We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helena Olivares. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helena below.
Helena, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Truly I think my resilience stems from feeling the need to fight for myself & to be heard from a very young age. I have been a fighter (in a sense) my whole life and I have always strived to make sure my voice and what I need to say is heard. If I was knocked down, I found a way to dust myself off and get back up again and keep going because at the end of the day YOU are the one who is going to fight the hardest for yourself, no one else. Thankfully I learned this as a young child so it honestly just comes naturally as an adult. I refuse to let myself fail and if I do, I know I’m only failing forward success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a professional hair and makeup artist with a passion for enhancing natural beauty and creating that effortless glam finish. I work with a mix of clients—from brides and bridal parties to everyday women (with a few male clients too) who just want to feel confident and radiant, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular appointment to keep their hair looking great.
I actually got my start back in high school, doing hair and makeup for my friends before dances and events. I even did my best friend’s mom a few times! She’s actually the one who first said, “You should really do this for a living.” That stuck with me. Soon after high school I applied to a local cosmetology program. That was over 20 years ago now, which is wild to think. I’ve always loved the connection that comes from helping someone feel beautiful in their own skin, and I’m so grateful I get to do that every day. I truly enjoy what I do.
What I love most about my work is the transformation—not just the physical one, but how people feel after a session. It’s about more than just the makeup or the hair—it’s the confidence, the glow, that inner light that comes through when someone feels like the best version of themselves.
I also do bridal work, which I absolutely love. Being part of those intimate, joyful moments before someone walks down the aisle is such a privilege. I do offer lessons for everyday clients who want to learn makeup and quick styling tips— it’s something approachable and fun where I’ll teach easy, confidence-boosting techniques for doing your own glam at home.
Right now, I’m enjoying seeing my regular clients and being a small part of their lives while also opening my book to new clients too. I’m always booked and this just keeps things exciting and moving smoothly. On top of being a busy business owner, I’m also a mom and a wife with a very busy home life, so I thrive on a daily organized schedule.
My brand is really all about warmth, authenticity, efficiency and artistry—creating timeless, glowing looks in an inviting environment where you can relax, feel seen & heard and not spend your entire day in my chair but leave looking & feeling AMAZING!!!!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I know the three biggest things that have made a difference in my journey are consistency, connection, and attention to detail. I see them show up in my work every day.
Consistency has been everything. Whether I was doing prom makeup in high school or bridal glam now, I’ve always tried to show up with the same level of care, effort, and professionalism. That’s how you build trust—not just with clients, but with yourself.
Connection is huge in this industry. You’re not just doing someone’s hair or makeup—you’re part of their energy, their moment, their experience. Making people feel comfortable, listened to, and seen… that’s just as important as the makeup or hair look itself.
And attention to detail—that’s where the magic is. Whether it’s perfectly placed hair foils, blending a color touch up so it matches the rest of the hair, or making sure a bridal updo & makeup lasts all day, the little things matter. They’re what take a look from pretty to flawless.
For anyone just starting out, I’d say: keep practicing, stay humble, and build REAL relationships. Don’t get caught up in perfection or comparison. Comparison is a thief of joy. Focus on your growth, stay in your own lane, stay curious & keep learning, and give each client your full presence when they are in your chair. That’s how you get better, and that’s how you build something that lasts. That’s what I like to call ‘residual business’. You will have clients for life and more referrals than you will know what to do with.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to exciting collaborations! As a hair and makeup artist, I love teaming up with other creatives who share a passion for beauty, art, and making people feel confident and beautiful. I’m especially interested in partnering with photographers, wedding planners, stylists, influencers, and fellow beauty professionals—anyone who has a shared vision of creating stunning, high-quality work that tells a unique story.
I’m also keen to collaborate with makeup and beauty brands, whether it’s for product launches, tutorials, or styled shoots. Being able to showcase new products and integrate them into my work is something I’m really passionate about, and it’s always exciting to work with brands that align with my style and values.
Additionally, I’m open to working with local businesses in the beauty, fashion, and wedding industries. Whether it’s for a styled shoot, a beauty workshop, or a special event, collaboration is a great way to push creative boundaries and reach new audiences.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out! You can connect with me through my Instagram handle @glamsquad805, or email me directly at helena@glamsquad805.com. Let’s create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glamsquad805.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamsquad805
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