hurdles. Sometimes I wish I had gone to cosmetology school right out of high school but I have to say even though it seems I don’t use my degree, it has helped me in so many ways. Everything happens for a reason and I definitely think that if I did start my cosmetology journey sooner I wouldn’t be where I am today. My life experience has given me the tools that I need for success in the present day.

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

I’m proud to say that I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for over 11 years now. I’ve worked with several brands but the one that has helped me and the majority of my clients is Joico. Not only has it been able to repair my hair when I needed it most but I was also given several opportunities from the company where I learned so much. What really sets me apart is my experience, I treat each client as if it was myself in the chair. I’ve had a lot of people come to me with severely damaged hair and it gives me great joy to give them healthy hair again. I’m able to educate each client on the right products to use to give them the hair they’ve always wanted as well as styling tips and tricks. Also my experience in performing helps me to give amazing hairstyles and make up that lasts all night. I cater to each client and their own individual needs.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Right now the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to create my own schedule to be able to spend time with my family. It has allowed me to spend more time with my daughter since the day she was born than most. I have always cherished that time and I’m so grateful for it. The reason that I have been able to do that I attest to my husband. He challenges me in ways that I don’t think of and it pushes me to always be a better creative. All in all I have been given the gift of time, not only does that make me a better creative but also a bette twice and mother.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am driven by financial freedom in my creative journey. Sometimes being in a creative field isn’t always lucrative however, if you hustle and take advantage of opportunities it can lead you down the right path. Being able to make a living off of my passions is some thing that I am not only proud of but I strive to continue to do to set my family up for generations to come. If you’ve ever been one that has struggled financially you understand the importance and value of setting yourself up for financial freedom.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @beauty_bygigi , @mrs.gigid
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/beautycreatedbygigi

Image Credits
Mark Maddamma