Today’s Notable Young Professional is make-up/hair artist Nisha Gulati, who works both on a freelance basis and at the reputable Stila Cosmetics. What was the inspiration for her career route? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a freelance make-up/hair artist for both myself and Stila Cosmetics. Freelancing for myself is fun – I work on photoshoots, TV/film sets, runways, brides, etc. Stila, on the other hand, allows me to work with the everyday woman, which has the benefits of working with different features and skin types. It’s amazing to see the confidence just some make-up will give, and it feels amazing to be a part of the experience.
Tell us a little bit more about Stila.
Working for Stila has been amazing so far – they are an amazing brand. I have worked with several companies, and this is by far the only company where I feel I have the same importance as my director. They want their artists to be successful, and they really respect their artists like no other company. I don’t feel like their employee at all, I feel a part of a team!
As for the products, they are unbelievably amazing… I’m really sold to the brand. The products are easy to use by the everyday woman, but amazing for artists as well. The ingredients are not harsh on your skin at all. In fact, it feels almost non-existent and always looks fresh – every day, or on camera! For those who do not know, Stila takes part in fashion week in New York, Miami, and London with some of the biggest fashion houses in the world.
What are some of your go-to products?
My go-to and must-have products for all my clients are:
– Illuminating/regular beauty balm – it works as a phenomenal primer, corrects some texturized skin, with the perfect amount of glow.
– Stila all day eye liner – the BEST flt eyeliner on the planet, everyone should own one. I have clients that cannot put on eyeliner for their life and this is the only product that’s ever helped them put it with ease. I have used this on every single client I’ve had in years, and I’ve been using it prior to being on the Stila team. This is one product I can’t live without for myself or my kit.
– Liquid lipstick – another must-have! Once you put it on, in seconds you can drink your martini and no lipstick will come off. I freaked out when that happened to me!
Stay all day foundation – I would say these are some of my favourite foundations. They give you a nice natural glow, looks and feels like you are not wearing anything, and has amazing coverage. It also has a concealer built in to the cap; what more can you ask for? Not to mention the packaging comes with the foundation, a concealer added to the top, and a mini foundation brush.
– Smudgepot – amazing for those who love a gel eye liner, but even better to create a smokey eye. This product never fails to give you the perfect smokey eye in just a minute – it’s magical!
– Illuminating powder – yhe perfect product to set your makeup, or use it as a foundation powder. You choose! Although it says illuminating in the name, it doesn’t really give you a “glow,” but it looks extremely fresh on the skin… no cakiness, ladies!
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I always enjoyed makeiup as a little girl; I used to sneak on my mom’s makeup when she wasn’t around. However, I only realized I wanted a career in the past few years. During my schooling, I went from sciences in college, switched over to commerce, and got into marketing at Concordia in hopes to have a career in advertising. When I took my advertising class, I was really disappointed; I expected something completely different. I happened to see an ad with make-up in relation to the behind-the-scenes in marketing and thought, hey, why not give this a try. So here I am today, happy as ever.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is making up different faces – I find it extremely relaxing, kind of like a mini vacation from reality; nothing else matters during that time. I feel lucky that I love what I do and work with amazing teams. Montreal is filled with talented people. The challenging part is that it can be really tough on the back sometimes. I do take care of that, and it’s totally worth it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Tough question! Of course I would love to do it all – music, fashion, film – the whole shebang! I’ve tried them all, and I loved it all equally. In five years, I do see myself working and living in the States, but on more upscale projects as opposed to projects I am working on now. However, I have a strong connection to music, and I know that will for sure be a part of my future – to work with celebrities in the music industry. Who knows, maybe ill work on Beyoncé one day!
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is not the amount of money you earn, or how many designer bags you own. It’s just money, which comes and goes. Success is earning a reputation, recognition for what you do; if you give it 200%, you are already on your way, and you’ll get there as long as you try and give it your all.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Kevyn Aucoin’s “making faces” book was the first beauty book I ever owned, I still have it! Although he is no longer around, he did have a right-hand man who worked for him as his assistant before he passed. That assistant is Nick Barose, who is now one of the most sought-out celebrity make-up artists. The most memorable moment is when I had the chance to work as Nick’s assistant for director/screenwriter Maggie Carey. I truly felt I was in the presence of the legend himself and it was such a blessing to have that opportunity.
There are many other things I am really proud to be apart of. I’ve been published in several magazines and worked on campaigns that were on billboards across Canada. I worked on a number of videos with some of Quebec’s top music artists, including Corneille, and I’ve worked with the nominees of the Jutra Awards in 2011. I also did a promo short film for the Saint-Sulpice hotel, called ‘la valise’, which has won numerous awards, and I recently came back from the States after working on my first feature film.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
The advice I would give is the same as I was given when I first started out: practice and have patience. The best way to practice and build confidence is working over the counter, or at a salon; you get to work with all types of faces and different hair. Assisting is another great way to get started. Learning tips and tricks form an established artist already puts you a step ahead, and they bring you into the industry. Always remember patience is key; nobody gets successful overnight.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I have supported charities that raise money for breast cancer and leukemia research, and helping the poor – everything is important, so I don’t pick based on the importance and relation I have towards any cause. They are all pretty self-explanatory and should be important to everyone. I’ve supported them because I simply believed they deserved it, and there are many more that also deserve support as well.
What to you is notable?
Someone who is notable is someone who tries, gives it their all, and never gives up. You won’t go anywhere unless you have failed. Anyone who has made it far in their career has most likely failed multiple times at a project and got back up will full force – that’s notable, and inspirational.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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