We recently connected with Gunnar Koleznar and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Gunnar with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my amazing mom. She has always been my biggest inspiration, not just for what she’s accomplished, but for how hard she worked to achieve it all. Growing up, I watched her juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet, and even then, she never let go of her dreams. Seeing her come home late, exhausted but determined, taught me the value of perseverance and commitment. One of the most inspiring moments of my life was watching her graduate from college. It wasn’t easy—she had to balance school, work, and raising a family—but she did it with grace and strength. Her ability to stay focused and push through every obstacle showed me what true resilience looks like. Because of her example, I strive for excellence in everything I do. She showed me that success doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from hard work, sacrifice, and never giving up on yourself.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Practice All the Time—and Take Photos of Everything The best way to grow your skills and confidence is to practice on as many different faces and hair types as possible. Ask friends, family, or even models to let you try new looks. Take high-quality before-and-after photos—it’ll help you track your progress and build your portfolio for future clients. Lighting and angles matter too, so start learning how to capture your work in the best way possible.
2. Build Your Brand—Not Just Your Skills
Being talented is only half the job. You need to market yourself. Use Instagram, TikTok, or a website to showcase your work, your personality, and your vibe. People don’t just book the service—they book you. Stay consistent with your content, be clear about what you offer, and make it easy for people to reach out or book you. The more visible and approachable you are, the more business you’ll attract.
3. Never Stop Learning
Trends, products, and techniques are always changing in the beauty industry. Stay up to date by taking courses, attending masterclasses, or following artists you admire. Even watching tutorials and staying curious goes a long way. The best artists are the ones who stay humble, keep learning, and adapt with time.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Kevyn Aucoin’s Making Faces has been a game-changer in my makeup artistry journey. The book is not just a guide; it’s a source of inspiration that opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of makeup as an art form. From his detailed techniques to his unique perspective on beauty, I’ve learned how makeup can transform not only the face but also how a person feels about themselves. What really resonated with me was Kevyn’s approach to highlighting each individual’s natural features, which aligns with my own philosophy as a makeup artist. He didn’t just teach techniques; he emphasized understanding the client and tailoring the look to suit their personality and style, which has been key in developing my own bridal and special occasion artistry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blushandbashfulcollective.com
- Instagram: Transformationsbygunnar
