Meet Gemma Hernandez | Bridal Makeup Artist

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

Hi Gemma, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Since a very young age, I have known I wanted to own my own business. I grew up watching my father achieve his long life dream of having his own business and I of course wanted to follow into his footsteps. When I started experimenting with makeup, I was about 13 years old and quickly fell in love. I always practiced different looks on myself and it just became my favorite hobby. I started doing makeup on close friends and family at 15 years old and posted every look I created. With that, it eventually led to others noticing my work and soon I started to book clients. I was shocked initially as I was still very young, still in high school not knowing if this was the path I was going to take once I graduated. After Covid in 2020, I saw my friends take off to different cities/states to attend college, and to be completely honest, I felt many emotions. I thought that I also needed to go to college because everyone was doing so, but something in my heart knew that school wasn’t for me. I am so grateful I listened to my heart and I just kept reminding myself that I had something great, I had already found my passion! I was super invested in trying to build my clientele, that every spare moment I had went into posting pictures and videos of my work and trying out different products to build the perfect kit. I started specializing in Bridal Makeup after having my very first bride at 16 years old, and I completely fell in love with weddings. Its 6 years later, and I have never looked back and never doubted that this is what I was meant to be doing.
I took my little hobby and made my dream come true.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There are so many styles out in the beauty industry and it’s so easy to compare your work to others but I have always believed that there is room for absolutely everyone! Every artist has different techniques and styles that there will always be a Makeup Artist for you. Getting to where I am today was not easy by any means. I’ve had to deal with a lot of judgement from people thinking I was too young or not good enough, that led me to doubt myself at times, but I had to build the courage to ignore the hateful comments and learned that my work is not everyone’s cup of tea. My beautiful brides and returning clients proved to me that I belong in the beauty industry. Getting to see the look on their faces when I hand them the mirror to see their glam is truly the most rewarding feeling. I would say that I am a very versatile Makeup Artist, I love to create very fun glam looks, but I also love a beautiful natural makeup look for those clients who want to enhance their natural beauty. My main goal is always to make sure my client leaves my chair feeling more beautiful than when they first sat down.
I specialize in Bridal and Special Event makeup. I love the small role I play in Brides most important day. Getting to know them and their unique stories is truly one of the most rewarding experiences!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are many places to visit and eat in Dallas. It has expanded so much in such few years that I sometimes can’t keep up! Since I just turned 21 this past year, I have not visited many clubs/bars to where I could put together a great itinerary, but will soon get together with friends to visit all the attractions and great spots for drinks and food. There are many great little restaurants in uptown that I’ve heard amazing things about. You will always find something great to do in Dallas!

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?
I would definitely not be where I am if it wasn’t for the unconditional love and support of my family. Both of my parents along with my siblings, have always supported me since the start of my career. My mom has always pushed me to do my best and give my all to everything I do. She is my shoulder to cry on and she’s always there to listen to my ideas and gives me advice when I most need it. My dad fully supported my idea of having my own business, but I don’t think he was expecting makeup artistry! Coming from a very traditional Mexican family, my dad did not like the idea of me wearing a whole lot of makeup, but he quickly realized how much joy it brought me and he set his beliefs aside and supported me fully. He has always been one of my biggest supporters and always reassures me that this is what I was made for. Both my brother and sister have always rooted for me and the start of Gemma’s Makeup. They have cheered me on and have always been there to listen to all of my crazy ideas and plans for my business. They always tell me how proud they are of me and that is truly heartwarming to hear. I seriously do not know what I would do without their unconditional love and support! I love them so much!
I cannot wait to show my family everything that is to come and continue to make them proud of me.
I would also not be where I am today without my beautiful friend Brittany Hernandez. She’s also in the beauty industry and believed in me and my work from the beginning and gave me the opportunity to work alongside her. Since we first met, 5 years ago, we immediately hit it off and have been very good friends since then!

Instagram: @Gemmas.Makeup

Facebook: @ Gemma’s Makeup

Image Credits
Photographer’s:
@Lorenaburnsphotoandfilm
@Danniellerankinphotoandfilm
@PhotographybyAwdri