Meet Juel Bergholm | Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juel Bergholm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juel, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
One of the most pivotal and impactful decisions I’ve made in my life was when I chose to uproot my life and move to the opposite side of the country to pursue my dream of becoming an agency-signed hair and makeup artist. This decision wasn’t just about chasing a professional goal; it was about demonstrating to my children that dreams are worth pursuing, and you have the power to turn them into reality.

By making this bold move, I aimed to instill in my children the belief that they can go after any dream they have. I wanted them to understand that the only person who can truly make their dreams come true is themselves, and similarly, they are the only ones who can stand in their own way. It was a lesson in self-determination and resilience, showing them that fear should never be a barrier to pursuing what you truly want in life.

I vividly recall an instance where a well-known makeup artist suggested during a class i was taking from her, that as a single mom, I should limit my aspirations to bridal makeup instead of pursuing on-set work. I remember being so upset and tearing up. However, instead of letting that discouragement hold me back, it fueled my determination to prove that I could achieve my goals despite any perceived limitations. The experience taught me and, by extension, my children, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

Now, as an agency-signed artist, I’ve had the privilege of working every major awards red carpet, with celebrities, in movies, television, magazines, and New York Fashion Week 2 years in a row —all while being a single mom. This journey is a testament to the idea that one should never let others define what’s possible. I want my children to internalize the lesson that they shouldn’t let anyone dictate the scope of their ambitions.

In essence, my decision to pursue my dream as a hair and makeup artist has not only allowed me to achieve professional success but has also served as a powerful example for my children. It’s a story of determination, breaking barriers, and proving that, regardless of circumstances, one can reach for the stars and make dreams come true. I hope that my journey inspires my children to fearlessly pursue their passions and face challenges head-on, knowing that the only limits that exist are the ones they place on themselves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had as an internationally published Pro Hairstylist, Pro Makeup Artist, and Men’s Groomer. My journey in the beauty industry is marked by a commitment to continuous learning and creativity.

Having earned advanced education and licensing in Hair Design and Pro Makeup, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to top publications like Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, TIME, InStyle, Marie Claire, W, and teenVogue. It’s been a humbling experience to see my work featured in these renowned magazines.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with celebrities and participating in major events such as the Emmys and Oscars, New York Fashion Week and the Grammys. Being part of these prestigious events has allowed me to showcase my passion for creativity and beauty on a grand scale.

One of the highlights of my career was contributing to the Guild award-winning Hair Department for the ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ promo campaign. Additionally, I was honored to be the original hairstylist for the hugely viral video series ‘100 Years of Beauty in 1 Minute’, showcasing the evolution of beauty over the decades.

In my role as a key hair and makeup artist, I strive to bring a unique perspective to visual storytelling. Beyond print, my artistic endeavors have extended to feature films, short films, television series, music videos, documentaries, advertisements, and even book covers.

Being a salon owner for over a decade as well, is a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit, allowing me to contribute to the beauty industry and helping new artists just beginning their journey in a multifaceted way. I am passionate about pushing creative boundaries while remaining grounded in the joy of my craft.

In addition to my journey as a hairstylist, makeup artist, and salon owner, I am proud to carry forward a rich family tradition as a third-generation hairstylist. My grandmother, a true pioneer, had a salon in her basement and passionately styled hair until the day she passed. My mother also embraced the art of hairstyling and ran her own salon for many years. Now, as I celebrate my 29th year in the industry—a fact that’s both surprising and heartwarming—I reflect on the deep love and respect for hairstyling that has been ingrained in my family for generations.

Being part of this legacy is an immense honor, and it reinforces the saying that if you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life. This sentiment holds true for me, and I want to extend a message to anyone considering a career in this industry: find your passion, and you’ll discover that the joy it brings makes every day a labor of love. The beauty industry is not just a job; it’s a lifelong journey filled with creativity, fulfillment, and the opportunity to positively impact others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Absolutely, here’s my dream itinerary for a week-long trip in LA:

Day 1 – Discovering Iconic Landmarks:
I would start their visit with a trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to soak in the history of the entertainment industry. Capture the iconic Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views. In the evening, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Hollywood Boulevard and enjoy dinner & drinks.

