
Meet Gigi
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I studied and performed as a competitive dancer in ballet, tap, as well as jazz, modern, and hip-hop styles, winning national dance competitions throughout my childhood. From a young age, due to my involvement in dance and musical theater, I began doing hair and makeup for competitions (first for myself, and eventually – happily – for others). I didn’t realize then that my love for showcasing each individual’s unique, idiosyncratic qualities would return years later, crystallizing into my current business, GiGi Lein, Artistic Collective Consulting.
As a teenager, I attended the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera for the performing arts, and performed in regional and national plays. My experiences during this time inspired me to move to New York City and eventually Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. In New York, I studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and in Los Angeles I taught dance at Torrance Community Cultural Center, started an art’s program at an inner-city church, and furthered my education in acting by studying at the New York Film Academy and Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
After directing a series of children’s musicals and plays in the Los Angeles area, I sought a new challenge. I decided to return to my hometown of Pittsburgh to attend South Hills Beauty Academy. This turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life, leading me to collaborate with the Make a Wish Foundation, while I pursued makeup, hair, and artistic consulting work with Merritt Lee Photography. After working for some time at the Izzazu Salon and Spa, I opened Haven Boutique Salon in Sola Salon Studios, eventually expanding to a storefront in Wexford. This year, in light of the success of my past businesses and the support of clients, I have opened my consulting business and new location at Sola Salon studios, rebranding as “Gigi Lein, Artistic Collective Consulting.”
As a beauty expert, I specialize in corrective hair cutting using Head Shape Matters, corrective coloring, and reparative hair and scalp treatments. I also apply balayage hair color techniques, and offer a range of services for bridal/formal hair and makeup. Along with all of these services, I now offer consulting services to people from all walks of life and like to think of myself as a “modern muse,” capable of inspiring and enlivening the beauty within.
Gigi's Education
Gigi’s
Specialties:
Balayage Highlighting Techniques
Color
Color Corrections
Hair Cutting
Special Event & Bridal Hair Styling
Makeup
Hair Extensions
Distinguished
Experience:
Camelot Communications Group – Commercial UPMC
Sabika Jewelry – Catalogs & Fashion Shows
Pittsburgh Today Live – KDKA
Elias/Savion Advertising – Promo Videos &/or Print Ads – Bayer: Core; Toe Talks
Eyetique – Commercials & Print Ads
News Anchors – Local & National
Fitness Competitors – Pro & Amateur
Kaarl USA Team – Caravan Tour Hair Show
Pittsburgh Film Office – Billborads & Promo Material for Lights! Glamour! Action(2015, 2016)
4MOMS – Mad Men Themed Blog
Chelsea Collective – Pittsburgh Today Live – KDKA
Setting the Seen – Pittsburgh Post Gazette
St. Barnabas Health System – Print Ads
Phitness on Fox 53 – TV Show
Walsh Photography – Earth Day Project – Macy’s Window Display
Acrobatique Creative Branding Boutique – Special Events & Fashion Shows
David Tutera Wedding
Pittsburgh Fashion Week
Make-a-Wish Foundation – Disney on Ice
Special Needs Proms Around Pittsburgh
Hair Cutting for a Women’s Safe House, Homeless & Veterans Fundraiser Charity Events
