Meet Gabbie McGuire

We were lucky to catch up with Gabbie McGuire recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabbie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My first ideas of beauty, what it looked and, how it moved and held space weren’t representative of me…

I am blessed to have a mother and a grandmother who consistently spoke highly of my hair, my skin, my eyes.
Unfortunately, growing in predominantly white spaces did not provide much room for self-love and acceptance.

I finally found myself falling in love with my blackness around age 20. For some reason all the positive affirmations I had heard through my childhood came rushing back to me as I stood in front a mirror.

I chopped off all my permed hair at that moment and vowed to bring grace, self-appreciation and elegance to each and every one of my consultations.

Simply put, my purpose is to breathe into my clients what my grandmama breathed into me.

That is also the reason why I chose McGuire as my artist name. She just means so much to me and to everything I do!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Canadian makeup artist and hairstylist currently based in Montréal, Canada.

My story started in Saint-Vincent and the Grenadines. I am SO proud to be Vincy and hope to have the opportunity to experience my culture in my future projects.

With over 9 years of love and passion for my craft, I am excited to dive into fashion, music, televised projects alike.

More recently I launched Gabbie McGuire Bridal, my client focused studio. I see my clients at the location of their choosing. From Montréal to Iceland I can truly say it’s been a fantastic journey thus far.

I would describe myself as an elegant minimalist. I focus on personality, phenotypes, culture and really spend a great deal of time consulting with clients to allow my work to align with their intent.

While I LOVE a good makeover, I’m really the girl that will focus on a spec of color in your iris or your natural brow, your nose…really anything that makes you YOU (haha) to bring it OUT!

I am honored to bring my subject forward with great respect for who they were before the products, the trends and societal pressures of the day.

Right now I am excited to explore the world with my craft. I recently created entire looks for a theater company. As their hair and makeup lead, I was able to bring the characters to life. Once again, my process was focused on intent. Asking myself: who are these women? What do they want? How would they choose to present themselves in their communities?

I am inspired to continue my work as lead or key in other projects.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I have always been determined and driven. I recall choosing makeup artistry as a career at 13 years of age and never truly doubting that decision…

I experienced detours along the way but never allowed setbacks, failures or challenges to alter my destination. I think a certain level of stubbornness in that sense is necessary sometimes.

Second I would say coming from such a multi-cultural family was a huge blessing. Empathy, understanding and honoring of differences was instilled in me before I could actually grasp the magnitude of the education I was being offered.

Lastly, boring ol’ organizational skills are a MUST! This can pose a challenge as an artist, however, building processes early and recognizing my business as an evolving system has allowed me to scale quickly and comfortably.

I would encourage every artist to view their art as a gift that needs support, management and resources to thrive.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed I try to pause, give myself a moment of grace and immediately get a pen and paper out.

Writing has become one of my greatest tools recently.
Brain dumps, ideas and grievances are easier to tackle once written out.
I’m not sure if there’s any science behind it or if it’s just how my brain works itself out but it works!

Also staying hydrated has been a game changer for me. Again, there must be science behind this but my guess is you don’t have time to stress when you’re constantly running to the ladies room!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Pamkay Photographer Lana Nimmons Photography Montréal BlackStars

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