Hidden Gems: Meet Diana Barnes of GV Beauty by Diana Barnes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Barnes.

Hi Diana , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
With 12+years in the bridal and pageant industry, I’ve built my career from the ground up—starting in 2012 after graduating from West Liberty University with a BA in Business-my mom said “hey while don’t you start doing spray tans?”. Not knowing what was to come next I purchased my first spray tanning machine, tent, and a relentless passion for beauty. My journey began in gyms, salons, basements and even garages, doing whatever it took to gain experience, market my skills, and establish my name. From booking school dances and hometown weddings to working bridal shows and trade events every weekend, I poured my heart into this industry.

In 2016, I discovered my love for pageant tanning with body contouring, and I knew I had found my niche. By 2021, after navigating the challenges of 2020, my family and I relocated from Woodsfield, Ohio, to my husbands hometown of Canton, Ohio, where I opened GV Beauty Studios on Fulton Drive in Jackson, expanding into permanent cosmetics. GV—named after my two daughters—has since grown into a premier beauty destination with studios in Canton, Cincinnati and Columbus.

Fast forward to 2024/2025, I am honored to be the official sponsor for Miss Ohio America & Miss Ohio & Pennsylvania Volunteer. I travel to Miss America to tan delegates from multiple states, assist with hair and makeup in Orlando, and have had the privilege of working with contestants who place in top national and state competitions. My work has contributed to Miss Ohio’s America Teen securing 1st runner-up in 2024 and Miss Ohio America 2025 placing 4th runner-up with the fitness prelim title. Additionally, the 2024 Miss Ohio Teen Volunteer placed in the top 10 at the 2025 nationals.

Beyond pageantry and my first love, I am one of Northeast Ohio’s top makeup artists, specializing in luxury bridal and destination weddings in cities like Chicago, Michigan, DC, and Florida. GV Beauty Studios is proud to be a member of WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association), and our team continues to set the standard in beauty excellence.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many small business owners, doubt was and always is there. 2020 was a moment where I thought, This might be the end. The overhead, the uncertainty—how would we rebuild? On top of that, social media had completely changed how businesses grow. When I started, word-of-mouth and in-person networking were everything- which we still do thrive on! But now, social media is a driving force, and learning how to navigate that shift was a challenge of its own.

We’ve been impressed with GV Beauty by Diana Barnes, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
GV Beauty Studios is more than just a beauty business—it’s a passion-and one driven mom that built this from the ground up. I take pride in seeing our work on national stages, helping our brides feel their best, and providing a welcoming space for beauty professionals and clients alike. Being recognized as a leader in both the bridal and pageant industries is a testament to the dedication and artistry we bring to every service.
GV Beauty Studios is a premier beauty destination specializing in luxury spray tanning, bridal and pageant makeup/hair, fine line tattoos and permanent cosmetics.

With studios in Canton and a branch in Columbus & Cincinnati , Ohio, we have built a reputation for delivering flawless, high-performance beauty services that empower our clients to look and feel their absolute best.

We are best known for our expertise in bridal beauty and pageant tanning. As the official sponsor for Miss Ohio America & Miss Ohio & Pennsylvania Volunteer, our spray tans and makeup artistry have been seen on national stages, helping contestants achieve top placements at both state and national levels. We also travel to Miss America to provide expert tanning and assist with hair and makeup for delegates from multiple states.

In addition to our work in the pageant world, GV Beauty Studios is a leading name in the bridal industry. We specialize in long-wear, camera-ready bridal makeup and spray tanning, ensuring our brides and bridal parties feel confident and radiant on their wedding day. We service Northeast Ohio and destination weddings in locations such as Chicago, Michigan, DC, and Florida.

We are currently hiring and expanding in all traits.

What matters most to you? Why?
GV Beauty Studios isn’t just a beauty business—it’s a labor of love, created from years of hard work, resilience, and a drive to succeed.

We care deeply about:
•Empowering Clients – Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a pageant contestant stepping on stage as these scholarship winnings mean everything, I want every client to feel confident, radiant, and at their absolute best.
•The Relationships Built – This business is about more than just beauty—it’s about connecting with people, sharing in their most important moments, and creating a lasting impact.
•Delivering Excellence – I take pride in the details, ensuring every tan, every makeup look, and every service is done with expertise and care. My work is seen on national stages, in top wedding publications, and in the memories of our clients.
•The Hustle & Growth – From starting with a single spray tanning machine in a basement to now being a leading name in the bridal and pageant industry, your journey shows what’s possible with passion, persistence, and hard work.
•Inspiring Others – I love showing that with dedication and adaptability, small businesses can thrive—even in a changing industry where social media and trends constantly evolve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gvbeautydiana.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: @gvbeauty.diana
• Facebook: @gvbeauty.studios