Meet Gina Vandewater | Model, Makeup Artist, & CEO – High Class Creatives

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

Hi Gina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Throughout the duration of my modeling career, I always found interest within the creative community. I attended fashion shows, photoshoots, events, and more, meeting numerous individuals who were talented within their own arts and careers. I saw agencies for models, maybe a platform or two for both models and photographers, but never a substantial functioning company for all like minded creatives. I knew there needed to be something new to bring to the table in the Denver community, and so began the construction of how I could make a beneficial difference. The modeling community can sometimes lack safety, organization, professionalism, and in some cases become quite cliquey. When you incorporate beginner models, new photographers, independent HMUA, upon others who may just be starting out, I haven’t seen anywhere for them to go or learn until they have at least some experience under their belts or know the right people to ask. The difficulty in gaining said experience, is fear of the unknown. Where do you get the experience you need, who are the right people to work with, are you marketing yourself correctly, are you creating with safety precautions in mind? Without any sense of direction, it can be really difficult. I remember my first year starting out truly pursuing modeling, and it was a scary world finding out very quickly who not to work with. For the trials and errors I had to undergo to gain the experience I needed, it became very apparent that had there been a designated place I could go to, be a part of, learn, and do things the right way, it would’ve saved me an endless amount of time. The driving force of starting this business was to cover all areas and implement a designated space for all aspiring creatives. For the majority of models, photographers, etc, who are primarily freelance, I also saw a lack of effective marketing, primarily TFP work, and a portfolio primarily only showcased through Instagram. For those who wanted to market themselves better, start getting paid for their work, and gain professional traction in job opportunities outside of social media. Friends and other creators started to reach out to me for these kinds of questions. I knew I wanted to grow. I was needing an agency of my own to help support me in the goals and actions I wanted to take. I knew if I wanted to obtain making modeling an adequate career, I needed to either turn to an already established agency who knew what they were doing, or make all the efforts in the world to properly be a self-sufficient freelance model. The improvements made, came naturally to me, and fortunately I did sign with one of the most supportive agencies I have seen yet in the Denver community, nxt|MODEL. In conversing with them upon other individuals about this absence we see in the community, a lack of social networking, a difficulty implementing adequate model safety upon other creators safety, a business model to combat all of these challenges was born.
High Class Creatives is a collaborative business model that allows all creatives to work more effectively with one another. We represent models, photographers, hair and makeup artists, designers, studios, small businesses, and more. In all that this industry encompasses, we are also proudly inclusive of all ages, sex, race, nationalities, weight, shape, size, and disabilities. The intention of starting this business from a professional standpoint was to provide a more proficient networking opportunity through web development and overall user functionality. The passion in running this business is to provide endless like minded individuals a sense of true community and a platform to achieve their own goals and dreams. Upon signing we offer all of our creatives a package that covers safety measures, networking events, promotion, classes for those interested, and a platform to truly be represented to the fullest. As a team, we aim to make this a space for those signed on, regardless of being considered beginner, intermediate, or advanced, to have an easier opportunity to work with other creatives. Within HCC, or outside of HCC through meetups, events, and this accessible interconnection platform, our job is to bring this community together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My view on art and my experience creating art, has been such an exciting journey this far. My interest has always been prevalent throughout my childhood, upbringing, and landed me in many different careers. I have experimented with all kinds of different mediums, tools, even digital creations and decided to make two separate businesses to showcase those areas of myself and my work. When I hit the age of 20 I had met a large community of talented artists, and it was something i’ll never forget. I was introduced to legitimate starving artists, where all they did, 7 days a week, was art. There were individuals who marketed themselves as sellers and made a living in galleries, posted up at events, or successfully ran a store for themselves. I began to see all within different cities, streets, businesses, and art events even, that to those who knew, compared to those who weren’t in the scene, that there were always silent battles of territory. It may not make much sense to some people, but it spoke great lengths for me. I had never seen more respect, love, and care for once another than what was shown to me when I had the privilege of being apart of it all. It was whole other world really, and it gave me a true sense of community.
Leaving from from that experience taught me a lot about my own art, but really honed on the fact of how are you going to make a living, and how can you become a respected professional artist. My early 20’s propelled quickly and i’ve been on my toes ever since truly asking myself what am I good at, and what are my passions in life. You don’t really get told that it’s normal to be stressed about even answering those questions to yourself, but if it helps to anyone reading this, it’s normal. I knew I had always done my own makeup, found different tools, and colors, and the creation of makeup to be something I could look forward to every day, doing it on myself. I began doing my friends makeup in middle school, high school, school dances, Halloween, and I loved it. I loved every aspect of using your skills, and getting creative, to make someone feel beautiful about themselves. With practice, acquired skills, and a substantial clientele, I started my mobile makeup business October of this year.
