Meet Elham Gadalla | Hair and Makeup Artist | Creative Strategist | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elham Gadalla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elham, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic creative career because, honestly, it’s just who I am! From a young age, I was drawn to the beauty industry. But I’ll admit, it took me a long time to truly take my creative career seriously. For a while, I wasn’t even sure what that looked like. It took time to discover who I really am, what I enjoy, and what truly felt right for me.

During that time, I tried on a lot of different hats; office work, medical coding & billing, sales, you name it. While those jobs helped pay the bills, they didn’t light me up inside. The real turning point came when I realized I had to take the risk of leaving my 9-5 jobs behind and go full throttle into my creative career. It was a leap of faith, but it was the best decision I ever made.

Owning and operating a beauty salon was my first big step into the creative world. From there, diving into freelance work as a hair and makeup artist felt like the perfect fit.

It’s not just about the glam (though I do love a good avant-garde moment!); it’s about making people feel confident and empowered while getting to express myself. Honestly, this career feels like home. It’s been a winding road to get here, but every twist and turn helped me figure out who I am and what I’m meant to do. It’s challenging, rewarding, and never boring, just like me!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business journey really took off when I fully committed to my freelance career with ElhamGlam. I made the shift into freelance hair and makeup, where I discovered my passion for versatility, from natural glam to avant-garde creations. What sets me apart is my ability to adapt and bring any vision to life, always staying true to my creativity and innovation.

Building this business wasn’t easy. It took a big leap of faith dedicating myself fully to my craft. But that leap has led me to where I am today, working with amazing clients, pushing my skills, and constantly growing. Along the way, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about relationships, persistence, and adaptability.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, if my best friend were visiting Salt Lake City for a week, we’d be in for the best time ever! First off, we’d kick things off with a little outdoor adventure, because let’s be real, you can’t visit SLC and not get your hands a little dirty. We’d go river rafting (nothing like an adrenaline rush to start the trip), then hit some stunning hiking trails. I’d take them to some of my favorite spots like Donut Falls, in little Cottonwood Canyon, for views that’ll make you feel like you’re in a postcard.

After all that outdoor fun, we’d wind down at one of the amazing hot springs around here. There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in hot springs while watching the sun set over the mountains, trust me, it’s pure magic.

Now, we’d definitely need to refuel, so I’d take them to some of the best modern restaurants in the area. I’m talking about places with amazing food and a killer vibe, there’s no shortage of spots in SLC that know how to do both. Afterward, it’s time for nightlife! We’d hit up a few cool bars downtown, maybe catch some live music, and just enjoy the energy of the city.

And of course, what’s a trip without meeting a few locals? I’d introduce them to some of my awesome friends, and we’d hang out, share stories, and probably end up at some late-night taco truck because that’s just how we roll.

If we had time, I’d absolutely take them on a short road trip to Moab. The drive alone is worth it, but the red rock formations? Mind-blowing! We could hike, explore, and have some epic photo ops.

Overall, it’d be a trip packed with outdoor adventures, good food, great company, and plenty of laughs. Honestly, it’d be hard to top this kind of week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to give the biggest shoutout to my two sons, now 16 and 14. These two have been with me since day one, and they’ve always been my biggest supporters. Even when they were younger, they pushed me to be better, whether it was stepping in as a model for a new look or a haircut I needed to try out, they never said “no”. And on the days when I didn’t feel inspired or confident, they were there to remind me how great I can be. They called me “the hardest-working, most dedicated person they’ve ever known”, and that was all the motivation I needed to keep going. They’ve always believed in me and took me as their idol. I truly hope I continue to be that for them. Honestly, without them, I wouldn’t have found the courage, the motivation, or the practice canvas (aka them) to perfect my craft.

Now, as much as I owe a huge thank you to my sons, my parents also played a big role in shaping me. My father passed down his creative genes, he’s an abstract artist, and I grew up watching him pour unconditional love into his art. My mother, on the other hand, instilled in me the values of kindness, patience, and a love for life that I carry with me every day. They were my first mentors, in their own way.

As for formal mentorship, I never had just one person guiding me. Instead, I found inspiration in the memoirs of others. Books like Becoming by Michelle Obama, A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown, and Around the Way Girl: A Memoir by Taraji P. Henson, are full of stories about overcoming struggles and rising to success. Those stories gave me perspective and encouragement to continue pushing forward.

Reading memoirs has always inspired me and now, I’m writing my own book! It’s a mix of memoir and a guide for anyone wanting to make it in the freelance world. I want to share my experiences, the ups and downs, and provide advice for others on their own creative journey. If my story can serve as a mentor to any freelancer, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my part.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/elhamglam/

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