Today we’d like to introduce you to Grethell Acevedo.
Grethell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started playing around with makeup summer of 2016 right after I graduated from high school. When I first began, I had no experience whatsoever. I would watch makeup tutorials on YouTube on a daily basis, just for fun. I owned very little makeup. Only a small little makeup kit from the dollar store that had some eyeshadows and blushes, three face brushes and only one e.l.f blending brush that I still save until this day. My main hobby has always been drawing, sketching, and painting. Until one day, I decided to turn my face into my canvas! This period in my life was really tough. I was having a hard time trying to figure myself out, what I wanted to do in life. I was really disappointed because I really wasn’t achieving anything after graduation. I tried applying for college and every time there would be an issue that would stop me from actually getting into studying. I felt like as if, I had no true calling, I was lost. I felt really alone like I was the only person who didn’t have a plan, nothing figured out yet.
Suddenly, I started to just focus on creating. I’d post “looks” on my social media and all my friends would comment on them, that just motivated me even more. My best friends and family were and still are so supportive. Again, I was no expert and I was nowhere near the level I am in now. As time went by, my passion for makeup just grew more and more each day. Making me realize that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. This was my future. I was very consistent, I’d continue watching videos to learn new techniques, what was in trend, what products were being used the most at the moment and slowly started building my kit. Mostly, with the help of my friends. Fast-forward to today, I am so glad I took this path, I am now freelancing. I glam girls up here and there for any special events, I also do editorial looks for Halloween or just for fun. I’m so content with life and what’s to come for the future. Every day, I’m learning something new about myself and every day I’m more sure of whom I want to be and that is to be a makeup artist.
Great, 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 has definitely not been a smooth road. There are times where I get really frustrated when I can’t come up with any ideas or have no inspiration. You know how writers get “writer’s block”? Well, I sometimes get what I like to call “inspo block.” It truly happens. Sometimes, it lasts me for a while. Trying to get noticed is also really tough and frustrating, just because there’s a lot of talented creators out there. But I’ve learned we’re all unique in our ways. One day we will all have our chance. Being consistent, as to posting could also be rough or a bit of a struggle. Maybe not for everyone. But for me, it sort of has been. I also work a part-time job, as a sales associate at a designer store. So it’s hard sometimes for me to balance out work, life, and makeup. But there are also good moments! The good moments overweigh the bad. Advice I’d like to give out to girls who are starting their journey in this industry is to never give up. No matter what. Be consistent. Be innovative. Be creative. Be yourself. Be unique. This is all about you and enhancing the beauty of others! Making them feel and look more beautiful than they already are! That’s what makeup is all about and that’s the beauty of it. The road won’t be easy, but just be consistent. Never take no for answer. Be inspired and inspire as well.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Self-Taught Makeup Artist – what should we know?
I’m a self-taught makeup artist. Everything I know, I’ve taught myself. I’m known for creating makeup looks on myself and on others. I’m more into the editorial kinds of looks, it’s what I mostly do on me. When I have clients, it’s all about the glam, natural to dramatic. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I think more about inspiring. When people see my work, I want them to get motivated to try something new.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t have a mentor, but I do have inspirations. There are many beauty gurus/makeup artists I look up to from techniques to just their personality. In networking, it’s all about connections. Getting internships and meeting people who share the same passion as you.
Pricing:
- $40 without lashes
- $45 with lashes
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Gretheeell
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/GrethellAcevedo
Image Credit:
Dasmi Reyes, Emily Mondelo, Denise Manes
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