I believe in a world where we cheer one another on and we don’t see any other entrepreneur as a competitor. (It’s why I love the Rising Tide Society so much!) I love when I see other business owners support one another and I can’t possibly count all of the times I’ve been inspired or motivated by another business owner. It can be a lonely world, sitting in a corner of your home, balancing the roles of parenthood, wife, photographer, creative and just overall human with obligations to friends and the house and hobbies and passions. It feels a lot less lonely when you celebrate all the other people who get it.

Today’s Focus On is a spotlight on Gina Maria, the owner of Gina Marie Beauty in Lake Linganore, MD. Enjoy this peek into her business, her balance and her dreams. Be sure to follow her, cheer her on and stay tuned for more entrepreneur spotlights every two weeks.

Tell us about you and your business! 

Gina Dziak is a certified makeup and lash extensions artist and the owner of Gina Marie Beauty. She is known for on-location makeup services for occasions such as weddings, parties, photoshoots and more! Gina also has a studio located in Lake Linganore, MD where she not only offers makeup sessions as well as makeup tutorial classes, but also lash extension services.

Aside from weddings, what are other opportunities people can use to get their makeup and lashes done? 

I’ve had clients for all kinds of special occasions, including Prom, Galas, Confirmation, Birthday Parties, Boudoir photo shoots, Family photo shoots, Maternity photo shoots as well as Baby Showers, Bachelorette Parties and more. Some lash clients start out by coming to me for a special occasion, but most are everyday women who just love the way lash extensions make them look beautiful and feel confident.

What is your goal with wedding day makeup? How do you want to capture the bride, her style, etc? 

My goal for wedding day makeup is to keep it classic looking, but most of all making sure that each of my clients’ makeup look reflects what they love and are the most comfortable wearing for the occasion. It’s very important to me to have a makeup trial session with my brides to ensure that she can tell me or even share photos with me of makeup looks that she would like to try for her special day. Some clients will show me a Pinterest photo or a picture of a celebrity, but others wear very little makeup on a daily basis. I spend time sharing color palettes and suggestions on what I believe would make their features pop, leaving them feeling gorgeous all day/night long.

What will the wedding makeup process be like between you and your clients? 

I always talk to my clients about their skin type, makeup likes and dislikes as well as whether or not they have a particular look they’re going for, for the occasion. Some ladies know exactly what they want or have a makeup inspiration photo from Pinterest or Instagram. When that happens, I show them makeup from my kit that will give them the colors they’re interested in and we talk about how it will look on them. As we all know, no two people have the exact same features, so makeup will never look the same on any two people even if you use the same makeup artist and makeup. That’s one of the most exciting things about makeup, so many options and opportunities to change it up! Once I have a clear idea of what the client wants, I get started on my makeup application process. Clients can expect this to take 60-90 minutes on average depending on the occasion as well as their skin.

What is your favorite part of a wedding day?

My absolute favorite part of the wedding day or any day with my clients is the reveal! There’s nothing like seeing someone’s face light up and hearing their excitement as they express how amazing they look. A happy client is EVERYTHING to me.

What three words would you use to describe you as a person in general and as a makeup artist?

As a person in general, I believe I’m best described as thoughtful, loyal, creative and fun. I’d use the words good listener, patient and classic beauty to describe me and my style as a makeup artist.

Why do you think lash extensions are so important? Why do women love this experience?

I believe an awesome set of lashes completes a makeup look, but can also make a statement all on their own. As a makeup artist, I offer a variety of strip lashes to clients who are looking for lashes the day of a special occasion. As a lash artist, I offer lash extensions in a variety of looks for any client who wants to wake up and look like she’s already put together without having to spend time on a ton of makeup. I’ve witnessed lash extensions bring women confidence, an instant pick-me-up or even a revival much like any other spa-like experience. Another reason why clients love lash extensions is that it makes them look and feel more youthful. Lastly, bye-bye raccoon eyes! That’s right, no need to wear mascara ever again!!

What is the lash extension process like? 

A lash extension appointment with Gina Marie Beauty is a spa-like experience. My clients feel relaxed to the point that some fall asleep and wakeup when it’s over. My goal is to offer the experience that each individual client needs. That means that some will chat with me the whole time like a couple of friends on Girls Night Out and other times they’re there for the lash nap, quiet me-time they so desperately needed when they scheduled their appointment.

Have you had certifications and trainings for makeup and lashes? Why are those so important? How do you keep the process safe, clean and sanitary for your clients?

I’m a certified makeup and lash artist. I continue to take classes to learn new techniques and makeup trends. I’d advise people to be sure they’re hiring someone who has been certified and taught the proper way to keep makeup and makeup application sanitary. I’m constantly cleaning my makeup brushes, beauty blenders and makeup palettes to ensure the safety of my clients and the quality of my work. The same goes for my lash clients. Proper cleaning of the tools as well as a client’s natural lashes is imperative for the safety of the client. Always choose your lash artist based on their technique and sanitary practices to ensure your own eye safety.

When you’re not behind a brush or holding a lash wand, what else do you enjoy? What brings you your greatest joy?

I love family time the most. I’m a wife of 13 years and a mother of two children, ages 5 and 7. They’re my whole world. I also enjoy time with my closest friends, exercise, wine, books, music and time in nature. I feel the most joy when I’m making memories with those I love taking part in family traditions, movie nights, vacations or just a meal at ourfavorite restaurant(s).

How do you balance running your own business with your family/personal life and needs?

Balance? What is that? In all seriousness, I believe that when you start a business there’s a period of time where you will struggle to figure that out. It’s bound to happen because a business is much like adding another child to your family. It requires your time, energy, money, love, etc. to grow and thrive. I’m at a point now where I feel comfortable blocking off dates for family without worrying about whether or not it could potentially hurt my business or bottom line. Ultimately, for me; my family is my whole world and my business is my passion. It’s important to me to keep both things at the forefront of my mind and simply do my best to ensure that I’m being fair to my family as well as true to myself as much as I possibly can at all times.

How important is it to you to support other business owners/entrepreneurs? How do you try to do this?

I’ve always been the type of person to go out of my way to help others in any way I can. I’m no different in business. I believe in the power of helping others succeed as well as learning from those you admire in business (or even in life) to help motivate and challenge yourself to get to the next level and be your best self! I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with many local photographers and a few makeup artists since starting my business in 2018. I’ve also cheered fellow entrepreneurs on in their own business ventures by collaborating with and sharing others’ products and services with my followers and friends. I believe in the power of using my voice and social media for good. That includes sharing the works of so many talented people so that more individuals can hire them for their needs. There are enough people in this world for all of us to have success. We get there faster by working together, not by competing with one another.

How can people find you and reach out to you?

Instagram: @gina.mariebeauty

Facebook: @GinaMarieBeauty1

Website: https://infoginamariebeaut.wixsite.com/website

Email: info.ginamariebeauty@gmail.com

Phone: 908-797-9157