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

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

Merritt Lee Photography

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