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

Giselle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I think many times, artists are misunderstood. Women in general are misunderstood for the way they look, act, or simply exist. As a makeup artist I’ve had people tell me, “that isn’t a real job” “you are never going to get anywhere by just wearing makeup”. However I am here to tell you, you can do anything regardless of what people think about you. Their opinions don’t pay your bills and most definitely don’t matter. At the end of the day, everything that you do, let it be for you and only you. If it makes you happy, and gives your life purpose don’t give up on it <3

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Giselle Estrada, Gigi for short, and also known as Gigilumakeup. I am a self taught makeup artist, and creator since 2013. I was 15 at the time, and I would spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials, and getting up everyday at 5am to do my makeup for school. Now, in 2022 after a global pandemic and a lot of free time I could say everyday I get better at my craft. Ive pushed my limits and even surprised myself with what I can do. With makeup I am able to express, and bring my visions to life. I love makeup because there are no rules, or expectations. I try to incorporate color, and shine in everything that I do.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Anyone else addicted to Tik Tok? no just me? okay well I definitely wish Tik Tok existed when I first started my makeup journey. These simple 15 second videos have taught me so much in so little time. I learned the artistry through YouTube videos, but now I see how simple it is for other creatives to share their talents through another social media app. I myself am trying to grow a platform on Tik Tok and teach others how simple it is to feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

After 9 years in this industry, I think it might be time to take Gigilu to the next level. I am currently working to officially get my makeup license and eventually teach others my skills. Can’t share to much, but there is a dream behind Gigilumakeup and I am trying my best to get there hopefully by my 10 year makeup anniversary (fingers crossed).

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigilumakeup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gigilumakeup/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/gigilumakeup
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSbI-DEnmcp47S-Mu4FlmQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigilumakeup

Image Credits
Shout out to my amazing friend & photographer Beatriz Valim also known as @beacasso