Meet Gilbert Tellez | Licensed Hair & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gilbert Tellez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gilbert, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I never considered myself a risk taker and have pretty much lead my life pretty vanilla. I graduated high school and worked at the mall for a while. During this time met my wife and started our family. Had career change and started working for the Superior Court. I enjoyed working here and saw me making another career change, I wanted go to law school after several year of working behind a desk and serving the public I needed more and wanted more.

After almost ten years at the Superior Court I decided to give my notice as I had enrolled in cosmetology school. I talked to my wife and kids about my change, we cried and laughed and somehow knew everything was going to be okay. On my last day while saying my goodbyes, a handful of my co-workers were saying how brave I was to take this leap. I didn’t understand what they meant at that time. A few months in to school I finally understood what my ex co-workers meant by taking that leap. This wasn’t a life or death risk but I did struggle financially and was away from home for most of the day.

Since being licensed this move has shown me that some risks are worth it. I wake up every day looking forward to going to work. I have more time with my family and I’m truly happy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always loved fashion and seeing the incredible hair and makeup that went hand in hand with fashion. I admired the relationship that Kevyn Aucoin had with the models he worked with. I try to do that with the models and my clients I get to work with on set or in my studio. Hair and makeup may look easy but there’s more to it than just putting it on your face or brushing your hair. When I first started my main challenge was being the kid on the block. No one knew me or if I even had any skills. During one fashion show I was ready to throw in the towel and just do hair in the salon. The key artist noticed I was upset and we had a heart to heart talk. Her advise to me was to invest in myself and invest in my craft. I learned that my struggle wasn’t uncommon in the beauty industry as it relates to doing makeup on every skin tone especially darker skin tones. I took the time to learn all skin tones and I’m now comfortable doing makeup for anyone.

We live in a time where its about the “likes” and “views” for me and my brand I don’t want to be known as an influencer. I feel I have more to offer than just what’s on trend. I want to be here in the long run. I want why clients to be happy with the service I provided and continue to provide a service for them through all their special life moments.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my family has been a huge support in my life. Along the way while trying to grow and develop as a hair and makeup artist two people in particular have helped me, Jessica Fiero and Jalia Petis have helped me become a better makeup artist. There’s also Phoenix Fashion Week/Brian Hill who has helped me develop as a professional.

Website: http://gtellez85122.wixsite.com/thatguyhairandmakeupart

Instagram: @thatguyhmua

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbert-tellez-986993120

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatguyhmua

Image Credits
Jenny Kaufman