Team GIBS welcomes Lorraine Osorio to the family!

“Everything we do, whether you’re a barber/stylist/MUA… What we do is art.” ~ StylistFairy

Lorraine Osorio was 17 when a car breakdown jumpstarted her artistry. She hoofed it to a pay phone, which happened to sit at a barbershop. When a barber tried to game her, she asked for a job. Fast forward and the mother of two and owner of MLJ Artistry Salon is a platform artist for GIBS Grooming, trophy winner and star of Cedric the Entertainer’s Barber Battle. She says hunger makes your history and that’s why we had to have her on the team! Let’s meet her...

Describe yourself in five: Optimistic. Energetic. Confident. Fearless. Restless. Creative. I know you said five but these six pretty much sums it up!

How’d you make it to Team GIBS? I’m true to myself and I’m a hard worker. GIBS asked me to attend Connecticut Barber Expo in 2016. I believe it was a test run and it was great. I loved it and I’ve been with them ever since.

What are you known for? I do a lot of different services – both men and women – and I work with all hair textures. If I had to choose, I would say I’m known for skin fades, designs and color.

Who is the Stylist Fairy? I grew up in the salon. My mom is a cosmetologist but she wouldn’t let me cut in the shop for fear I’d run off the clientele. I’m a strong believer in the law of attraction and manifesting your wants and needs. As a barber/stylist I’m always educating myself in techniques and trends. I push myself in every service to do better than the last.

Have a favorite GIBS combo? On combovers or pompadours, I’ll use a little OG Baller and finish it off with Brawler hairspray. Trust me it won’t move. After a shave I’ll use our beard oils or Alpha Male if skin is on the drier side as the oil is a bit thicker. Black Kodiak and Tree Hugger are great on coarse hair for moisture.

What would you say to aspiring barbers/stylists? Ask yourself if this is what you love to do. If not, don’t bother. This field isn’t a job. It’s a lifestyle. In order for you to do this your whole life, you have to love it. Secondly, DO NOT be discouraged. It takes time to build clients but they will come; just focus on perfecting your craft.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out to other barbers and stylists. Find someone to mentor you and always keep yourself educated on the newest techniques. Attend as many classes, events and shows as you can and form good habits.

What’s it like being one of the women behind a rockstar men’s grooming brand? I’ve always been like one of the guys with the exception that I like to wear makeup and heels. It’s no different then when I’m in the shop but I’m very honored to be a part of this amazing team and growing organization. GIBS is giving me the platform to be the artist that I am; everything we do, whether you’re a barber/stylist/MUA, what we do is art.

What makes a great barber/stylist? Attention to detail and listening to your client. Really listen to their needs and wants. Always provide great customer service… remember clients are your extended family and you always give your family the best.

What do you wish guys knew about grooming? Grooming isn’t just a haircut or combing your beard. If you can’t get a haircut often, I recommend a shape up every week. And make sure you beard is always washed and smelling good. Grooming should be done with pride. Men love to see a women that takes care of herself ..well guess what? Women love that same thing from a guy.

If you could cut any hair or beard, who’s would it be? I would love to cut Daddy Yankee as he is so awesome and Prince Harry, he is so dashing!

What does your downtime look like? I spend time with my family; we watch a lot of movies and play domino, chess, and board games. I love drawing, cooking, the arcades, go karting, everything that’s fun and kid friendly. This year I’m definitely skydiving!

Follow Lorraine on Instagram @StylistFairy and catch her repping GIBS Grooming at Barbercon in New York City June 10 and 11, 2018.