The Entrepreneur Series: Jennifer J. Artistry Makeup Artist

I’ve always known I was going to be an entrepreneur. When I was younger, I never wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer. I always pictured my adult life owning my business. When I was hired at my first job, I was excited to know that I was earning money, but I never accepted myself as working for someone else. Even while I was working, I made ways to earn extra money on my own.

How did you get started with doing makeup?

I was never into makeup. During my teenage years, I was a tomboy. The trends of the ’90s (the baggy clothes, sneakers, and oversized coats) identified my personal style. However, I was always into eyebrows. Growing up, I was an artist, and my mom bought me sketchbooks where I would draw eyes with amazing eyebrows. Fast forward to my mid-twenties, I became obsessed with my one friend’s eyebrows, and she gave me the products she used to fill in her eyebrows. I practiced mastering my eyebrows until they were perfect, and I slowly started playing around with more makeup. I used to experiment with different looks, and eventually, women were asking me if I was a makeup artist. I always denied that answer until I ultimately was flooded with requests to do makeup on friends and family. I figured it was my calling because it allowed me to express myself creatively, and I was naturally good at it.

What exactly does a MUA do?

MUA equals Makeup Artist. We are responsible for a plethora of duties. Our main goal is to ensure that we enhance our client’s beauty through the art of makeup. To me, creating a natural, yet timeless look with healthy skin is my signature style of artistry. As your makeup artist, I identify myself as your “best friend behind the brush.” Most of my clients are experiencing anxiety because they usually are about to attend a special event or preparing for a photo shoot. My goal is to allow you to feel as comfortable as possible as I apply your makeup.

Is it a lucrative business?

Absolutely! The beauty industry alone is a multi-billion dollar business. No matter what financial situation we are in, women will always need beauty services; rather, it is hair, nails, and makeup.

Is it tough to get started in the industry?

As long as you stay CONSISTENT with your work and continue to improve your artistry, you will be in the industry. Depending on which field you enter (TV/Film, editorial, bridal, special occasion), it is vital to network and spread the word of your business. Living in Atlanta, the makeup industry is hugely oversaturated. It is your responsibility to continue to create an artistry that will allow you to set yourself apart from the competition.

How do you go about getting clients?

Partnering up with photographers is an excellent way to gain clients. Also, continue to promote your work on social media. I am always finding ways on how to promote my business, and I keep my business cards on me at all times. I have amazing friends, and they are always helping me promote my business. I am truly thankful for that.

You recently started doing photography. How is that going?

Photography was a hidden talent! I always enjoyed taking pictures, but I never thought of turning it into a business. So far, it is going just how I want it – slow. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my craft, and I don’t want to jump completely out there with the lack of knowledge on how to successfully run my photography business. It is entirely different from makeup.

What made you get started?

My friends pushed me! Also, after the recent passing of my grandfather, he was into photography. I took it under my wing to continue his legacy. Just like how I started doing makeup, my friends were asking me to take their pictures for their business. I remember taking photography classes back in college, but I did not understand the technical side of photography. I am strictly a visual person, and what I see is art through my eyes, and I learned how to convey that into images taken from my camera. Afterwhile, I decided to take a couple of workshops, then everything just clicked.

How do you balance a full-time job, being a makeup artist and a photographer?

It’s hard – periodt! Time management is critical in balancing my triple life. Since my full-time job takes up most of my time, I have to strategize and plan my schedule months in advance. However, it is hard. There are days where I am completely burnt out. I had to learn not to be so hard on myself and take things one step at a time. This life is hard, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Any advice for someone wanting to get started?

Just do it. Have faith, and continue to work hard and believe in yourself. It is a lot of work, but it will definitely pay off in the end.

Website: www.jenniferjartistry.com 

Instagram: @jenniferjartistry and @coffeeplusshots