FL: Tell us how the idea for Carnival Glam Hub came about, and how has it grown over the years?
CGH: Carnival GLAM started as the result of me ( Gabrielle Waite) being hired to do makeup for a corporate client, and then then asking me if I could also arrange Hair, breakfast and transport. It was absolutely chaotic moving around 16 girls trying to get everything done Carnival morning.
My business partner then suggested that maybe we should look into creating a solution, as this must be a problem for other girls. We did our research and the response was overwhelming as to how many people were going through the same challenges.
We consider that our first year. By year two we did 200 people, by year three we did 600 people and expanded to Barbados where we did a hundred. Year four, here we are fresh from Trinidad with 550 people who booked various services.
FL: What services do you offer?
CGH: We offer: Hair , Makeup, Bronzing, Shuttle service, overnight bag check, Barber services and Changing room complete with seamstress and dressing assistants.
FL: Walk us though the process of booking & what can a client expect after arriving at CGH?
CGH: 1. Visit www.carnivalglamhub.com , choose your carnival destination ( Miami, Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Lucia, and Barbados)
2. Select your package : Full Glam , Makeup Glam or Hair Glam. Choose your add-ons Bronzing, photo, breakfast, bag check etc
3. Pay via our WiPay Caribbean solution ( brand new) and ‘voila’ you’re all set and ready. Leave the rest to us
All services come with: All inclusive bar access, Changing room access, comfortable AC lounges, and Wing Check.
FL: Has there been any obstacles bringing CGH to destinations, and how did you over come it?
CGH:With each territory, there comes its unique set of challenges. The common however is “Doubt”. Corporate often want to see the event work first, while local people already have their own makeup solution established years before. What often happens is that once people see our MUA’s and do their research then bookings come rushing in last minute which creates its own set of speak laws challenges.
But my business partner is an event planner and logistics is his thing, so we’re always ready. I’ve learnt to focus on the talent and the process.
FL: With so many seasoned and aspiring MUA, how do you hand pick who works in CGH?
CGH: That’s the million dollar question. We really try to choose a mix of MUAs as our market is very diverse. If a client wants Gems , then you can’t place her with Kai Forde. Kai doesn’t use gems. You have to have an MUA that use gems in her craft.
Then you have to be conscious that some Muas are better at siding black girls versus white girls versus Indian girls. So you then have to have Muas to also satisfy that side of the market.
Then you’ve gotta have Celeb Muas who celeb clients prefer to book with.
It’s a science, but I can’t share everything with you. Lol
FL: What other first time destinations can we look forward to seeing CGH?
CGH: St. Lucia and Miami. Those are our newest destinations. We are also eyeing two more Caribbean territories and additional North American destinations.
FL: What is the experience like for a male masquerader interested in CGH?
CGH: We created an entire Male Experience just for men in Jamaica. We had a man cave, with female bartenders and wait staff, their own lounge and of course, a barber to get lined up and shaved before they hit the road. Waldo serve more manly cocktails in this award. Whisky and Tequilla mixes.
For Trinidad we rolled out an entire Barber studio complete with its own photo solution In partnership with Galabana Studios.
FL: Sponsors and vendors, tell us the process of picking vendors. Also what sponsors would you like to see in CGH, and how difficult was it to secure sponsors?
CGH: We choose sponsors based on their product offerings, and what we thing would be cool. Products are great, but we gravitate to sponsors who are interested in creating an experience. In Jamaica we had 8 independent photo experiences and 3 lounges. In Trinidad we had an awesome 360° Cam by Sun Mix Snacks.
Product support is one thing, but people are here for the Experience, and that’s what hub is about. Anyone can get a makeup artist to come to their room, but GLAM Hub is the ultimate pregaming solution where u come for the pomp and pageantry.
FL: What would you tell those masqueraders who may be skeptical about using CGH?
CGH: Do your research. Check the reviews. We post a lot of them on our page. The best advice we can give them is, book early and come on time.
The biggest complaint people have ever had with us, is not getting favorable times or coming late and losing them time slot and then having to wait on an opening or going with an MUA they didn’t choose.
FL: Lastly, where do masqueraders go to actually book appointments in the countries you offer CGH?
They can choose destination and individual MUAs there as well.