Meet Salem Tewolde of Makeup By Salem and EriBomBula in Buckhead

Today we’d like to introduce you to Salem Tewolde.

Salem, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been doing makeup professionally for the past three years now. I am originally from Denver, Colorado, but in 2016 I decided to chase the endless opportunities in Atlanta where the beauty industry has been growing immensely.

Growing up, I was always naturally good at makeup, but due to my cultural background, pursuing makeup artistry as a profession was frowned upon and really didn’t seem like a legit option for me. I am first generation Eritrean- American, so it was extremely important that I went to college and prioritized my education. Doing what made me “happy,” such as makeup, was only to be reserved as a hobby because I was told there was no possible way I could make a career of it.

My passion and heart always told me I’d become a professional makeup artist, but I wanted to fulfill part of my parents’ “American Dream” by completing college. After College, I traveled around the world doing internships, but it still felt like I wasn’t walking in my purpose. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world, but I just wasn’t genuinely happy with my career path at the time. In April 2016, I took a leap of faith and decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue my career in makeup- which was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I started working for a huge makeup company part time when I first moved down here, while also freelancing on the side. Still, it didn’t feel like enough. I began reaching out to other major makeup artists in the industry which helped me network, build my connections, and get exposure for my brand. Before I knew it, I was on set working for major TV/ Film programs, music videos, magazines, bridal parties, fashion shows, photo shoots and more. It didn’t take me long to realize that in this industry it’s not about what you know, but who you know.

Beyond my talent, I can honestly say that my personality has got me extremely far in this industry. I am very personable and professional at the same time. You can see my work on the Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion 2017-2018, Growing Up Hip-Hop Atlanta, Simply Buckhead Magazine, You Just Don’t Get It written by Toya Johnson Featuring Reginae Carter, Fenty Beauty and Cosmetics, YouTube and more. My talents have also taken me to Los Angeles for a music video with Tiwa Savage which was a huge success for me. This is only the beginning of my career and I must say it will only get better! I am extremely confident not only in my work I produce but my work ethic; I am not stopping until I accomplish all my goals.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey to get to where I am today has not been a smooth road at all. In fact, it was pretty difficult and eye-opening. One thing I did learn is that people will constantly take advantage of you in this industry, so you have to stand strong and protect yourself and your business. Once you are firm and professional, people will take you seriously. That was difficult for me to understand in the beginning because all I wanted to do was please people and thought maybe they will return the favor one day. Well, that one day will never come, so you have to stay strong and keep an eye out for people who want to come in the way of your business. Trusting people in this beauty industry is difficult, and that’s a struggle I had to deal with early on. However, I am glad I went through some of these struggles because it was all a learning experience for me.

As far as my actual makeup work, I was never as confident in my work until I relocated to Atlanta. I have so many supporters; it’s UNREAL. Other people believed in me before I even believed in myself! I am constantly reminded over and over again that people appreciate what I am doing and therefore my struggles have all been worth the bumpy ride. Having no blood relatives in Atlanta has really allowed me to create a family with my clients, friends, and supporters – I honestly don’t know what I would do without them. I know for a fact without my huge support system I would not be the strong and confident woman I am today! I know it won’t get any easier from this point on, so I have to grind it out, push through, and keep going strong.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Makeup By Salem and EriBomBula – what should we know?
I currently work full-time for myself as a freelance traveling makeup artist otherwise known as Makeup By Salem, all while working part-time for a worldwide company. Makeup By Salem is a service I provide to all my clients. I specialize in natural makeup, glam makeup, bridal makeup, and editorial makeup. I am most proud about how fast my clientele has grown over the years. My quality of work paired with my enormous personality has got me where I am today. Also, almost every one of my clients has either heard about me just through word of mouth, client referrals and my social media pages- where I display most of my work- and/or in person at events. All of this reassures me that I am doing something right and that I am on the right path to success.

It doesn’t stop there; Eribombula is my personal brand where I teach and share fun makeup tips by filming mini-tutorials on my Instagram and more extended and detailed video’s on my YouTube Channel. Eribombula is the name of my Instagram where you can find the gallery of my work. Bombula is a nickname that was given to me by my mother growing up. In my native language Tigrinya, bombula means doll or Barbie, and according to everyone, that name suits me very well. Before I knew it, almost everyone began to call me Bombula and soon that became my brand. On my YouTube video’s you will find that I go in great detail about how to use certain makeup products, where to apply them, and what tools to use. Trends in the makeup world are constantly changing, I always say that makeup is a never-ending learning process, which is why I use my social media platform and YouTube platform to try and share my knowledge and share as many tips and tricks as possible.

With that being said, through my social media platform and YouTube tutorials, I know I am reaching out not only to local people here in Atlanta but to people all over the world, and I feel like that is what sets me apart from everyone. When it comes to beauty, I don’t want to limit myself to just one area but instead, I want to know that I am making a difference and helping people worldwide.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Honestly, I owe almost all of my success to my family, friends, and clients. They are always there for me no matter what. Whether I am doing good or bad my friends and family always have my back. My clients are also my biggest supporters, especially the loyal ones who constantly remind me everyday why I love doing what I do!

Pricing:

• Full Face $85+
• Brides $150+ Bridesmaids $95+. (not including travel fee or any additional fees)
• Full day on set varies anywhere from $30-$45/ hr

Contact Info:

• Address: Allure At Brookwood
  40 Peachtree Valley Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Phone: 7202108290
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @EriBomBula
• Facebook: Salem Tewolde
• Other: YouTube/ Salem Tewolde

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.