May 8, 2017

Meet Orlando Barsallo of Orlando Barsallo Makeup Artist and Body Painter in West Loop

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orlando Barsallo.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I took my first class in 2003 at the Aveda Institute. My interest for makeup grew, so I decided to take classes for Bridal and Glam Makeup. I then got a job working for Salon 1800. Working mostly for Brides and special events. I had the need to move forward, so I became a Mac Pro Member which gave me the opportunity of more education in the world of makeup. Fascinated for the art of body painting, I decided to sign up for a class, this opened up my business for Halloween, stage, theater and body painting. Today after 13 years I’m the makeup artist of Solo Salon and which is in the top list of salons in Chicago located in the West Loop where I specialize in weddings and special events and also freelancing for my special art of body painting, videos, and theater etc….

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Makeup is a very competitive industry. Due to the fact that it’s a luxury, it was very hard during the recession from 2008-2010, Also I was located in Lincoln Park. The move to The West Loop in 2015 felt like starting over again.

Orlando Barsallo Makeup Artist and Body Painter – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Orlando Barsallo is a makeup business that specializes in makeup for weddings, theater, special events, HD. runway and body painting. What sets me apart from others is that I can do anything from basic neutral/natural looking makeup application to an elaborate detailed body painting application.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me success is the full recognition of the things that a person does. That gives them financial and emotional satisfaction.

I’m very conscious about doing always the best job that the client will want to come back and bring their friends. Word of mouth is your best friend also social media in this business. Creating love between what you do and your customers is absolutely going to increase your business.

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