Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilbert Tellez.
Hi Gilbert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hair, makeup and fashion has always been something I’ve been interested in, working retail and watching shows like America’s Next Top Model sparked my interest more. The Beauty and Fashion Industries had to take a back burner as I was raising a family. I took a 9 to 5 job working for the Superior Court. I enjoyed helping the public and other Government agencies that came in to the office but something was missing. After almost 10 years as a public servant I gave up the desk job and signed up for Cosmetology school.
I finally found my calling. Cosmo school was exactly what I needed. I was no longer stressed nor did I bring that stress home. Cosmetology brought me and my family closer. Being happy and finally enjoying life definitely opens up time to enjoy family time. School went by quickly, I was going morning and night to collect all my hours to graduate as quickly as possible.
I received my license and started behind the chair as soon as I had my license in my hand. through hard work and word of mouth, business started to take off. Thanks to social media I was able to get my feet wet in the fashion world. I met a group of hair stylists and makeup artists through a networking group on Facebook. This group invited me to help with hair at runway shows. This then lead me to the Key Makeup Artist for Phoenix Fashion Week.
I volunteered many hours with this makeup group for Phoenix Fashion Week. I was able to hone in on my makeup skills to be skilled on all skin tones. I was later asked to join the Phoenix Fashion Week team and later became their lead Hair and Makeup Artist. With this title I was able to implement changes that help the program for their Top 40 Models. I was also able to gain skills as a Casting Director and Creative Director. These skills pushed me to want more and do better within the program. Through my retail experience I was able to use that work history to help style photoshoots and assist backstage during our runway show. Hard work, dedication and an eye for detail lead to another promotion, Beauty & Style Director. Watching America’s Next Top Model, I never thought I’d be doing the job of Jay Manuel. I always admired his style and fashion eye.
Balancing home, work and PHXFW can be tough at times but this is the life I always wanted and get to live out. I make it work. Thankfully I have an understanding family. They also get to reap all the rewards. While I’m working backstage they get to watch and enjoy the shows and get free hair and makeup services.
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?
it definitely hasn’t been smooth road. Life definitely likes to through challenges your way especially when thing are going good. the main challenge in the salon is trying to be consistent with clients. I struggle with promoting myself. When I’m consistent I’m busy. When I get busy I slack on promoting. This creates an up and down wave of clients.
In the beginning of my makeup career being the new kid on the scene getting models to trust your skills is a difficult task. I almost stopped doing makeup, my model didn’t complain nor did the key artist. The key artist gave me some feedback and I didn’t understand their direction. I felt like a fraud. The lead artist could tell I was feeling defeated. The best piece of advice she gave me was invest in your kit and yourself. I took classes to understand every skin tone and equipped my kit to be ready to take all skin tones. Thankful for my struggles as this lead me to where I am today!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a licensed Hair and Makeup Artist. I work behind the chair doing cuts, colors and makeup. I also do many other salon services. These skills helped get my foot in the door to work in film and fashion. I have been the lead hHair and Makeup Artist on a couple of films shot here in Arizona. Seeing my name scroll up in the credits was an unforgettable feeling. Being a Hair and Makeup Artist has lead me backstage to work on many fashion shows and photoshoots and to also styling photoshoots and runway shows.
My proudest moment came when top model Quannah Chasinghorse walked for Red Berry Women, I was lucky enough to do her makeup for the show. While she sat in my chair we had a great conversation. Being able to do Sophie Cunningham’s makeup is also another proud moment.
What sets me apart from others is my speed to do makeup and my dedication. Dedication to not only get the job done but to make sure who ever sits in my chair has a great experience.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
in the next 5-10 years the Beauty Industry and Fashion Industry will take a hit with AI. It’s happening now. I feel it will be welcomed but people will grow tired of it. Nothing beats authentic and real. We will continue to use this tool but only as a small portion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thatguyhmua
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com//ThatGuyCG
