Behind the Scenes With...
Galit Strugano
by kelly lee

The Vitals

Occupation: Owner/creator, girlactik beauty

Birthdate/Sign: October 26, 1975/Scorpio

Born: Los Angeles, California

Current Digs: The Valley


The 411: Galit Strugano was born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, California -- the same place she's found success. Working as a makeup artist in Hollywood, she created her own line of glitter makeup, which has been seen on the faces of celebrities like Julia Roberts, Britney Spears, Eve, Hilary Duff and many more. Her products have been featured in Teen People, Glamour, Seventeen, CosmoGirl!, Elle, W and more. Check out her LA story below.

About the Biz

How did you start doing what you're doing?

I've always wanted to be a T.V. correspondent for entertainment and was thinking about how to make connections in the industry, so I got into makeup to meet people behind the scenes and to get discovered. Doing makeup at a fashion show when glitter was at its peak -- [glitter] got all over the place, so after watching all the stars wearing sparkles down the red carpet, two months later I decided to create a base for glitter and also [create] fine, fine sparkles, creating a polished sophisticated sparkle eye liner that looked pretty on and not overdone.

How do you go about creating your products?

When it comes to creating my line I just do what I like to my eye. I've always been creative but I never knew how much I was. When I create makeup I go to the lab and start with basics. I look at an eyeshdow color for example and say okay I want it to feel silky, have a lot of pigment and be a little more of an icey pink and go from there. Powders, gels, glosses I pretty much say what I want and it's created for me to look at and give my feedback if needed to get it to what I want.

What inspires you when you're designing and creating?

I don't really look at other lines when I'm creating. I just create what I want and what my makeup junkie fans would like to enhance their beauty even more.

Did you study your craft in school or are you self-taught?

I did not study makeup or business. I mean I did take a makeup class but that was something fun for me to do. I think when it all comes down to it in business, it's all logic. You will make wrong mistakes but those mistakes will just make you stronger. I started with $1,800 and I've had my share of mistakes, but I've picked up the broken pieces and now girlactik beauty is re-launching and will be a spectacular line!

What's the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging job of my business is a really hard question cause I'm so passionate in what I do that I believe in it that I don't find it to be challenging. I guess getting into the stores I want can be challenging cause they can make you or break you if it's a store you really want.

The most rewarding?

The most rewarding is when I put my signature liner on someone and when they look in the mirror and they are like, "Wow, that is so pretty!" When it's older women it's a huge compliment cause they always say, "I'm to old for that" and they're not. It's all in your personality and who you are. When people say I inspire them it's kinda nice that I can be a positive impact on them. It also feels good when I see girlactik beauty on the pages of the biggest magazines.

When's your busiest season?

I would say the holidays and summer but it does good all year around.

How many people work for your company?

In my comapany, there's me, my mom, my brother, and two other people.

Advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs?

Be confident and passionate and you will make it when it's your time. It does not come on a silver platter. Always remember there is room for everyone to succeed -- you just need to want it!!!!

If you could have any celebrity wear your products, who would it be and why?

I'm so fortunate that many celebrities already wear girlactik beauty that I couldn't ask for more. girlactik beauty will get around and many more celebs will know about the HOT line of girlactik!

Where would you like to be in 10 years?

Ten years from now I would like girlactik to be a well-known brand. It's a hard question to answer but right now I just want to continue being successful and continue inspiring people.

Where can we find your products?

girlactik is sold at www.girlactik.com and can be found in stores around the U.S. You can see a list of stores on the website.

Because We're Nosy...

Favorite designer?

There are too many designers to have a favorite but I like smaller designers sold in boutiques.

Favorite mag?

Oh my gosh...I would say US Weekly.

Favorite restaurant?

This small pizzeria called Pizza Cookery or the Cheesecake Factory.

Describe your personal style.

My personal style is exotic, yet sexy and conservative with a trend. I also love wearing Seven jeans with a tank and a trucker hat.

Favorite city?

Manhattan

Favorite word?

The most popular word I use is "really."

Favorite candy?

Balance Bar in chocolate peanut butter.

Favorite shop?

There are too many. I shop everywhere.

Favorite website?

Favorite website is mine :)

In the spirit of Inside the Actors Studio, your favorite curse word?

The four letter word f---.

What are you craving right now?

Ice cream.

What's on your To-Do List?

I need to do my shade labels, find a photographer for my photo shoot and design my catalogue.

In your CD player?

Cold Play, Christina and Beyonce.

Current Crush?

I'll keep that a secret -- he has a girlfriend anyways.

AM or PM?

I'm a PM person although I love to hear the birds chirping in the morning.

Fave Color?

Powder pink.

Fave flick?

A Walk to Remember.

Favorite artist?

Favorite artist is Britney, I always want to see what she's going to do next. I think Beyonce is a beautiful, incredible talented artist.

More importantly, Ben or Jen?

I love Ben all the way!!!!

Friendster – yay or nay?

I forgot my password for Friendster and I'm bummed, I heard it's the hot thing now to be on that and I'm too lazy to figure my password out.

If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?

I would love to be in London.

Anything else we should know?

I'm 27 years young at heart and a true girl like all of you.

Please turn the tables and ask us a question!

I don't have a question for you as I'm going to just go play with makeup now!