It wasn’t easy getting everything started as I was running myself thin. I knew I could figure out what to charge and the best way to inform clients prior to appointments, but when I promoted 21 spots available for October in the middle of September, the spots filled up before October even started. I was very fortunate to everyone who was eager to work with me, but at the same time, it was really difficult how to go about everything in the most efficient way. I was trying different appointment setting methods and apps, it was a lot of trial and error for cancellation fees even, or determining a mileage gauge for the mobile appointments and calculating a fair cost for coverage. I found that contracts were a necessity prior to booking, deposit fees, as well as cancellations being addressed, but despite all the worry of making sure I could cover all areas, I was fortunate enough to have friends of mine be my first appointments. They really helped me solidify the best game plan moving forward with future clients and towards the 10th appointment made and done, everything fell into place. The lesson I learned after October was that Halloween and themed makeup looks were over. My schedule was going to be difficult to find clients to work with to keep this mobile business afloat during the slow months. To challenge that, so began making a separate business solely for the purpose of highlighting my physical and digital art pieces.
During November I decided I would give a designated website and shop for people to be able to not only view and purchase the pieces i’ve made, but also add in an aspect of taking custom orders, custom requests, and take on fun projects like birthday cards, mystery take out boxes, logos for peoples businesses, or edit photos for people to post or hang on their walls.
I wanted to distinctively showcase these areas of work in their own light and in their own ways. I am fortunate for High Class Creatives in all that it is. I am grateful for all of my clients and the ability to be creative whenever and wherever with Art N Beauty Studios. Lastly, I am thankful that without given the years of being around art, and practicing art, not to mention the community I learned an exponential amount from, Art Piece Studios would not be something I thought I could make a career out of. Art for me was always there. Being around like minded creatives was always the type of people I was drawn to know and meet. If it weren’t for societal pressure of “having a real job”, or working a 9-5, the need of supportive consistent income, I knew how scary it would be to pursue all of this, but I would of never known how fruitful and rewarding being able to do all of this actually is.
I want people to know that I truly asked myself what i’m good at, and what my passions are regardless of it being the norm. Personally, it was unfortunate I couldn’t find many jobs that could tie in all of the three things I decided to pursue, but fortunately it introduced me to entrepreneurship and the world of starting a business of your own. With everything continuing to progress, its truly surreal for me to think about. It’s one of the things I can look towards myself, and be proud of the woman I am today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the most magical places I have ever been to in Colorado, is Manitou Springs. For those who have never been, it’s a fairly small, quite town at the base of Pikes Peak and in the heart of natural mineral springs. No matter the season, occasion, or activities planned for the day, Manitou Springs just makes you feel like home in the best way possible. I find myself to be an old sole in this generation, and whenever I have the opportunity to take a weekend trip, I get lost in the era this town makes you feel like you’re in. Despite the new shops, modern things to buy, and renovated park, they haven’t changed all too much since the first time I ever visited as a kid. My favorite secret spots are The Mona Lisa, Swirl, Penny Arcade, Cave Of The Winds, and Rainbow Falls. The Mona Lisa is an absolute gem in the summer if you’re a fan of fondue and vintage ambiance. I always ask to eat in their wine cellar which isn’t always open to the public, but the building itself is a beautiful old gold rush hotel that is just an incredible atmosphere to eat in. Swirl is another favorite of mine that serves incredible lunch and unique drinks to try if tasting is your thing. The Penny Arcade is one of the most immersive historical experiences where most if not all the games, date back to the 1930’s if not older. The arcade has been a sweet spot for me for photoshoots, my first ever date my now fiancé went on, and a bundle of amazing memories spent in my time being there. Cave of the Winds, you just have to go. If you are a rock lover, adrenaline junkie, even summer activities with your friends, they offer two different sides that you can experience. A given, is definitely taking a cave tour. The only one i’ve ever done has been the spooky one, where they tell ghost stories, lead you to a literal pit that goes on of miles and miles down the earth, and tell you to blow out your lanterns which I have never experience completely darkness before in my life, but it’s an insane experience. Another feature they offer in the summer is a canyon ride, never done it, probably would never, but the view i’m sure is absolutely incredible. Last but not least if you’re into axe throwing, adult obstacle courses, upon other activities, there’s so much you can do as well as purchasing the coolest rocks and gems mined locally from Manitou. Rainbow Falls or as I like to call it, graffiti falls, is a hidden gem and by hidden, I mean its pretty hard to find and 90% of the time gated. A majority of people hop the gate, but if you choose to wait until considered open to the public i’ts worth a site to see in the summer. It’s a relaxed hike offering a beautiful waterfall to play around in, natural swimming pools, and picnic areas. If you take the path along the creek, most people find that to be better than the falls themselves but nonetheless a fun time soaking up the sun. Manitou Springs just has so much to offer and as underrated as it is, the little town is always a place for me where I can go and unwind.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t of felt so motivated in all that i’ve put into what High Class Creatives is today, if it weren’t for my amazing team. To Amaris Beltran, Alejandra De la Cruz, Sophie Harrold, Giovanni Gavinski, Jordan Gullette, Sergio Delgado, Gilbert Kolosieke, Josh Plunkett, Yoshi Evangeline you all are the most incredible individuals I have ever met. I am so grateful for all of their efforts, encouragement, insights, and driven mindsets. To my agency nxt|MODEL, specifically Natalie Fletcher and Kerry Barley, this opportunity to share my story, advance in my skill sets, networking, and career would also never of been possible without you both. Thank you for seeing something special in me and supporting me in each and every moment I have with you. To my friends, family, God, and my supportive boyfriend, this year has been a life changing time of feeling as though anything is possible. I am truly grateful and beyond blessed for you all.

ersonalGinaVandewater

Website: www.highclasscreatives.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ginavandewater

Other: Website: www.artnbeautystudios.com Instagrams: @artnbeautystudios @artpiecestudios @highclasscreatives

Image Credits
Brian Lazo Jamel Cherry