Today we’d like to introduce you to Ulla Gaudin

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My journey as a makeup artist and wig master for film and TV began when I was just a toddler, around 2 or 3 years old. Even at that young age, I was captivated by the magic of transformation. Growing up in Finland, I faced skepticism and discouragement about my dream of working in the film industry. Many told me it wasn’t a real profession and that I’d never make money pursuing it.

Despite these naysayers, I followed my passion and attended film school in Finland, where formal education is required to work as a makeup artist in film and TV. Since graduating, I’ve defied those early doubts by working on hundreds of productions and even earning nominations for both an Oscar and an Emmy.

However, my story goes beyond my professional achievements. Thirty years ago, I had a life-altering near-death experience. I was in an abusive relationship that culminated in my partner strangling me. I was clinically dead for 20 minutes. During this time, I experienced something extraordinary – I could see and hear everything happening around me while watching my body on a hospital bed, seeing the heart monitor flatline.

What’s more, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer during this same period. While I was “on the other side,” I had the profound experience of talking to my grandparents. All I felt was an overwhelming sense of love and peace. I knew that if I chose to return to life, I would be fully healed.

Surviving these harrowing experiences transformed my outlook on life. Since then, I’ve committed myself to being a beacon of light for everyone I encounter. My journey isn’t just about my career in makeup artistry; it’s about resilience, transformation, and using my second chance at life to inspire and uplift others.

Today, beyond my work in film and TV, I work one-on-one with people and through online courses, helping them reconnect with their higher selves. I see myself as a “universal detective,” helping others uncover the clues to their own life’s mysteries. I also channel my experiences into writing, currently working on my memoir, “Expired,” which delves into the shadows of my past and chronicles my journey of survival and transformation.

In addition to these roles, I’m a proud mother of two amazing boys, which has led me to develop strategies for mindful parenting. I’m also an avid builder, creating everything from intricate miniature houses to renovating my own home and breathing new life into old furniture.

My journey has taught me that life is precious and unpredictable. This knowledge drives me to make the most of every day, to pursue my passions fiercely, and to use my skills and experiences to positively impact others. Whether I’m working on a film set, helping someone connect with their higher self, or simply living my daily life, I strive to be that beacon of light I promised myself I’d be after my second chance at life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road to where I am today has been far from smooth. I’ve faced numerous challenges, both personal and professional:

1. Early discouragement: Growing up, I was constantly belittled for my aspiration to work in the film industry. This lack of support could have deterred me, but instead, it fueled my determination.

2. Abusive relationship: The most severe struggle I faced was being in an abusive relationship that led to my near-death experience. This traumatic event became a turning point in my life.

3. Near-death experience: Being clinically dead for 20 minutes was a profound and life-altering experience. While it ultimately led to positive changes, the process of understanding and integrating this experience was challenging.

4. Health battles: I was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which coincided with my near-death experience. Fighting cancer while trying to build my career tested my resilience to its limits.

5. Industry challenges: Breaking into the film and TV industry is notoriously difficult. Even after film school, establishing myself and building a reputation required persistence and hard work.

6. Balancing multiple roles: As my career evolved, I found myself juggling multiple roles – makeup artist, spiritual guide, mother, writer, and DIY enthusiast. Finding balance among these various aspects of my life has been an ongoing challenge.

7. Writing about trauma: Working on my memoir, “Expired,” has required me to revisit and process traumatic experiences from my past, which can be emotionally demanding.

These struggles, while immensely difficult, have shaped who I am today and have given me a unique perspective that influences both my work and my interactions with others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

My work is a unique blend of the tangible and the intangible, spanning from the film industry to spiritual guidance.

In the film and TV world, I’ve carved out a niche as a makeup artist and wig master with a rather macabre specialty – making people look convincingly dead. This unusual skill has earned me Oscar and Emmy nominations and allows me to exercise my lifelong fascination with transformation in a very concrete way.

What truly sets me apart, though, is how I’ve integrated my near-death experience into my professional life. I’ve become what I playfully call a “universal detective,” helping people uncover the mysteries of their own lives and connect with their higher selves. This isn’t about providing answers, but about teaching people to access their own innate wisdom.

I’m also known for my claim to “talk to dead people.” While I don’t run a “ghostly call center,” I sometimes receive messages from the departed. This ability gives me a unique perspective in my spiritual guidance work.

Another distinctive aspect of my professional life is my ongoing project – writing a memoir titled “Expired.” This book offers a raw, unflinching look at survival and resilience, providing insights that can only come from someone who has truly been to the brink and back.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to blend humor with profound insights. I approach life’s biggest questions with a light touch, helping people navigate the absurdities of existence without losing sight of the deeper meanings.

Lastly, my DIY spirit infuses all aspects of my work. Whether I’m crafting intricate miniature houses, renovating my home, or helping someone rebuild their life, I bring a hands-on, creative approach to transformation.

In essence, what sets me apart is my ability to bridge worlds – the world of the living and the dead, the physical and the spiritual, the tragic and the humorous. My work, in all its forms, is about helping people see the extraordinary in the ordinary and find light in the darkest of places.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

The most profound lesson I’ve learned through my near-death experience and life journey is that we are the creators of our own reality. This understanding goes beyond any earthly wisdom and has become the cornerstone of my philosophy and approach to life.

During my near-death experience, I was instilled with the knowledge that everything is moldable. I’ve come to understand that by connecting with our higher selves, and the Divine, we gain the power to change our thoughts and emotions, thereby reshaping our view of life. This connection is not separate from our ability to transform our reality – it’s the very source of that power.

I’ve learned that our higher self is the wellspring of inner wisdom that guides us in this creation process. By tapping into this connection, we can shift our perception, and as a result, the world as we know it can dissipate and become new. This process of connecting, changing, and creating is continuous and intertwined.

Another crucial lesson involves redefining resilience. In my view, true resilience isn’t about pushing through difficulties or stubbornly enduring hardships. Instead, it’s about being persistent in maintaining our connection with our higher self and the Divine at all costs. Life isn’t about forcing our way through challenges, but rather about consistently, and consciously, aligning ourselves with our higher wisdom to navigate and transform our experiences.

I’ve also learned the value of humor in navigating life’s complexities. As I often say, I’m not a guru with all the answers, but more of a “universal detective” helping others uncover the clues to their own life’s mysteries. This approach has taught me to embrace life’s absurdities and find joy even in difficult times, all while staying connected to the deeper truths of our existence.

In my professional life as a makeup artist, these lessons translate to seeing the beauty and potential in every person I work with. I don’t just transform appearances; I aim to facilitate a connection with their inner light, boosting confidence from the inside out.

Ultimately, I’ve learned that life is precious, unpredictable, and filled with opportunities for growth and connection. This knowledge drives me to make the most of every day, to pursue my passions fiercely, and to use my skills and experiences to positively impact others. Whether I’m working on a film set, helping someone connect with their higher self, parenting my children, or creating something with my hands, I strive to embody the light and wisdom I discovered in my second chance at life.

Through all of this, I’ve come to firmly believe that by aligning with our higher selves, we can transform our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our entire reality. This is the essence of personal growth and the key to living a fulfilling life. It’s not about enduring or pushing through, but about consistently choosing to connect with our higher selves and allowing that connection to guide us through life’s journey.

Pricing:

• $250-$5,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ullagaudin.com
• Other: https://ullagaudin.substack.com

Image Credits

Ulla Gaudin