Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce M Gilliard.
Hi Joyce M, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started Behind the Mask Cosmetics during the pandemic. I always have had a career in the beauty industry., as a hairstylist, makeup artist and filmmaker. I often dreamed of expanding my brand., so when the pandemic hit, it gave me the opportunity to manifest the desires of my heart based on the needs I saw came up during the pandemic. I always had sensitive skin that was problematic at times with acne. When I returned to work in the TV & FiLM industry, I noticed how wearing face masks broke my skin out due to allergic reactions of wearing the mask over 14 hours a day. I found out I wasn’t alone. Many professionals developed what is now called “ Mask-ne”, which is acne caused from wearing face masks. Through trial and error, I found an organic solution that worked for my skin, as well as my colleagues, so I researched, formulated, and packaged my own cosmetics line to help people with problematic skin. It is not just for people who wear masks. It’s for anyone with sensitive skin who suffer with breakouts.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was very challenging for me to develop my own cosmetic line. I had doubts at first that I could do it because I didn’t have a chemist or know the process. Even though I knew which natural ingredients worked and the formula I needed for it to work, I knew I needed a chemist/manufacturer and mentor to help me along the way. I almost did private labeling through a manufacturer, because I knew my busy schedule wouldn’t allow me to develop my products from scratch, but the manufacturer was very inconsistent. I gave up on it and then one day out of the blue, a well-known makeup artist, who recently passed away, asked me to style hair for his campaign. Instead of receiving payment for the services I provided, I asked if he could give me insight on how he started his cosmetic line and the process he took to have his products in stores around the world. He gave me insight and then a few weeks later, he died. At that moment, I knew I needed to follow my passion and continue on with my line. Everything started to fall into place. Everything I asked GOD for, he provided for me in the most unusual places. I ended up meeting someone while sitting at the bar for dinner and struck up a conversation with them. We had so much in common, and during our talk they told me they were working with a chemist! That is how I found my chemist!!! Since then, the chemist and I worked closely together to develop a formula that works on all skin types!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Outside of my business, Behind the Mask Cosmetics, I am a Writer, Producer, Author, TV & FILM hairstylist and the Founder of iSAFE! TV & FILM. I have worked as a hairstylist on over 100 films, I produced a Safety PSA for the TV & FiLM Industry. I wrote and executive produced an Award Winning Short Film, “ Daddy’s Home”, which focuses on the excessive hours worked in TV & FILM, and the effects it can have on your health, family and job performance. I am a Social Activist and Safety Advocate. I fight for basic human rights and I promote safety awareness in the industry.
I am proud of myself for turning tragedy into triumph when I was severely injured on a film set and my coworker was killed next to me. Since the tragedy, I have made it my mission to make sure safety awareness is a top priority so that tragedy or severe injuries don’t ever happen again.
The attributes that set me apart from others is my drive and perseverance to find balance and continued strength to promote safety awareness so no one has to ever experience losing a loved one or a limb while at work.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Atlanta because it is a city of dreamers, entrepreneurs and go-getters!! The least thing I like about the city is the rising crime.
Pricing:
- Behind the Mask Night Cream- $20
- Behind the Mask Facial Spray- $20
- iSAFE! TV & FiLM Tshirt- $20
- ISAFE! TV & FILM Sweatshirt – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.btmcosmetics.com
- Instagram: behindthemask_cosmetics
- Facebook: Joyce Gilliard
Image Credits
Joyce Gilliard Yetide Badaki Anslem Richardson
