Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolas Gallardo.
Hi Nicolas, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always knew I had a passion for makeup. I remember being a freshman in high school, hiding in the bathroom from my parents and trying to do a smokey eye with some eyeliner. Who would’ve known that young goth kid version of me would’ve transitioned into the successful celebrity makeup artist I am today. Back when gender bending and men wearing makeup to the club wasn’t the norm, I was breaking boundaries and standing out in crowds. Definitely looking crazy because my makeup skills “no where near” where they are today, but that’s how I made a name for myself and put myself out there. I was always different, and I don’t think people expected the crazy club kid to one day become who I am today. To this date, I’ve managed beauty bars at music festivals like edc Orlando, edc las vegas, rolling loud, and multiple other festivals in the nation. Recruiting makeup artists and doing makeup on VIP artists and attendees myself. I’ve worked with many celebrities, done makeup for music videos and have established a very high-end following of clients which keeps rising by the day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Being a freelancer is scary, just like any business owner. You never know how much money you’re going to make. My service is a luxury clients give themselves, it’s ultimately not a necessity. I always worked corporate jobs and used my time off for makeup gigs, which for many years makeup was my side hustle. Covid forced me to become a full-time freelance artist and I’m not going to lie, it has been a roller coaster. The same day I got laid off from my corporate job in the middle of covid was the same day I applied for cosmetology school. Covid to me was a blessing in disguise. During such uncertain times I found myself, my art, and was able to fully unleash my talent. For those of you who don’t know, beauty school is like a full-time job, and I commend those who are able to balance a work life and beauty school. Since then, many doors have opened; I was able to open my own salon suite, graduate school and get my cosmetology license, start my own cosmetics line which sold out in the matter of a week, and become the high demand makeup artist and hair stylist I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist. I have managed beauty bars at many festivals nationwide, I have been booked by vip/celebrity clients in huge cities like new york, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Orlando, and of course my home, Miami.
What makes you happy?
The experience I provide to my clients. The whole interaction of pampering someone and enhancing their beauty is very filling. It’s very rare that you have a negative experience in this line of work. Always good vibes!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicostyles.setmore.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/nicomuaxo
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ngallardo93
Image Credits
Pictures of cosmetics: @lakeridenour Picture with ivy queen: @chepejose Group photo: influencer and makeup artist @lisaopie, fashion influencer and photographer @yancymiami, real Miami housewife and influencer @thereallaurenfoster. Picture taken by celebrity photographer @franzorban
