Today we’d like to introduce you to Toshi Salvino.
Toshi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been an artist of some sort my entire life- drawing, painting, and then transforming myself with fashion, hair, and makeup even as a child. Playing Dress-Up evolved naturally into a strong sense of personal style; I began doing creative photoshoots in high school and by the time I graduated from Cosmetology School I was working as a performer and makeup artist as well as doing hair; documenting my personal evolution on Instagram where I got to interact with others like me or those who found inspiration in how I live and express myself.
I moved from my small town in Pennsylvania in 2014 straight to Brooklyn, where I worked in alternative hair salons providing rainbow dye jobs, creating avant-garde makeup designs for the dancers of “Sleep No More” at The McKittrick Hotel, and at the circus-esque nightclub House of Yes as a performer and body painter, with music festivals, immersive interactive events, and private parties in between.
Around 2019 I began to dabble in merchandise and product creation, coming out with my MegaMoth eyelash line as well as enamel pins, stickers, and custom hand-dyed wigs, (which you can find on my website, Dollybox.Online ) all while traveling to events across the US and internationally to make appearances and teach makeup lessons.
In 2020 life threw me a curveball and I landed in Dallas literally the week that COVID-19 hit, as well as finally getting diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Post Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
Since then, I’ve been in a bit of a growth period; studying different ways to expand/define my brand and explore myself as an artist and as a person.
Most recently I’ve started a monthly Sticker Club on Patreon (patreon.com/dollfille to join!), am learning more about product design, and am working with Dallas Theatre Center in their Wig department while taking private hair and makeup clients in between.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh god, no! As everyone knows, life is full of intense ups and downs; throw in neurodivergency and chronic illness and you’ve got quite the adventure! However, I am aware of and extremely thankful for the privileges life has presented me with.
Having so many interests and applicable skills is a blessing and a curse; I tend to hop from one project to the next and get overwhelmed with ideas!
It’s been a huge challenge moving away from my clientele where my bread-and-butter was fantasy hair color, (I don’t exactly see much of that in Dallas, haha…), but I’m dedicated to learning and expanding- I know it’s an excellent opportunity to challenge myself!
Sometimes honing your basics and discovering new ventures is what is needed for real growth and I try to remind myself of that every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most known for my creative makeup work- specializing in fantasy and avant-garde for photo, stage, and film. I like to focus on a feeling and bring it to life! However, since I’ve jumped around in so many fields, I’d say I’m most proud of my ability to be adaptable-my own personal style is quite over the top, but it gives me much satisfaction to help bring out the inner beauty of each individual I work with, no matter what their personal preference is. Whether it’s a kid nervous for prom or an actor getting into character, being able to bring a vision to life GIVES me life!
Pricing:
- Video Chat Makeup Lesson – 150$
- Makeup Application – Starts at 100$
- Hair Styling – Starts at 75$
- Custom Wig – Starts at 350$
- Artwork Commission – Starts at 60$
Contact Info:
- Email: Dollfille@gmail.com
- Website: Dollybox.Online
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Dollfille or Instagram.com/Dollybox.Online
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Dollfille
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/toshisalvino
Image Credits
Amy Mills
Jeremy Caldwell
Kenny Rodriguez
