Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela De Leon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gabriela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I would like to start off by saying that I would have never thought I’d be so passionate about makeup today. When I was very young, I was like a little tomboy; I dressed in typical boy clothes, I was definitely not into makeup at the time, I was just “one of the dudes”. After a couple of years, I noticed my older sister doing her makeup and creating these vibrant and dramatic makeup looks that caught me in awe. I loved the way she would transform herself and so I fell in love with the idea of enhancing natural beauty and transforming into this confident and beautiful person. At nine years old, I was gifted my first official makeup set on Christmas by another one of my older sisters. I remember it was an elf kit that had a duo eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, and an eyelash curler. I would sit in front of my mirror every other day, playing and experimenting with the makeup.
With time, I began to collect more makeup and played around with it even more. In school, I always got dolled up and everyone knew me as “the one who wears makeup”, but little did they know I’d be doing great things now. I don’t think I got very “advanced” for my age until about my freshmen year of high school. My makeup rapidly began looking pro and more people noticed it. Today, I have gone viral for my crazy Halloween makeup, I’ve partnered with an eyelash company (Covert Beauty), I’ve done makeup for all types of people and all types of occasions. I have been offered amazing opportunities and the reputation I have around my community for doing makeup is so great. I have also expanded my brand into providing eyebrow tint and eyebrow wax services. My friends and even people on social media that I have never met, have been a huge support system and helped me get the exposure I have.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting into beauty was definitely an escape and distraction from the ugly things that life throws at us at times. Sitting in front of a mirror for up to 5 or 6 hours at a time really gets your mind of off problems or struggles that we may be dealing with. Also, the art itself has been a struggle at times that I don’t feel confident in what I do. Maybe one day I do a makeup look and it doesn’t come out the way I wanted to, it will put me down for a bit and make me lose motivation or maybe that one negative comment that someone makes ruins my day. Situations like this used to easily put me down and lack motivation and I would just stay to myself for a bit until I had the courage to sit back in my chair and do my makeup again. Competition is also a problem in the beauty industry. It is a huge industry, so there will naturally be competition, but it has been a struggle not falling into the hole of envy and hate that some people give off.
Beauty By Golden Gaby – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is known as Beauty By Golden Gaby. I specialize in makeup and eyebrows. I am discrimination-free, so I provide any service for any gender, sexuality, race, shape, or size! I have also made “packages” to accommodate people who for example, want their eyebrows and eyeshadow done but don’t like face makeup and a package for practice trial makeup. I also provide special prices for big groups like a bridal party. I am most proud of my progress and commitment to my talent. I nearly get chills when I look back at my old pictures and compare them to what I’ve done recently. I literally took my face and made it into a legit canvas. I believe the work that I do for someone my age sets me apart from others, as well as my consistency. It is really tough staying passionate and consistent when you have to deal with school, work and a personal life, so I commend myself for holding up and making an effort.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Believe it or not, having the opportunity to be published on Voyage Houston is so rewarding and I know my family and friends will be so proud. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and exposure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beautybygoldengaby.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?ig_ix=true
- Email: gabydln6@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybygoldengaby/
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