Story & Lesson Highlights with Ashelie Gabriella of Columbia

We recently had the chance to connect with Ashelie Gabriella and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashelie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, my 5 year old fur baby Rockii has been such a source of joy for me. He’s a black lab with the sweetest personality, and he always knows how to make me laugh or comfort me when I need it most. His unconditional love is such a blessing. My 3 year old nephew Jordan also brings so much light into my life. Watching him grow, learn, and just be his playful self has been one of the biggest joys for me lately.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashelie Gabriella, and I’m a licensed esthetician and makeup artist based in Columbia, SC. I’ve been in the beauty industry for nearly a decade, working with everyday clients, photoshoots, and even celebrity clientele. What makes my work unique is that I don’t just focus on makeup as an art form, I focus on helping people feel confident, radiant, and seen. I’m also continuing to grow my brand locally, building my clientele, and creating authentic partnerships with brands that align with my story. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s made me resilient, and that resilience shines through in the way I approach both my career and my life.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about work. My father, who retired as an NYPD detective, showed me discipline, resilience, and the importance of standing strong no matter what life throws at you. My mother has always been a hardworking woman, from being an insurance sales instructor to tapping into her many other talents. Both of them also owned their own successful businesses, and watching them taught me not only the value of hard work but also the courage it takes to build something of your own. Their example is the foundation of my work ethic and the reason I continue to push forward with determination and pride.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power after my dad passed away from cancer. He fought such a long battle, yet he always kept a smile on his face, took care of his family, and reminded me to keep pushing forward no matter the circumstances. Watching his strength showed me that even in the hardest moments, there is power in resilience. That lesson became the turning point for me, transforming my pain into motivation to keep going and to honor his legacy.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I choose to live authentically, with openness and honesty, because I believe people can only learn from me if I’m true to myself. Life isn’t perfect, but it is still beautiful and worth embracing. Every experience carries both a lesson and a blessing, and when you pay attention to that, you realize even the hardest moments can shape you into something greater.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light I’ve been dimming is my true joy, confidence, and presence. After experiencing so much loss and hardship, especially with my father’s passing, I found myself holding back parts of who I really am, the fun, vibrant, full of life version of me. I let the weight of stress and other people’s opinions make me smaller than I truly am. But I’ve realized that dimming that light doesn’t serve me or anyone else. I was created to shine, to inspire, and to use both my gifts and my story to encourage others. Now I’m learning to step back into that light fully, unapologetically, and with purpose.

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