We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jhené Stoute. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jhené below.
Hi Jhené, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
When I’m gone I want people to remember how kind I was , I know that sounds cliché but I want people to remember how good my heart was. My business runs off of passion and my love for the art and I just want people to see that. I want people to talk about my dedication, being a business owner isn’t easy so I just want to know that it paid off and made a difference even if it was just by pouring into someone for 45 mins.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am 20 years old, and a student and business owner. I’ve officially been an MUA for 3 years now but recently became certified in September. Ever since I was young I’ve been into makeup. When I got my first Ipod at 8 years old it was over with I was watching any makeup tutorial that would come up , like I’ve literally seen every trend from the temporary lip tattoos , to the Kim K contour and highlight method. People like Aaliyah Jay, Patrick Starr and Kiki Adams have greatly influenced me in my craft and still do, I am always down to learn something new. I even have memories of coaxing my younger sister into letting me practice doing makeup on her. After years of doing my own makeup and practicing on friends and family, I was finally convinced to start doing it as a business in 2021 my senior year of high school, and I’ve been doing it ever since. It hasn’t been easy but what I feel sets me apart from the others is how genuine and dedicated I am, I always want to make my clients feel beautiful despite circumstances, I’ve literally done makeup in moving cars, outdoors, and even turned last minute situations into something beautiful, so I just want any potential clients to know that I got their backs.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
It was around the 2 year mark since I started the business and I was discouraged and falling out of love with makeup, at least dong it on others. I kept telling my peers that “I didn’t want to do makeup anymore and that I think I’m just gonna take down my page, I’m not really feeling it anymore.” I didn’t think there was space in the industry for my business, it wasn’t good enough compared to other MUAs . A bit of imposter syndrome I guess you could say. For months I went back and forth with the idea. Then one day something just changed, so many new ideas came into my head at once, but it had been so long since I even posted anything I was scared was even gonna be checking for me anymore, but I was wrong. I started posting again with my new business revamp and new marketing strategies my old followers and new followers started engaging with my content and I’ve gotten so many opportunities since then. This situation really taught me to not doubt myself and compare myself to others. No two journeys are the same.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele is honestly not being afraid to put myself out there. Posting your content and putting yourself in spaces that you wanna be in or with people who are like minded. Discovering threads is one of best things I’ve done. Something as simple as just tagging myself in a comment searching for MUAs has gotten me some opportunities. Maintaining and building a good relationship with your clients helps get you new clients as well as returning ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uniquebeatz.square.site/
- Instagram: _uniquebeatz
- Other: Threads: _uniquebeatz
Tiktok: _uniquebeatz
Image Credits
Michamba Stewart