Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianna Gibbs.
Hi Tianna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a makeup artist has been anything but easy, but every challenge has shaped the artist I am today.
I was already on my career path when the world shut down during the pandemic. I started makeup school on the same day as my high school graduation—and just as I finally took that big first step, Covid hit. Everything went online, and I couldn’t get any in-person learning or hands-on experience. I had to teach myself through a screen and practice on a mannequin just to keep going. It was far from easy, but I stuck to my vision and didn’t let the circumstances stop me.
When I first started, I knew I had a passion for makeup and making people feel confident and beautiful—but I didn’t always know my next step. I enrolled in a makeup school that ended up not being the right fit. I was exhausted—working long hours just to afford a program that wasn’t helping me grow. I was pouring in everything—my time, energy, money, and sleep—and still felt stuck. But I didn’t give up. I found another school that shifted everything for me. I finally felt aligned, refocused, and ready to move with intention.
From there, I became a Pro Makeup Artist at Sephora, where I not only honed my craft but also got to meet and work alongside some of the beauty industry’s top brand founders. I loved it—but again, I hit a wall. I needed more. I knew I had something special, but I wasn’t ready to open a studio on my own. I didn’t have anyone to guide me in the world of makeup artistry—it was all brand new to me and my family. I was figuring it out as I went. Still, with the support of my loved ones and a lot of prayer, I stayed the course.
Eventually, I was blessed with the opportunity to work under one of Dallas’s top makeup artists, someone with years of experience who became an incredible mentor. That season changed everything. I was promoted to trainer, makeup lead, assistant manager, and social media coordinator. I learned so much—not just about artistry, but about the business side of beauty and what it really takes to grow in this field.
Three years later, I took a leap of faith and opened my own suite. That moment was a turning point. I started booking makeup classes, back-to-back appointments, and traveling for clients. I worked harder than ever before, investing back into my business, my products, and myself. And then—another dream opportunity came true. I was hired to do makeup for the Dallas Mavericks Dancers for their team and individual photoshoots for the 2024-2025 season. It was surreal and a true reflection of what consistency, faith, and commitment can do.
In addition to that, I was selected as one of the makeup artists to work backstage at Dallas Fashion Week, where I had the incredible opportunity to glam the models walking the runway. It was a major highlight and another key milestone in my career.
This journey has taught me not to rush the process. Every moment—even the hard ones—was preparing me for the next step. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m still learning, still growing, and still hungry to elevate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth—but every bump along the way pushed me to level up in ways I didn’t expect. One of the biggest leaps of faith I had to take was quitting my 9–5 job at Sephora. I had consistent pay and stability there, but I knew if I wanted to elevate my career and fully bet on myself, I had to take the risk. Leaving that security behind was scary, but I couldn’t ignore the bigger vision I had for myself.
Once I made that decision, I poured everything I was making right back into my business—new products, better equipment, branding, education, marketing—because I knew what I was building had potential. I wasn’t seeing instant results, and I had to be okay with that. There were moments where money was tight, where I was exhausted, and where I questioned if I made the right move. But I kept pushing, kept learning, and kept showing up—even when it was uncomfortable.
It’s never been an overnight success story. It’s been late nights, early mornings, self-doubt, trial and error, and a lot of sacrifice. But every struggle taught me resilience. It made me hungrier. And it reminded me that the journey is just as important as the destination.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Certified Professional Makeup Artist based in Dallas, TX, specializing in full makeup artistry for all occasions—from red carpet-style glam to professional photoshoots. While I’m known for my signature bronzy, flawless finish, every look I create is fully customized to my client’s unique style and preferences. Whether it’s soft and natural, bold and dramatic, or bridal and quinceañera glam, I tailor each application to enhance their features and make them feel their absolute best.
I’m also an educator and teach makeup classes tailored to both aspiring artists and everyday beauty lovers who want to elevate their own skills.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Whether I’m working with someone for their wedding day, a photoshoot, or teaching them techniques in class, I always prioritize a customized experience. I’m known for really listening to what my clients want—like “glowy, bronzed, and blushed”—and delivering a polished, long-lasting look that enhances their natural beauty while giving them that glamorous feel.
What sets me apart is that I bring heart, experience, and intention to everything I do. My journey wasn’t overnight—I’ve trained under top artists, worked in the beauty retail space, and built my business from the ground up. I’m always evolving with the industry, investing in my craft, and staying in tune with what makes each face unique. It’s more than makeup to me—it’s about helping people feel confident and radiant in their own skin.
I’m proud of the milestones I’ve reached—from opening my own suite, to working with the Dallas Mavericks Dancers, to being selected as a backstage makeup artist for Dallas Fashion Week. But what really keeps me going is the impact I make on each client who sits in my chair or takes one of my classes. That connection and transformation—it never gets old.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building genuine connections in the beauty industry is to stay open, stay observant, and be willing to put yourself out there. Some of the best connections I’ve made came from simply showing up, staying consistent with my work, and letting my passion speak for itself.
When I was starting out, I didn’t have anyone in my circle who was a makeup artist—I had to figure a lot of things out on my own. But I kept myself in spaces where I could grow: makeup schools, retail environments like Sephora, and eventually by working under a top artist in Dallas. That mentorship changed everything for me, and it happened because I was hungry to learn, showed up ready to work, and stayed open to feedback.
Networking doesn’t always mean attending huge events—it can be as simple as having meaningful conversations, asking questions, supporting other artists, and continuing to build your own brand with intention. When people see you’re serious about your craft, they’ll be more likely to guide you or work with you.
Also—don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. You never know who might respond or be willing to offer advice. Just always approach it with respect, humility, and a genuine desire to learn.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Glamwithtianna
Image Credits
Capturedbyjacob
Adrian Stecker
The model influencer
Glamwithtianna
