Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Gao.
Hi Rebecca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was five, I put the entire palette of my aunt’s eyeshadow all over my face and before I knew it, the world of makeup had gotten me. (Right after, I mixed up all the colors in a bucket of water to see what color it would turn into. Imagine the look on her face when she found out!) I never forget how I was so fascinated by the touch, the look, and the scent of makeup.
I remember the very first professional makeup products I owned were the MAKE UP FOREVER color corrector and the water foundation. This was while I was in high school and at that time, I had a lot of redness on my cheeks, so my mom got them for me for my birthday. However, it never occurred to me that I could be a makeup artist till 2017. Growing up in China, the makeup industry was not considered a so-called “mainstream” career path. Not like in the U.S., a lot of makeup artists started after high school. So, this opportunity often got overlooked. But it does not mean that I stopped exploring makeup on my own. I took classes to learn about makeup whenever I had a chance and would practice on myself and my friends. It was all just for fun! They would come back and ask me to do their makeup again. When I was preparing for my wedding in 2017, I was having a hard time finding a makeup artist for myself. I ended up did my own makeup pretty much and got so many compliments, even from the makeup and hair artists I hired for my bridal party. And my photographer, Renee, was the one who clicked the button for me! She said, “Rebecca, you should consider being a makeup artist.” From there, I started as a part-time makeup artist and began building the on-set knowledge and bringing my craftsmanship to a professional level, all while still working my demanding 9-5 job.
So, to conclude, I think it is my true passion, destiny and hard work that lead to the path I am on.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe everyone who establishes their own career would say it’s like riding a roller coaster. The experience reminds me of a Jeep ride I took in the desert next to Dubai. You feel like you are going up and your confidence is growing, then the next minute you are sliding on the side of the sand hill, and you are screaming! But now instead of screaming, I quietly meditate when I have struggles. A lot of you would be like, “oh come on!” But let me elaborate: my kind of meditation is with my eyes open (joking but not joking here). I seek out my way to find solutions from reading, listening to podcasts and thinking, which are great distractions from the discouraging thoughts that the bumps on the road bring me. The process of problem-solving leads me to inner peace.
Of course, though, there were all kinds of struggles and obstacles along the way. I had my first one in the very beginning when I tried to set up the business. The procedure was totally foreign to me and it was not artistic at all. So, looking for a responsible professional to help you start it right was a huge lesson for me, which means I failed the first time. Of course, I was frustrated and angry plus the sense of failure and disappointment got to me for weeks. Basically, it felt like a mini me was blaming me for not doing enough research beforehand and asking more questions before putting your trust in someone. Looking back, I don’t think it’s such a big deal, but it was very difficult for me to get over it at that time. Then I learned making mistakes is a necessary part of the business and self-improvement process. As a stubborn perfectionist, it took me a while to realize this fact. Running an artistic business is not only about the art side after all.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I started REBECCA GAO MAKEUP, my goal for the branding was to cultivate it artistically with a boutique concept while catering to each client’s specific needs and wants. The first sentence on my homepage is, “where the makeup is all about YOU”, this is because everyone who sits in my chair is a unique gem. The formation process and the minerals are very different for each of them. My aim is to work WITH the gem, not to force my vision ON the gem. Prior to every appointment, I consult with the client and get to know their aesthetics, styles, skin types, outfits, and more details for me to execute the best possible look. You often hear my clients saying that they feel beautiful and comfortable at the same time with the makeup look I did on them, no matter if it is for a wedding, special occasion, photoshoot, etc. This is a huge compliment for a makeup artist!
They also inspire me to use my knowledge to contribute in more ways than just doing makeup. Some clients loved their makeup so much that they even come back and tell me they know they cannot have me do their makeup every day, but if I can teach them how to achieve the look they like. And voilà! I started providing makeup classes last year and it was so much fun bonding with them! Especially when they showed me the makeup looks that they did on their own, it was hard to express how meaningful that was for me.
Another service that was inspired by a client who does not wear makeup often was to offer personalized beauty shopping experiences. This client had her makeup done for her photoshoot and messaged me that “you’ve inspired me, and I want to start building up my own makeup collection. Would you mind helping me?” This idea really excited me! Because of my job, I constantly try out many products on myself and my clients, so I know how those products perform on different people. And I already have been helping my friends picking products and they enjoy them. What else I could ask for when I am able to help others with what I love?! After launching the personal shopping service, I started to slowly put together the products that I use for my clients and myself online so everyone has access to Rebecca’s Shelf!
I am extremely appreciative of the relationship that I built with many of my clients, as they inspire me to perfect my artistry and offer more services to better meet their needs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck is what you have in the present and how you apply it in practice. My good luck has always been the trust from my family, friends, and clients; this was especially true when I started out. This “luck” is something very valuable that I hold tightly and always keep it in mind while moving forward. Honestly, I am not a big believer of pure luck; it is too abstract. Working towards your dream and your vision needs solid effort, strategy, and action. There will be bad luck on the road. However, some bad luck affords us the opportunity to learn, don’t you think?
In my experience, as the Roman philosopher Seneca said, “luck is when preparation meets opportunity”.
Contact Info:
- Website: rebeccagao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccagaomakeupartist/
- Other: Products I use for my clients and myself: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Rebecca’s_Shelf
Image Credits
Jaime Pryor Photo Katie James Photography Maekoi Media Michayla Leigh Photography Morgan Hayes Photos Solita Creative
