Today we’d like to introduce you to Gemma Hernandez.
Hi Gemma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Makeup has always been my favorite “hobby”. It was my escape from reality, a way to express myself. Growing up, I didn’t really enjoy playing sports or joined any clubs at school. I felt like I didn’t fit into any group, always second guessing myself wether I should join or not. I started experimenting with makeup at 13 years old, which, coming from a super traditional Mexican family, was not really allowed. My dad didn’t really like the idea of me wearing makeup, but he quickly realized how much joy it brought me and he put his beliefs aside and fully supported me.
Highschool came around and I was fully into all things makeup. I would save up every penny I could to buy new palettes and lipsticks, and pretty much anything that the YouTubers were reviewing.
I would create all sorts of fun looks, and these were the years (2016/2017) were colorful bold makeup was the “trend” and I have been a full glam girly ever since! I was always having friends and family over to create different makeup looks and would always take pictures and post them on all social media.
I didn’t think much of it when I initially posted them. Soon after, I was getting messages from girls at school asking if I could do their prom makeup. And it all started from there!
I started to book a few clients and had my very first bride at just 16 years old! I was nervous from the moment she messaged me up until her wedding day. We had a trial and it calmed my nerves a bit since I got to know her and how she envisioned herself looking like for her special day. When her wedding day came around, I was still nervous, but as soon as she sat in my chair, it was just her and I.
Bridal Makeup quickly became my favorite. I fell in love with weddings and the small part I get to play in my brides most special day. It’s six years later and I am still obsessed!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to where I am today has not been easy. I’ve had to deal with a lot of jugment and comments about being too young or not good enough. It has made me doubt myself at times but I had to build the courage to ignore it all and believe in myself as an artist. The beauty industry is so big and diverse that there’s always a makeup artist out there for you! At the end of the day, I try to stay true to myself and believe in my work!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am Makeup Artist that specializes in Bridal Makeup. I have fallen in love with weddings and the small role I get to play in others special day! I love how unique and different all of my brides are. And getting to know them and their stories is such a beautiful feeling. I would say I am a very versatile makeup artist. Although a beautiful full glam will always hold a special place in my heart, I enjoy doing soft and natural glams as well. I like to work with my clients and check in with them to help achieve their desired look. I am a big visual person (and a big yapper lol) so I always ask for a lot of inspo pictures and try to pinpoint what they like and don’t like about the makeup looks.
The best part is when I hand them the mirror and see their reaction to their glam. It’s truly such a rewarding feeling.
My main goal is always to make sure my client leaves my chair feeling more beautiful than when they first sat down.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is super important when building a business. You want to be the vendor or business people refer to and recommend. I would say a friendly hello goes along way. In the beauty industry, you cross paths with many artists that are on the same path as you. People respond to kindness! I would say to not let fear hold you back from asking questions and getting to know others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmas.makeup?igsh=dDZvOXZyd3Vodndv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EhC4K8CzG/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
@Daniellerankinphotosandfilm @Photography by Awdri
