MAKEUP AND MEDS: FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN TWO PASSIONS

By: Gabrielle J. Williams

Creativity has been in my veins from a young age. I had quite the imagination. But what I did not know was where that imagination would lead me.

The beginning of my makeup artistry journey started in the summer of 2009. I had just finished my junior year of college at Alabama State University. Instead of attending summer school, I was home recovering from foot surgery. With limited mobility, I only had a few options for entertainment: television or the internet.

I found myself becoming heavily interested in makeup tutorials on YouTube. Unlike today, there were only a handful of makeup artists and influencers doing makeup tutorials online. One makeup artist caught my attention, Jackie Aina. I loved that she was a woman of color. I credit Jackie for the makeup techniques I learned, including filling and shaping eyebrows. I was able to thank her on Instagram years later. I didn’t own any makeup or brushes at the time, so I used my mother’s Fashion Fair cosmetics for practice. She was the first person who let me practice on her and later assisted me on wedding appointments. Once I returned to school,

I devoted my free time to learning more about makeup applications. I went to Barnes & Nobles and bought “The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.” At the time, Jackie Aina was working as a MAC makeup artist, so she frequently used their products in her tutorials. That’s how I transitioned from Fashion Fair to MAC Cosmetics. I began building a makeup kit. Being a college student, I had to be resourceful about building and growing a kit on a budget. Makeup is expensive. I would buy eyeshadow palettes that came in multiple colors. I recycled my empty MAC containers to get a free lipstick. I bought drugstore foundations in many shades and purchased brush rolls with various types of brushes. I practiced my skills on my roommate, friends, and other girls in the dorm. I also helped a high school senior with her prom makeover.

By the time I graduated and moved back to Georgia in 2010, I was eager to pursue my makeup artistry more seriously. I dedicated time to perfecting my craft, continuing to learn from YouTube and trying to replicate makeup looks I saw on celebrities and other makeup artists. I even won a contest for a makeup artist who wanted to see who could best replicate one of her looks. That same year, I began building my social media presence. I posted my work in a separate album on my personal Facebook page and started another album called “Faces of the Day,” where pursued for the past 11 years. However, once my work gained visibility on Facebook, I received comments and messages requesting makeup appointments. But I wasn’t prepared. I had no set prices or business structure. I devised a pricing plan, keeping fairness in mind. As a beginner, I didn’t want to overcharge. My starting price for a full face was only $25, and a mini makeover was $20. I hadn’t named my artistry, so I adopted the name “Blessed Faces.” I chose this because I felt God blessed me with this gift to bless others. I made business cards and began booking appointments. Most of these were conducted at my parents’ house, or I would travel to the client’s location.

I would share a different makeup look I wore each day. Keeping up with this was challenging, especially since I had begun an 8-month pharmacy technician program, a career I’ve

I felt that 2013 was a landmark year for makeup. It was my most creative year, and I began to feel truly confident in my craft. The prevalent makeup styles were bold, vibrant, and colorful. I was enamored with bold lipsticks and colorful eyeshadow palettes. I loved adding rhinestones and glitter to my looks. I once crafted a look where I drew false eyes on my lids, mimicking a “Bratz” doll when I closed them. I also tried ombre lips, which remain popular. Around then, I started posting mini tutorials on Instagram with background music. I decided to rebrand, changing from

“Blessed Faces” to “Makeup by DaGabs.” Under this new moniker, I revived my blog, “Makeup and Meds,” showcasing my makeup styles and pharmaceutical expertise, and launched a new Instagram page as an online portfolio. This made it easier for people to quickly access my work. From 2013-2019, I provided makeup services for numerous events, including weddings, photoshoots, graduations, proms, homecomings, birthdays, special occasions, and more across Atlanta, surrounding areas, and in various states. However, 2020 brought challenges.

In a way, I’m grateful for the pandemic’s impact. Before wearing masks became mandatory, I donned a full face of makeup to work, calling it my “walking advertisement.” This meant waking up extra early. Now, I only apply brows, liner, and mascara, allowing me a bit more sleep. I’ve shifted my focus to skincare and maintaining a healthy routine. Last year, I battled hormonal acne and acne scarring. Merely concealing it wasn’t a solution. So, I started using a quality cleanser with Vitamin E oil and dermatologist recommended Adapalene gel. I also prioritized keeping my face moisturized. Between July and October, I noticed a substantial improvement in my skin, with fewer breakouts. I’ve grown comfortable in my skin, recognizing that it’s fine to occasionally forgo makeup. I want my clients and future clients to feel the same, understanding that makeup enhances the beauty we already have.

The pandemic was tough for makeup artists, especially in light of the emerging Covid-19 threat. While most of the world paused, I was an essential worker, dispensing medications. I didn’t take any makeup appointments. The necessity of distancing ourselves meant being careful about personal interactions. Still, I continued posting makeup looks on social media to keep my creativity alive. The lockdown allowed me time for several DIY projects, one of which was creating flower wall backdrops. Unable to have professional photos taken for my birthday, I designed my backdrop, effectively bringing the photoshoot to me. Many were impressed when they learned I created the backdrop. It was a project that significantly alleviated my stress during that period. Creativity, I believe, helps manage stress. It redirects our focus. Not only can I now apply makeup, but I also can enhance my portfolio with these flower wall backdrops, offering a delightful atmosphere for appointments. I truly enjoy creating them.

I’m fortunate to have shared my creative gift with so many over the years. I value this journey. While I might not have achieved the same level of success as some other makeup artists, I trust that my gift will continue to open doors and lead me to wonderful opportunities. I’m thankful to have the chance to change and elevate lives through a one-hour experience. Recently, I’ve started offering lessons on basic makeup techniques. It’s my way of giving back, aiming to introduce and educate women about makeup just as I was introduced, igniting a passion.

Connect with Gabrielle on Social Media:

• Instagram: @makeupbydagabs and @ dagabs

• Blog: MakeupandMeds.blogspot.com