Conversations with Ashelie Gabriella

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashelie Gabriella.

Hi Ashelie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I would watch my Mommy get ready for work. I was always infatuated with her makeup. When I was a teenager, she became a Mary Kay representative and would let me try the makeup samples. I loved watching her have makeup parties. It seemed so fun and girly. I wasn’t really into makeup until I went to college in 2013. I attended an HBCU so you know it was a fashion show. I loved to see the girls in class with their makeup slayed and hair laid. That’s when I told myself it was time to teach myself how to do makeup. I started doing it on myself and then on some of my college peers in 2015. As I started to practice more, my skills became better and better. In 2018, I was asked to promote a beauty brand that I loved and purchased many beauty products from. That opened the door to me becoming and influencer. I’ve worked with brands such as The Crayon Case, Black Radiance, Coloured Raine and many more.

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?
A few challenges that I’ve faced as a makeup artist have been finding my niche, having confidence in my skill, not knowing my true value as an artist & building a solid business foundation. When I started doing makeup I had no idea of the many career opportunities that were available to me. I just knew I wanted to do glam makeup with glitter cut creases. I wasn’t educated on bridal or film makeup. I also found myself undercharging and taking every “opportunity” that was presented to me. At the time, I wasn’t able to tell when people were just using me for free or highly discounted services in exchange for “exposure”. I wish I knew about having a solid business foundation and what it actually took to have a successful freelance beauty business. Everything I’ve learned has been through my own experiences. Later on, I decided to educate myself on financial literacy, creating a business plan, how to run a business and so forth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a makeup artist & beauty influencer. Soft glam looks are my specialty and what I love to do the most. As a beauty influencer, I love being able to work with brands and network with other beauty influencers. I’m such a social butterfly. I’m mostly proud of the genuine bonds that I’ve made with my clientele and within the beauty industry. All of my clients return and don’t like to share me. What sets me apart from others is my authenticity, passion & love for my clients. When you sit in my chair, not only will your beauty be enhanced but so will your confidence and self-esteem. I love talking to my clients and speaking life into them.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was when I was a dancer on the marching band in high school. I loved getting ready and dolled up for Friday night football games. Being in the spotlight always gave me a thrill.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.agabriella.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/iamagabriella
• Facebook: Facebook.com/iamagabriella

Image Credits
Photographer for photos 1 & 6 (ADJ Media) Photographer for my main photo with red hair: JPhil Productions