TRANSITIONS MAKEUP & PHOTO

LAUNCHES THE FIRST OF ITS KIND

TRAINING FACILITY

26 Years

of Service.

A New Mission.

You can help us empower Trans and LGBTQ+ creatives with professional training in makeup artistry, portrait photography, image retouching, and sustainable business skills to build independent, affirming practices nationwide.

The Transitions Training Bootcamp

FOUNDER & HISTORY

After 26 years of dedicated community service in Los Angeles, I hope to take what I’ve learned over the decades and turn it into something bigger than my own business:

a place where knowledge is shared, confidence is built, and the next generation is given the tools to succeed.

I’ve spent almost three decades helping people become who they’ve always wanted to be.

Now I want to teach others around the United States how to do the same.

--Gina "Jet" Ortiz: Founder--

26 Years of Showing Up

For An Underserved Community

Since opening our doors in 2000, Transitions Makeup and Photo has provided a safe, affirming sanctuary for trans and gender-expansive individuals to explore their authentic personal image, build confidence, and express their true selves.

Now, we are taking our decades of specialized hands-on experience and scaling our impact into an educational incubator that equips LGBTQ+ artists to lead successful beauty and photography businesses across the country.

From Serving Clients to Creating Opportunity

EXPERIENCE

TRAINING

NEW BUSINESSES

COMMUNITIES SERVED

Drawing on 26 years of specialized technique, trans-affirming client care, and bespoke image consulting.

Comprehensive instruction in professional makeup, studio photography, lighting, and practical business management.

Guiding graduates through business registration, portfolio creation, client acquisition, and financial health.

Expanding trans-affirming beauty and photography services to underserved communities across North America.

+ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION+

Need-Based Sliding-Scale Tuition

Financial barriers should never stand between talented community members and economic empowerment.

PRIORITY FUNDING

EQUAL ACCESS

Trans Women Focused

LGBTQ+ Hardship Aid

Holistic Mentorship

Addressing systemic economic disparities by reserving full and partial scholarship seats directly for trans women applicants.

Open sliding-scale tuition assistance for gender-expansive and LGBTQ+ students who may be experiencing financial instability.

Scholars receive full cosmetic starter kits, studio tool access, and one-on-one professional mentorship throughout their launch.

FULL SUPPORT

Curriculum and Tuition info HERE.

DONATE NOW

GET IN TOUCH

+ CAPITAL CAMPAIGN +

Help Us Build the Space

$15,000

Launch Goal to Secure Training Facility for 90 Days & Initial Buildout

Your contribution directly funds the training

facility lease costs for our first 90 days.

1. DONATE

2. PARTNER

3. REFER

Make a direct financial contribution to fund immediate lease costs for the first 90 days.

Sponsor a full cohort seat, donate supplies, inventory, or equipment, or offer word-of-mouth marketing.

Connect prospective LGBTQ+ celebrity endorsements, potential students, or organizational partners to our program directory.

+WHY THIS CAMPAIGN MATTERS+

ONE DONATION: THREE LEVELS OF IMPACT

Your donation creates a ripple effect—a three-way win.

For 26 years, Transitions Makeup & Photo has served the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles. Now, we want to transform that experience into an opportunity for others.

We are creating a school for transformation: a brick-and-mortar training facility in Los Angeles where aspiring LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs from across the country can come to learn the skills and business practices needed to build their own service businesses.

Then they take what they’ve learned back home—becoming the new “Transformers,” providing affirming, specialized services to LGBTQ+ communities in their own cities and towns.

One training facility. A nationwide network of new entrepreneurs. A growing network of services for LGBTQ+ clients. And a sustainable future for Transitions in Los Angeles.

That’s the three-way win: we help LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs build livelihoods, we expand access to affirming services for LGBTQ+ communities nationwide, and we preserve 26 years of Transitions’ legacy of service.

+COMMUNITY VOICES+

Stories of Transformation

Transitions gave me the technical tools and confidence to step into my artistic authority. Learning in a space built specifically for trans safety changed everything.

Maya R., Alumna & Makeup Artist

A rare sanctuary where artistic excellence and genuine community empowerment exist side by side. The instruction is unmatched in detail and heart.

Elena K., Community Partner

The depth of experience here is extraordinary. They don't just teach technique; they show you how to build a client-first business that lasts.

Jordan T., Graduate

GET INVOLVED

Want to Be Part of What Comes Next?

Whether you wish to enroll as a student, donate equipment, sponsor a scholarship, or partner with our team, we welcome your message.