We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jazmyne Fountain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazmyne, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, I believe it takes a strong sense of adaptability and consistency. The ability to evolve, both personally and professionally, is crucial in today’s ever-changing world. Adapting to new trends, technologies, and societal shifts can make or break the trajectory of your success. I’ve seen many talented individuals who haven’t reached their potential due to a lack of consistency. Personally, I can relate to this challenge. Despite having multiple creative pursuits and running a business, maintaining consistent effort in all areas can be difficult.

One story that illustrates my point is from my early days as a makeup artist. I was juggling multiple gigs, learning new techniques, and trying to build my brand simultaneously. There were/are times I felt overwhelmed, and my consistency faltered. However, I realized that being adaptable—embracing new opportunities and learning from each experience—helped me regain my footing. By focusing on consistency, even in small daily tasks, I started to see steady growth and progress in my career.

In essence, success is not just about talent or hard work; it’s about continuously adapting to new challenges and remaining consistent in your efforts.

Jazmyne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not be familiar with my work, my name is Jazmyne Fountain. I am a multifaceted professional in the beauty and entertainment industries. From a young age, I was definitely fascinated with the power of makeup. However, it wasn’t always my goal to be the “makeup girl.” For a long time, I only did my own makeup, and while I frequently received suggestions to start YouTube videos, I wasn’t interested in that path.

It wasn’t until around 2021 that I started to realize the impact I could make in the makeup industry. After moving back to LA from Chicago, I was asked to be the makeup artist for a couple of amazing projects featuring strong black female casts: “God is a Black Woman” and “Broke But Make it Bougie.” These experiences were incredibly inspiring and pivotal for me. Being part of something larger than myself and contributing significantly to these projects helped me recognize the potential of my makeup skills. This inspiration led to the creation of my brand, Faces of Jaz.

In 2022, I decided to formalize my training and started my Instagram page @facesofjaz. Prior to that, I had been showcasing my Halloween makeup on my main account @jazmyne.fountain, where I also share my music. On a side note, I hold a Bachelor of Music and create music as well. However, I realized that combining my makeup and music content on the same platform was holding back both careers. It wasn’t until I separated them into their respective spaces that I started to see true growth in both areas.

As a makeup artist, I offer a range of services, including makeup for TV, film, music videos, red carpet events, and photoshoots. My expertise extends to special effects makeup, where I create intricate looks for Halloween, themed events, and various productions. Additionally, I provide beauty consultations and makeup lessons, helping clients enhance their skills and confidence in applying makeup.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to seamlessly blend the worlds of glam and special effects makeup. I pride myself on my versatility and adaptability, ensuring that I can meet the unique needs of each client. Whether it’s creating a natural, glowing look for a bridal party or transforming an actor into a fantastical creature, I approach every project with the same level of dedication and attention to detail.

One of the problems I solve for my clients is helping them realize their vision, whether it’s for a special occasion, a photoshoot, or a film production. I understand that makeup is not just about appearance; it’s about storytelling and creating an emotional impact. I work closely with my clients to understand their needs and bring their ideas to life, ensuring they feel confident and satisfied with the results.

I am most proud of the positive impact my work has had on my clients and the recognition I have received within the industry. Being able to contribute to memorable experiences and significant projects is incredibly rewarding. I am also proud of my ability to continually learn and grow, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques to provide the best service possible.

The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand, Faces of Jaz, are:

1. Passion and Commitment: I am deeply passionate about my craft and committed to delivering high-quality work that exceeds expectations.
2. Versatility: My range of skills allows me to cater to diverse needs, from everyday beauty to elaborate special effects.
3. Client-Centered Approach: I prioritize my clients’ visions and work collaboratively to achieve their desired outcomes.
4. Continuous Learning: I am always seeking to improve and innovate, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of the industry.

Ultimately, Faces of Jaz is about more than just makeup; it’s about empowering individuals, breaking stereotypes, and celebrating creativity in all its forms. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and my work. I look forward to the opportunity to bring your vision to life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding your business is one of the most challenging aspects of being a makeup artist, especially when you’re just starting out. When I began my journey, I didn’t have thousands of dollars to invest in a professional makeup kit. It can be daunting and make you question whether you really want to pursue this career. I didn’t fully grasp the financial demands of being a makeup artist at first, especially since you often encounter jobs requiring you to cater to a wide range of skin tones.

When I started, particularly on the projects “God is a Black Woman” and “Broke But Make it Bougie,” I didn’t have a proper kit. I understood the importance of sanitization and hygiene, but my initial kit consisted mostly of drugstore makeup and items from my personal collection. I had to make do with what I had, and this experience taught me valuable lessons.

One crucial piece of advice I’d like to share is that it’s okay to start with affordable makeup. The beauty industry, especially places like Sephora, constantly promotes new, high-end products. However, mastering affordable makeup can set a solid foundation for working with professional-quality products later on. For example, I started with Maybelline foundations, purchasing about five different shades. If you’ve ever worked with high-quality makeup, you know there’s a significant difference between drugstore foundations and the expensive ones you find at Sephora or pro makeup stores.

Initially, I had to learn to be very gentle and precise when working with cheaper foundations, as they don’t always blend smoothly or provide the desired finish on a client’s skin. However, this experience was invaluable. Once I transitioned to higher-quality foundations, I found that the techniques I developed with affordable products made working with professional makeup much easier. The pro or high-quality makeup blends effortlessly and requires less effort to achieve a flawless look.

Another important lesson is that not everything in your kit needs to be “professional-grade.” Many makeup artists, including myself, use drugstore products for certain items. For instance, I still use a Revlon brow product because it lasts longer than some high-end alternatives, despite costing significantly less. It’s about finding what works best for you and your clients, regardless of the price tag.

Starting out with affordable makeup and gradually investing in higher-quality products as you grow your business is a practical approach. It allows you to develop your skills, build a reliable kit, and manage your finances effectively. The journey might be challenging, but with persistence and adaptability, you can successfully fund and grow your makeup artistry business.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a makeup artist is witnessing the joy and confidence that my clients feel after having their makeup done. It’s incredibly fulfilling when someone who rarely wears makeup comes to me for a transformation and leaves elated with their new look. My approach is client-forward, meaning I tailor my services to each individual’s unique needs and preferences.

I don’t necessarily see my clients as “clients” but more as siblings I am helping get ready for their event or their big day. I treat them like family. They can ask me questions, and I am there to help, make them feel comfortable, and show them that makeup is attainable. I want them to know that even though I’m a professional, they can achieve similar looks on their own.

I’ve learned to adapt my techniques to suit various clients, whether they have sparse brow hair like myself or thick, unruly brows. I can create a subtle, natural look or go all out with a full glam transformation. Understanding what each client is comfortable with and catering to their desires is essential. This adaptability and knowledge of current makeup trends ensure that I can meet and exceed their expectations.

One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was working with a non-binary client who was wearing makeup for the first time. Throughout the session, I made sure they felt comfortable with each step and respected their desire not to look too feminine but to elevate their appearance. By the end, they had tears of happiness, not because they felt overly transformed, but because I had honored their identity and made them feel more confident.

Moments like these remind me why I love what I do. The ability to enhance someone’s natural beauty, make them feel seen, and respect their individuality is what makes being a makeup artist so rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facesofjaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facesofjaz?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@facesofjaz?_t=8prTQKjgaVS&_r=1

Image Credits

@remivision
@chollette
@kgillphoto