places I’ve been,” says Gramajo. “I’ve learned that you have to be open to adapting to technology. You do yourself a disservice by not keeping up with how people communicate and receive new information.” More importantly, Gramajo says there are three things she wished she had known earlier that she would tell people who are just starting: “Learn about boundaries, create them, and stick to them. Know your worth and add tax. Always be professional— even when you really want to lose your shit.” Q&A with Mercedes Gramajo Since this is the LGBTQ+ Not An Issue (Issue), we asked Gramajo if she would answer our questions pertaining to the issue’s theme. She was so kind to give us her time, so we wanted to share her answers with you: Q: In which ways do you support the LGBTQ+ community? A: At this particular time in history when the government wants us erased, it’s extremely important to speak up for what’s right and what’s equal for ALL people. Being queer, there’s so much fear in simply being yourself. Speaking up when I hear anti- LGBTQ comments is the biggest thing I contribute to building awareness within my social networks. Being able to speak up and say I don’t tolerate any kind of hateful speech does go a long way—sometimes, it opens a conversation, and at all times, it shows solidarity. Q: What does Pride Month mean to you? A: Pride month is a celebration of love. Having pride in yourself, your community, and the uniqueness/magic that you add to this world is what makes pride month so powerful. There are 7 billion people in the world, and 7 billion ways people choose to live and express their love. We celebrate them all. Q: How do you celebrate Pride Month? A: I volunteer my time and services to different LGBTQ groups that need hair and makeup for performances, parades, etc. Pride month is one of my favorite times to work out of the entire year. It always feels like a celebration! Q: Who are some of the queer people who inspire you? A: Sylvia Rivera. She fought to bridge the gap between the hate within our own community. There’s a Sylvia that lives inside me, for sure. Q: Do you think there’s still much to be done for LGBTQ+ rights? A: Travel advisories issued for both immigrants and LGBTQ+ people in the state of FL. Harmful policies are being passed by lawmakers in multiple states to restrict access to reproductive healthcare, gender-affirming healthcare, banning LGBTQ+ books in schools… the list goes on and on… in 2023. We are nowhere near done.
as possible through retail cosmetics and trainers. “At the beginning of my career, my entire life was establishing myself and giving it my all at all times,” she says. “All that being said, there were extremely difficult times, and I wouldn’t change a thing. My heart and soul have been in this since the beginning, and when you create from what’s within, the universe provides.” Over the years, Gramajo has serviced her clients with experience in runway, bridal, special effects, editorial, and makeup education. But even with all her success, she admits her job isn’t always effortless. “I’m proud of what I’ve established for myself thus far, and I can still say it’s difficult to continue doing so—especially moving from one city to another,” she says. “Some days, it still feels like I’m back at square one. It’s always difficult establishing yourself as an artist of any form, and I have my ups and downs, good and bad days.” Some of the difficulties with navigating the beauty industry, like many other industries, is keeping up with the latest trends and technologies. For Gramajo, social media has been a big game changer because it gives everything anyone could ever want. “With makeup specifically, there’s so much you can learn by simply watching a few videos.” In addition to the videos people can watch on social media platforms, networking has also changed as technology has advanced. Gramajo points out, “Business has shifted from networking in person and events to networking on different social platforms and showing your individuality.” She’s credited social media as a way of showing people who she really is in order to gain their support. “My social media presence has made such an impact on the people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve been given, and the
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