Day 2 – Would be all about Artistic Exploration:
We would visit The Getty Center for a dose of art and culture. The stunning architecture and diverse art collections provide inspiration for any artist. Then lunch at the Getty’s restaurant with panoramic views. In the evening, explore the trendy Arts District, known for its street art and creative vibe.

Day 3 – Would be a Beach Day & Beauty Retreat:
We’ll spend a relaxing day at Venice Beach, soaking up the sun and people-watching. Then go explore the Venice Canals for a picturesque stroll. In the evening, unwind with a spa session at a top-notch beauty retreat like The Now.

Day 4 – What’s better than Fashion and Glam:
We would head to Melrose Avenue for a day of shopping at unique boutiques and flagship stores. Then go explore the Melrose Trading Post for vintage finds. In the evening, dine at Catch LA, for the atmosphere and rooftop views.

Day 5 – Time for a Red Carpet Experience:
Time to visit the Hollywood Museum to delve into the history of the entertainment industry. In the afternoon, we would indulge in a beauty and pampering session at a high-end salon or spa like Cristophe Beverly Hills. In the evening, savor a luxurious dinner at Spago, for some upscale Californian cuisine.

Day 6 – What’s better than a Nature Escape:
At this point we would need to escape to the serene beauty of Malibu to hike the Solstice Canyon for its scenic views and the waterfall at the end. Then we’ll relax on Malibu’s beautiful beaches. For dinner, there’s only one choice; Nobu Malibu.

Day 7 – We would finish strong with some Culinary Delights and Sunset Views:
To finish off this perfect week, I would take them to explore the diverse culinary scene at Grand Central Market for breakfast. Then spend the afternoon at The Broad Museum for contemporary art. In the evening we would head to a rooftop bar for some dinner, drinks and gorgeous sunset views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to my partner of 8 years, Kimber London. When we first met on set in Seattle, Kimber, who is a model, shared that they also had the dream of living in LA and being agency signed. Their fearless outlook and unwavering support solidified my confidence. Knowing that I had Kimber by my side for this wild ride not only gave me the assurance of having my person with me but also the understanding that we would support and love each other through all the major changes this adventure would bring. I owe a tremendous amount of my success to Kimber, and I am grateful every day for their encouragement to take the leap and go for it.

In the realm of professional inspiration, I have been profoundly influenced by the legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin. His ability to sculpt a face with makeup has always mesmerized me, and his work continues to be a driving force in my own artistic journey.

When it comes to hair, I had the privilege of training at the Gene Juarez Advanced Training Academy in the ’90s under the guidance of the great French hairstylist Christophe Soltane. His meticulous attention to detail and artistic approach completely transformed the way I perceive hair. Later in my career, I had the honor of working with the legendary hair icon Robert Lobetta. Witnessing how these giants in the field approached hair as if sculpting clay was life-changing and immensely inspiring.

Surrounding myself with artists of this caliber has been the most important thing I’ve done in my career. Learning from them in ways that are impossible elsewhere and seeing my art from a completely new perspective has been a transformative experience. Their influence has shaped not just my skills but also the way I perceive and approach my craft.

Lastly, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my agent, Brandy Flint, at The Taylor Christian Agency. Discovering Brandy through a magazine piece where she expressed a commitment to changing the industry by promoting inclusivity and diversity resonated deeply with me. The fact that her agency is women-owned added an extra layer of significance.

In our interactions, Brandy and I bonded over these shared values, and I felt truly seen and understood. Being part of The Taylor Christian Agency, an organization that aligns with my core values, is an absolute honor. Brandy’s dedication to making positive changes in the industry and the agency’s commitment to inclusivity have made a significant impact on my professional journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing agency.

Website: www.juelhairandmakeup.com

Instagram: @juelhairnmakeup

Other: Agency website: www.taylorchrisagency.com

Image Credits
Elisabeth Caren Fidel Gonzalez Heather Koepp Michael Pool Toby Nguyen