We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jasmine Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jasmine below.

Jasmine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I absolutely love being an artist. While makeup artistry is my career of choice, I’ve always taken an interest in “the arts”. I can sing. (Shhh, don’t tell anyone.) I can also draw. One of my most favorite people, my uncle Tony, is an artist also. He paints, plays various instruments, & writes music. He’s a huge influence when it comes to taping into my creativity. I guess you could say being an artist, or creative is in my blood!

The decision to pursue makeup full time was not an easy one. I’m a mom of 3. I definitely contemplated how this move would impact the livelihood of not just myself, but my family. I got my first job at 15. Like, on my 15th birthday. I’ve never been a stranger to hard work. As a mother, providing for my children has always been a priority, so I worked multiple jobs at one point. When my relationship with makeup transitioned from a hobby to a hustle, I noticed a shift in my career path. With makeup, it never feels like work. I don’t mind waking up early in the morning to prepare for clients. 12hr work days in my studio are a breeze. The desire to learn more & perfect my craft & business, is exciting. I found myself realizing the difference between what I had to do, & what I loved to do. There isn’t anything else I’d rather do, because this is exactly what I’m suppose to be doing. I’m truly walking within my purpose!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, Jasmine Jones, professional makeup artist & “beauty-prenuer” born & based in Birmingham, Al. I’ve been a makeup artist for about 7 years. I got into the industry at the break of “YouTube University” & social media beauty groups. My relationship with makeup started as a self care hobby, and now, it’s my full time job. My brand, JRA•MUA, specializes in everyday beauty, bridal, editorial, film, as well as postmortem makeup artistry. My work has been published in online magazines & media outlets, runways, and featured on a nationally syndicated tv show.

What sets my brand apart from others is personality & top tier customer service.

The core of JRA•MUA, is what I like to call beauty therapy. Sometimes, my clients arrive in their most natural & vulnerable form. It’s more than makeup because my clients get to unwind, relax, & enjoy being pampered. What I’ve found that my clients appreciate most, aside from just getting their makeup done, is that I provide a somewhat therapeutic experience as well. Building rapport with my clients has been a key factor in the success of my business!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, is there are no limits. I get to do what I love without restriction. The beauty of art is that there are so many different avenues. As a makeup artist, I pride myself of the fact that I am multifaceted. I don’t mind pushing the bounds of society’s standard of what beauty is. That’s one of the reasons my portfolio is so diverse & inclusive. I get to channel my creativity with edgy editorial looks, while still keeping it classic & glam with traditional makeup applications. While my ideal clientele isn’t everybody, my brand is a brand that’s FOR everyone. (If you know what I mean lol) Whether it’s the teen girl experimenting with beauty products, or  the working mom who just wants to look good for girls night, or the grandmother celebrating her 70th birthday, or the aspiring model with a dope concept, who needs a MUA to serve face. It’s all there!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Establishing a presence on social media platforms, is a full time job. When I started building my platforms, all we had to do was post the work. Now, there’s an increase in “content” based social media platforms. People are more interested in tutorials, and BTS (behind the scenes), than they are the finished product. My advice would be stay current, but original. The beauty world is typically considered oversaturated, however, we all have over favorites. Why is that? Because it’s something about that brand we love that’s unique. Tap into what makes your brand unique, and WERK IT! Also, be knowledgeable, but teachable. Do your research. Understanding algorithms & analytics are also vital when building a social media presence. Quality content is also important, and will require you to invest in your brand. And if you just can’t get right on your own, hire the help!

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.JRAMUA.COM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_JRAMUA.COM_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRAMUA
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
DeAngelo Rose of The Rose Tours