Daily Inspiration: Meet Glynnis Garcia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Glynnis Garcia. 

Hi Glynnis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I honestly feel like I don’t have a typical hair and makeup artist story. I grew up always doing something visually artistic. Mostly painting and drawing, in addition to, making jewelry, weaving, ceramics, sewing, etc. I was always big into fashion growing up and was very experimental with my personal style. I used to flip through my grandmother’s W, Bazaar, and Vogue magazines when they used to be as thick as a Bible. After looking through the magazines, I’d draw the models, from full body to mimicking my favorite makeup looks. I used to model for years as well… Art is my life and my therapy. I eat and breathe it.

In 2011, I attended the Paul Mitchell cosmetology school. My mentor, Debbie Metzger, encouraged me to go as well. She’s the reason I am the stylist I am toda! Once I received the training, a lot of my creative contacts from modeling (another story in itself, LOL!) started to book me for session styling. Which was funny to me, because 1.) I had gone to hair school originally out of hope I MIGHT be good since it was creative and no required math course. And, 2.) I had no idea how to even blow dry hair or know how to use a bobby pin. I got out of hair school being super strong in color and color corrections (it was natural to me, it’s just like painting). But, I was lacking in hair styling skills. Since I knew this wasn’t my strength, I took an 18-week editorial styling course. Which provided the necessary skills needed to be a better stylist. As a result, I quickly became known for color and session work in Nashville.

In 2014 or 2015, I signed with my first agency, while living in Kansas. They recommended that I learn how to do makeup because I was in a smaller market, but had a wide region for work (Wichita, Kansas City, Arkansas, and Oklahoma). So, I contacted my friends, Sherita Leslie and Meko Davis. Who provided me with great resources. I then found a great makeup artist named Margina Dennis through a pro makeup artist group that Sherita and Meko referred me to. Margina, lived in New York, and via online and on the phone. She said to me, “I’m going to teach you how to do makeup that makes you money. Being a colorist, you’ll have a stronger hand because you already know color theory”. I practiced in my downtime, took tons of photos and was heavily critiqued (New Yorkers don’t play around). I studied books, was constantly on YouTube University, webinars, and also traveled to Chicago for hands-on training. Where I had connected to more great artists, who I’m still friends with today. Thanks to my agency and the additional training I received, I was getting booked for advertisements, commercials, and occasionally film in the Midwest.

In 2017, I moved back to Nashville. Since then, I have worked on many photoshoots, commercials and advertisements, did product development for Kenra, participated in hair shows for Elevate, and some TV. I met and got to work with so many talented people from the music industry, to even the NFL. I’m so thankful and blessed for my support system from friends, salon clients (especially, because they have to deal with my schedule), and other amazing artists nationally. I can’t wait to see where my career goes and continue to blossom!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
LOL, definitely not a smooth ride. While attending cosmetology school, I found out I was 4 1/2 months pregnant. I have Crohn’s diseas and was considered high risk because of it. As a result, I was running to Dr. appointments weekly while making sure I could graduate on time. While house hunting with my husband at the time too. So, my career got started later. I ended up being a stay-at-home mom, then started part-time work in a salon after my daughter was 1 1/2. We ended up having to move to Kansas which devastated me but ended up being a career blessing in hindsight.

I ended up moving back to Nashville and got a lot of hate from local artists. The reason, I was an actual combo artist (it was rare back in those days to be a hair AND makeup artist). I was told to stick with hair, blah blah blah. In the salon world, I was told the same thing, “Pick session work or salon world. You can’t do both”. Maybe it’s obedience defiant disorder, maybe it’s because I’m a rule breaker, but I love proving people wrong.

In addition to dealing with negativity, I ended up getting divorced in 2017. I had to work 4-5 jobs for a year while I got back on my feet. I basically had to start over because I had not worked while being a stay at home mom. Then in 2019, I tore my trap in my shoulder, and my rotator suffered tremendously (in my blow drying arm nonetheless!). I almost had to quit doing hair completely so I could avoid surgery. I now make resting, my mind, my health, and keeping my body in good condition a top priority.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I’m focusing on freelance hair and makeup for photoshoots, commercials, videos, and bridal. Occasionally I’ll assist in TV and Film. Known for? I’m known for my natural makeup looks, men’s grooming, and ability to work with curly hair. My specialties evolve and change over time. What sets me apart is probably my knowledge of hair, makeup, and skin. As a result of my injuries, I’ve become a health and wellness nerd.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love our city and how it has evolved! It’s becoming more metropolitan and diverse. As a result we’re seeing a shift in more opportunities for Film and TV coming to Nashville too.

Unfortunately with more people comes more traffic and congestion. Plus, I’m not a fan of the bars on wheels (Taverns I’m looking at you).

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.glynnisgarcia.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/glynnisbeauty

Image Credits
Lauren Athalia
Ernie Passwaters