We were lucky to catch up with Gina Caraballo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

While I was in college in San Diego, I’d spend my mornings before class cold-calling local film and TV production companies—literally flipping through the yellow pages and reaching out to anyone who might give me a shot as a Makeup Artist. I didn’t have connections and social media didn’t exist, but I had grit and a serious drive to get my foot in the door.

One morning, a guy picked up the phone in the makeup department of a production company, he happened to be the lead makeup artist and told me they had just lost their makeup person. He asked if I could be there in 30 minutes. Without hesitation, I said yes, grabbed my kit, and literally ran out the door.

That call led to my very first professional makeup job—on a Disney Channel movie. I was 20 years old, standing on set, trying to play it cool, but inside I was having a total pinch-me moment. That first paycheck wasn’t just income—it was the moment I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.many would say I got lucky, I’d say I don’t believe in luck, but in blessings.

Gina, 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?

Hi! I’m the artist behind For Love & Beauty, a beauty brand rooted in clean, natural, and intentional care. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 20 years, starting as a makeup artist long before social media and influencers took over the scene. I was fortunate to assist under some of the greatest artists that overlooked The Oscars, Dancing with The Stars etc. Over the years of working makeup, I developed a special love for brow shaping. After becoming a mom, I knew I wanted more flexibility and time at home with my family, so I shifted my focus to brows and launched my own line of ingredient-conscious brow products—including my custom BROW RADIANT- brow oil and BROW FLUFF- styling cream gel with growth support made with organic, nourishing ingredients. Ive been so blessed to have built a career around not only being a service provider giving big smiles when clients look in the mirror but also building friendships where conversations include celebrating the highs, encouraging when facing some lows, and even grieving from losses. I get to pray for clients during the week and they probably don’t even know it. I love being a part of that!

These days, I offer weekend brow and makeup services in LA while spending most of the week working from home on my product line and soaking up time with my little girl and husband. I love that I’ve created a career that fits into the season I’m in—a balance of artistry, motherhood, and purpose.

What sets For Love & Beauty apart is not just the natural aesthetic, but the heart behind it. I believe in clean beauty that supports your skin, your schedule, and your confidence. Whether you’re sitting in my chair or using one of my thoughtfully made brow products at home, I want you to feel seen, cared for, and beautiful just as you are.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’ve been really fortunate to have incredible mentors in the beauty industry—women who have been in the game much longer than I have and are operating at a much larger scale. Their guidance has been invaluable and absolutely worth the investment. Some of them have even become close friends who are generous enough to let me send a quick text when I need honest feedback or advice, which I’m super grateful for.

I also lean into a few key resources that have shaped how I think about business and leadership. Beauty biz podcasts have been especially helpful—hearing from other founders, estheticians, and artists navigating their own journeys is both inspiring and grounding.

But truly, the biggest influence on my mindset and approach comes from my faith. My morning devotionals, scripture reading, and listening to the Daily Hope podcast by Rick Warren keep me centered and remind me of my purpose. That spiritual foundation and my relationship with Jesus keeps me going when things feel overwhelming and helps me lead with intention and integrity. Knowing that there’s someone greater and smarter than me, who created me and knows my innermost being is the only source I want.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, I do manufacture my products! It all started from a need I noticed firsthand—there was a real gap in the market for brow growth products that were clean, gentle, and effective. A lot of the popular brow serums out there contain ingredients like prostaglandins, which are essentially hormone-like compounds. While they can work, they often come with side effects that made me uncomfortable recommending them, especially for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply looking for safer alternatives.

My background is deeply rooted in the clean beauty space. I’ve worked for major clean beauty brands carried at Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom—as an educator, regional manager, and national makeup artist. I even traveled internationally to train teams on ingredients and product application. I also did makeup for national ad campaigns, including shoots for Sephora’s in-store gondolas. Those years taught me so much about ingredients, formulation, and what goes into building a product that truly performs.

Brow shaping had always been a strength of mine, so it was only natural to start creating products for that space. My first brow oil was made in my kitchen—simple, clean, and made with purpose and lots of late nights. My clients loved it and it sold well, even though I wasn’t actively marketing it at the time.

Recently, I took things to the next level and partnered with an amazing lab and a talented chemist who totally gets my ingredient philosophy. They’re now helping me formulate and manufacture on a larger scale. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead—more clean, intentional products that truly serve. My BROW FLUFF is now available and stay tuned for more coming very soon!
Xx,
Gina

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.forloveandbeauty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/for_love_and_beauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forloveandbeauty
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@forloveandbeauty6559
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/for-love-and-beauty-hermosa-beach

Image Credits

Jamie Rodriquez
Karla