Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Villalobos.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started as an 8-year-old little girl loving my pink glitter caboodles box my mom bought me, I remember her giving me those cherry lip glosses we all glam girls had back then and storing them in there, best memories are her and I playing makeup and just loving spending time with my mother. I come from a family of Beauty entrepreneurs my aunt in Acapulco, Mexico owned a salon in a very luxurious resort and my mother owning her massage business for over 10 years here in Houston, so I followed in the family footsteps. I grew up as an only child originally raised In Los Angeles, California. In school I was a chatter box, always got in trouble for talking and socializing during class. So, I knew that my career choice had to be somewhere in between meeting different people and socializing while getting paid and making people feel fabulous when they looked in the mirror. So, one day, I had an epiphany, and mind you back in 2004, it wasn’t as huge a career choice as it now, with all the social media going on around us to choose to be a “Makeup Artist” it all started at Makeup Designory in Burbank, California. Coming from a middle-class Hispanic family, usually, the thing to do is go to college but my parents supported my crazy career choice.
My love for makeup was bigger than I could ever imagine one of my first gigs as a makeup artist was with an usher and his back up dancers at the Los Angeles convention center. The school I went to has job placement and while I didn’t get paid we got sponsored by Clinique to get a bunch of product for working the show. It was phenomenal to be around seasoned artists and hairstylist working together to make the show and the performers look their best. After that experience, I was even more in love with my career it was this adrenaline rush you get while working!
Fast forward a few years getting myself exposed to different types of clients doing bridal parties, individual clients and working on Pro Bono projects, helped me expand my business as a freelance makeup artist. Just 4 years ago, I moved to the beautiful lone star state where I literally had to start from scratch. Not knowing anyone in the industry and being a little frightened by the thought of starting all over was unbearable. But I wasn’t going to get disappointed so easily. I used social media to connect with other artists all over Houston. Using free advertising sites also helped me build my business all over again, networking, volunteering for a nonprofit mentoring program here in Houston called the smahrt girl foundation owned by Ms. Pam Ellis, My client base has expanded exponentially From the typical homecoming and prom clients to A-list clients, Doctors other entrepreneurs and Brides. I own “Glambysheila”, as a freelance artist, I also had the privilege to be a makeup instructor for a modeling agency called John Casablanca, currently contract for Xtreme Lashes as one of their makeup artists for their education department. An elite artist for Be Glammed mobile makeup services. Other artists, also use me as their back up in case of an emergency and I also like to teach other makeup artists how to improve their skills. I am a firm believer in helping others succeed, there is plenty of work for everyone.
I treat every one of my clients the same. I love getting to know them and for some, it’s the luxury experience of my service and for others, it’s more therapeutic like a counseling session but with a twist of glam, per say. We talk about personal experiences, relationship advice, self-esteem. The topic can vary per individual needs. It’s a reciprocal matter where I too get something out of it, sometimes I learn something new from my clients. I have some clients that have turned Into good friends as well. When I am “working “ I don’t feel like it’s work at all, I’m just using my skills to make my client even more beautiful than they already are. The end results give me a sense of accomplishment when I see my client’s expression on their face, it’s all worthwhile.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has its ups and downs just like any other career for me at the beginning of my journey, it was getting clients by word of mouth, back then there was no social media and internet to take advantage of to get your name out there. But when you choose to be an entrepreneur the pressure is a lot more intense. You don’t have anyone to rely on but YOURSELF. It all starts with you and how you manage your business. Now, it’s a lot easier with all the social media platforms out there. But as advice on a skills level, I can give a future artist is practice practice practice! On your friends, families. Volunteer your time at a women’s shelter offering your services. Also, team up with local photographers that specialize in bridal, family portraits or boudoir sessions. That’s where you’ll get all of your work experience from great luck to you!
Please tell us about Glambysheila.
Now, I specialize in bridal airbrush makeup and photography. I am known for that full glam Hollywood look, don’t come asking me for no natural makeup. Just kidding. I can do that too. Especially on brides, I like that natural timeless look, I always advise my brides that you don’t want that cut crease glitter lids on your eyes and you fast forward 10 years and look at your wedding albums and say “what was I thinking?!” wearing that bright blue eyeshadow. I am very honest and try to guide the bride as to what look goes best which 99% of my clients agree.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Yes! My father was a small thinker. Always negative, he always had a problem for every solution and I grew up around that and saw my mother deal with him at a young age, my mother came from basically nothing and now, she has a whole lot to show for. She’s the reason I keep going that and my 2 children, I teach them that in our vocabulary the word “can’t “ doesn’t exist. I teach them the whole opposite of what I grew up on with my Father. My mother has always been my biggest supporter. Totally, the opposite She’s taught me to dream big and wide nothing is ever impossible. When your drive for success is insurmountable, nothing can stop you. So, don’t ever stop dreaming.
Pricing:
- Traditional Makeup $100
- Airbrush Makeup $150
- Travel fee varies by location.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/2F02SQ63V0KXR/glambysheila
- Phone: 832.330.5843
- Email: glambysheila8@gmail.com
- Instagram: @glambysheila
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glambysheila/
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