Meet Gabriella Biangel | Professional Makeup Artist

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

Hi Gabriella, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always had a knack and natural talent for all things beauty related. I would flip through fashion magazines when I was young and would always dream about what it would be like to create something you would see in these magazines! This fascination bled into my life and I began by sitting in front of my mirror for hours just playing around with the cheap multi-level box makeup that we used to give/get as gifts 20 or so years ago. I would also always try fun new hairstyles, especially when butterfly clips were popular growing up!

All of that practice on myself, my little sister and my friends, helped me grow my talents throughout the years, not ever thinking I would do anything with it, just doing it for fun! I mean, who ever said they wanted to be a Makeup Artist when they grow up?? Probably no one – it wasn’t really a thing. But with the evolution of social media, Instagram & YouTube specifically, it made it easier for creatives to express and show off our skills and creativity – and best of all, for free!

Once I got married, my husband knew how much I loved makeup and how good I was at it, and encouraged me to put myself out there on social media and try it out. I first started off trying to be a Beauty Influencer, but I didn’t find the same passion that I do when I get to create on someone who is my canvas. So, I pivoted after awhile of trying out the “influencer” path and decided I wanted to be a Makeup Artist for others, for all.

Once we moved to Atlanta from Miami, it was a whole new ball game and I had to start from scratch. I didn’t know anyone or anything about the market here, however, a series of very fortunate events happened and landed me being mentored by some amazing artists that have been in the industry for 20+ years, freelanced for Stila and Peach & Lily, worked with countless models from multiple agencies, have had my work published multiple times and also, I am now being represented by local modeling agency, SALT.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With me, it’s not just about the artistry, but about the experience when someone books with me. My website showcases my artistry and style to help my future clients to connect with me before they get to sit in my chair. From the products that I use to the way they are pampered, I want my clients to feel their best throughout the entire appointment so when they leave my chair, they feel like they can confidently take on the world!

My artistry style, in my opinion, is very Miami meets LA / Red Carpet meets Soft Glam. When I have the opportunity, I definitely love to explore with new styles such as editorial, grunge, etc., but I would say that Clean, Luxurious Glam is definitely my go-t0 and favorite artistry style.

I got to where I am today through the support and encouragement from my husband as well as help along the way with mentors and friends I met in the industry. A selective group of them have helped me tremendously to network with those who now book me consistently.
A big factor of me getting to where I am today is the having the courage to put myself out there – to take those chances and risks because those have had some of the best outcomes! It wasn’t easy and for awhile, I did A LOT of collab work where I had to dish out my own money, as well as dedicate a lot of my time, to create and build my portfolio. Being in the pandemic, it helped that there wasn’t much to do because I used that time to build myself up so when majority of things got back to normal, I would hit the ground running and I am proud to say that I have done just that! I am even more proud to say that I have been noticed by a local modeling agency and they now represent me as a Creative Talent! I am 1 of 3 creatives to be represented by Salt Model Agency and this was one of the goals on my vision board that I have achieved. It’s only up from here!

Make sure you always book with a team who aligns with your vision to help bring it to life – and then meet or exceed those expectations because I truly believe that flawless artistry changes everything!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest, I myself, am still getting to know Atlanta – I’ve only been here for about 4 years now, so there is still so much I have yet to explore!

Some fun things I’ve explored so far, enjoy doing and would gladly take my bestie to explore would be: visiting the Georgia Aquarium, visiting a winery in north GA with the views of rolling hills, heading over to Stone or Arabia Mountain for a hike and beautiful panoramic views, hit up Buckhead for some great food and shopping, go to a Braves, Hawks or Falcons game and hit up a concert! The Duluth area also has some great spots for Latin and Asian cuisines which my hubby and I love a lot! Then, for the evening time, definitely a nice dinner in the city and then a night out wherever my friend, DJ Rob Session, is spinning!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to first and foremost shoutout my amazing husband, Nathan, for encouraging me to be brave and push myself out of my comfort zone so I can grow as an artist and as a person. Thank you for seeing me and supporting me to explore my talents and turn what was once a hobby, into a full time career!

I would also like to thank our Heavenly Father for blessing me with the natural talents of being a creative and an artist. Also for all the things (good & bad) that led me to meeting my husband and to where and who I am today.

I would like to give a huge shoutout to Conté Ink for helping me build my portfolio with amazing, quality content and for being an awesome person and now a close friend of mine. I know I wouldn’t have grown as rapidly as I have if it wasn’t for him and I working together. Thank you, Stefan!

I would also like to thank my amazing Mentors, Diana Shelton and Stephen Moleski. Diana taught me about the beauty in simplicity when it comes to makeup as well as helped me grow into a better person overall. She is someone I will keep in my life forever & always! Stephen helped me with my artistry, with building my kit, as well as was the first person to help me start my portfolio and bridge the gap between working with models and modeling agencies. He also helped me to have the opportunity to work on set with a show on TLC. I will forever be grateful for the things he helped me with in regards to my career!

I would also love to give a shout out to one of the people who has been an absolute angel in my life, Kevin Thomas Freiberg. Kevin has helped me with so many opportunities, networking, booking gigs, as well as given me an amazing friendship and that I will cherish forever!

A big THANK YOU to everyone else who has played a role in helping me be who I am today, as an artist and as a person. And of course, a huge shout out and thank you to all of my clients who believe in my artistry and keep me doing what I love!

Website: https://gabriellabiangel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellabiangel

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8Uh2MRt7vjQxUfjlcBEtw

Other: Email: GabriellaBiangel@gmail.com

Image Credits
All Photos are by: Conté Ink Model Credits: Chantel Jimeno, Arah Cho, Karingtyn Fenbert, Carolina Rosini, Addison Stender, Jenn Genet, Blake Thomas, Teresa Daniel